Features
HARVEY ELLIOTT IS A NEW WAVE BALLER IN NEW BALANCE
It’s no understatement to say that playing for Liverpool – especially Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool – is a dream millions of football fans hope to experience in their lifetime.
At just 19, Harvey Elliott is living that dream.
A childhood Red, the teenager has now made 58 appearances for his boyhood club at the time of writing, with the last coming in his impressive performance against Manchester United which saw Klopp’s side hand United their worst defeat in the club’s history with Elliott a key component in that.
Despite the demands on his shoulders for someone so young, the Chertsey-born baller isn’t phased by outside pressure. “I don’t actually think about it, to be honest,” says Elliott, who is sitting with his arms laid across both directions of the navy living room sofa in the local Airbnb we’re meeting in; further proving the point of his relaxed demeanour.
“You’re so in the moment, trying to give it your all and work as hard as you can, you don’t really have the time to think of these things, but when you reflect and you actually think and take things into consideration, it’s a crazy life at such a young age,” Elliott admits. “I’m enjoying every bit of it and loving every moment.”
Harvey Elliott wears a New Balance NB Essentials Coaches Jacket. Photography by Kieran Clarke.
Since the win over United, many in the media – including Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra – have discussed the pressure of playing at Anfield as an opposition player. The general consensus from those discussions is that any display of weakness will be punished by not just the Liverpool players, but the Anfield faithful too. This being something Elliott agrees with.
“I think you just need to be there to understand it,” he says on the atmosphere at Anfield, which has helped deliver numerous unforgettable nights during Klopp’s tenure alone.
“You have to see it for yourself. It’s one of a kind, to say the least. Everyone knows that Liverpool fans are the best in the world so the atmosphere is always going to be a madness from the get-go and that’s definitely what I’ve experienced.”
Whilst his talent with a ball at his feet is undeniable, Elliott is also part of a new wave of ballers showing a different side to themselves through their interest in fashion. Though the rise of football x fashion continues to reach new heights and gauge huge interest from young football fans online, it also comes with its doubters who still believe athletes should focus on one thing and one thing only: football.
Harvey Elliott wears New Balance 2002R Protection Pack Pink sneakers. Photography by Kieran Clarke.
“People assume we’re like robots, you know? We just play football and that’s it,” the Liverpool midfielder says on the criticism placed on himself and his peers. “Some people may not like it, some people may think it’s wrong but at the end of the day, everyone is human.”
“If someone else was doing it, no one would say a thing but when it’s a footballer, they say we’re not focused enough or we’re focusing on something else. It’s our life and we just want to express ourselves and enjoy it.”
This belief being a huge factor towards Elliott’s decision to join New Balance in 2021 as an 18-year-old. The Boston-born brand has been making waves since its entrance into the football scene in recent years, using its ever-growing roster of talents including Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Sadio Mané (Bayern Munich), Timothy Weah (Lille) and Elliott himself to hit Gen-Z audiences. Not only that, the brand has encouraged the self-expression of players both on and off the pitch at a time when others have kept their dealings with players strictly to performance-related activations.
Whilst competitor brands have found themselves getting overly comfortable in recent years, Elliott believes it has only played to the advantage of New Balance in forming a new approach to marketing football’s superstars of today. “I feel like New Balance is different to other brands right now,” he tells me whilst rocking an all-black tracksuit graced with the NB logo.
Harvey Elliott wears and holds New Balance 550 trainers. Photography by Shane Bain.
“It’s got a story behind it and there’s a philosophy with the brand. I think they’re going down a path that some of the other brands can’t compete with, hence why people are steering towards the New Balance wave. Some of the brands that were popular before are losing ideas whereas New Balance stay coming up with fresh ideas.”
On his experience since becoming a part of the New Balance family, Elliott is just as complimentary: “It’s been amazing. From the beginning, New Balance as a brand have been unbelievable to me. They’ve helped me in so many situations and allowed me to experience so many opportunities which is something I’ll be forever thankful for. It’s exciting to be a part of the family and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Like many players before him – including fellow New Balance athlete Weah – Elliott shares the belief that self-expression off the pitch only enhances performance on the pitch as an athlete, a point that many critics are happy to blindly ignore. “I go by if you feel good, you play good, which is something I always take into consideration,” he tells me.
“For me, with fashion, it’s about enjoying it. You work hard and at the end of the day, you need to treat yourself. I don’t mind putting a few outfits on here and there but sometimes, I won’t do too much. I’ll post something and then delete it a few months later but if it’s a going out day, for food or something like that, I don’t miss the opportunity [to drip].”
A new wave baller in New Balance. Photography by Shane Bain.
From hairstyles dating back to his Fulham days to big fits as a Premier League regular, Elliott’s preference to stand out from those around him has always been clear. Whilst many admit their fashion inspiration comes from external sources, Elliott’s self-confidence allows him to find inspiration from within in his mission to be unique on the fashion front.
“I think my inspiration comes from myself, to be honest,” the 19-year-old reveals. “It’s the same with the way I play, I want to be different to other people, I want to express myself by doing different things and wearing different things.”
“I feel like more and more people are getting into expressing themselves differently and putting on other things. If you look at the NBA for example, there are so many crazy ideas and outfits out there, so I think the NBA is a big influence on the world in terms of fashion because they’re on the world stage.”
“It’s different in football, we wear the club tracksuits and we’re not allowed to wear our own clothes yet but it’s just about being different and expressing myself.”
Harvey Elliott in Liverpool. Photography by Shane Bain.
Whilst the NBA still reigns supreme on the topic of stylish athletes, football is slowly but surely beginning to make a case for itself as a sport in the best-dressed department. From Moise Kean to Jules Koundé, the game now holds unique personalities off the pitch that resemble the characters seen in U.S. culture dating back to the days of Allen Iverson, whose persistence on being himself led to the NBA introducing a dress code in 2005.
“There’s a few ballers who really think about it and fair play to them because some of them look good,” Elliott says on the rise of fashion interest amongst players. “I think Joe Willock is a really good influence. One key one was Héctor Bellerín and I feel that still now,” Elliott says on the Sporting defender, who is widely regarded as a pioneer of the football x fashion niche.
“He’s still smashing it too. I think it all depends on what you like. Someone might wear something and one group may not like it but another do, so it just depends on what you like. There’s definitely a few ballers that stand out.”
Like their love for fashion, music is also becoming a growing interest amongst ballers with the likes of Memphis Depay, Rafael Leão and Alphonso Davies now dropping their own tracks showcasing their lyrical ability to fans. For Elliott, he’s happy to stick to just listening to music for now. “I can jump on the aux yeah, absolutely! The microphone? Not so much,” he laughs.
Harvey Elliott wears a New Balance NB AT Spinnex Vest. Photography by Shane Bain.
I respond by asking him for one fellow baller he wouldn’t let on the aux. Elliott grins as the answer enters his mind. “This is a tough question because I don’t want to ruin any friendships, to be honest,” he laughs. “I feel like I just need to say this though because I feel like a few people are thinking it,” he says grinning once more.
“On the way to games, Adrián has the speaker on the bus and he has these mad remixes which ruin the actual song,” Elliott says on the Liverpool shot-stopper. “Fair play to him because he keeps giving it a go each and every game. No matter what anyone says, he always plays it so you have to give him credit but he’s definitely the easiest one to say.”
Whilst Adrián’s remixes aren’t likely to find themselves at the top of Elliott’s Spotify wrapped this year, like many ballers and people his age, Travis Scott and Lil Baby are. “My music taste is weird, I can go from liking certain artists to then not liking them and it goes on. I can name one artist this month and in a few months time, I’ll say another,” Elliott admits.
“I think my favourite right now is Travis Scott. He’s someone that I’ve listened to from early and I can never get enough of him, so I’d say Travis. I’ve liked Playboi Carti for a good couple of years now and he’s another I’ll definitely keep listening to.”
The youngest are in charge. Photography by Shane Bain.
“My most played album? My Turn by Lil Baby. I think when that first came out, I was in my Lil Baby era, so I was just constantly playing his songs and you know when it comes up with your stats on Spotify, My Turn was my most listened by far.”
Though Elliott is regularly reminded of his status for someone so young, including numerous times in our conversation, he strays far from the characteristics a 19-year-old playing for one of the biggest clubs in world football could and possibly should.
He speaks beyond his years in each response with a maturity that many older than him are still yet to find and upon his entrance, his intent on greeting everyone individually with a handshake and smile followed with a ‘how are you?’ is a small but meaningful touch from one of the biggest rising stars in the game.
Whilst some say there’s a fine line between self-confidence and arrogance, Elliott seems to disprove such a theory. His confidence within and faith in his journey so far has enabled him to be himself around people, without any need to portray something bigger and better. That self-confidence is something he puts his success down to.
“For me personally, self-confidence and self-belief are key,” Elliott says on what advice he’d give to others.
“If you don’t have belief in yourself then you won’t be able to feel like you can achieve anything. That’s something I take a long way. Sometimes it’s hard with different situations in life and when you’re not always feeling 100%, but maintaining that self-belief can take you a long way and help you keep striving towards your goals.”
In partnership with: New Balance Football
Photography by: Shane Bain and Kieran Clarke
Styled by: Harvey Elliott himself
Without a doubt, it was an eventful off-season for football. Our favorite ballers have gone from movie-level holiday scenes, all the way into the recent round of international friendlies stateside and beyond. A hectic way to introduce this weekend’s all-new league title race, to say the least, but we’re here for it.
From the Bundesliga to La Liga, the Premier League & Serie A, the top style prospects – some new like the youngbloods on Chelsea’s roster, some veterans – have used this downtime wisely & carried the fashion game on their backs, using any opportunity to showcase their individual styles and character through clothing.
We’ve seen an impressive variety of fits and dress codes, with players cooling off – and loading up – as far as hillside & courtside L.A. to NYC, beachside in Mexico, yacht settings in French Riviera spots, Mykonos & Ibiza, to kicking ball in Asia. There’s no telling how many beige private jet interiors and clearport content we’ve seen from this season…and we’re not mad at it.
Take AC Milan star forward Rafael Leão for example. Just like his on-pitch play – the smooth stepovers, risktaking strikes – he’s recently come into his own style-wise too, developing much more confidence in his creative flair and how he pulls his fits together. He’s already been coming different with the flat caps, jorts and penny loafers. Tuff.
In anticipation of the new pre-game looks this season, we peeped the braziest fits of the past few months to bring you a round-up of the current fashion trends that are here to stay. Fellow ballers, stylists, personal shoppers, boys and girls of the FF community – take notes (or screenshots).
LV To Kenzo: Luxury Brands Still Have Motion
Clearly, Louis Vuitton’s streetwear-luxury reign has been extended with Pharrell’s takeover. More than ever, the brand has a growing pull that keeps players loyal to their designs – even without sponsorship deals. The likes of Jude and Jobe Bellingham, Sancho & Marcus Thuram pulled up kitted out in LV to Skateboy P’s opening SS24 Paris Fashion Week show and did numbers on the ‘Gram and TikTok.
Just like Pharrell, O.G designer and BAPE founder Nigo has brought new eyes to legendary brand Kenzo. The vibrant blend of preppy Parisian vibes with real Japanese formalwear is slowly picking up momentum & motion and saw shots & footage of Leroy Sané and girlfriend Candice Brook in full Kenzo drip at June’s show went viral across socials. It’s no wonder why given the traditional Japanese wrap shirt and wide-leg pleated pants the Bayern Munich winger rocked brought a whole new level of drip to the table, It’s time to see more players taking a chance on Kenzo’s graphic tees, kimono wrap-style blazer jackets and their cold denim pieces going forward.
Now take this in… Jules Koundé’s appearance at both Kenzo & Louis Vuitton’s shows alone made him the third most influential athlete – behind Lebron James and Lewis Hamilton – stacking up almost $1 million in media value* for brands just from online engagement, per lefty.io. Footballers as a whole made up 14% of Fashion Week’s media value. Stats that prove ballers aren’t ditching pieces from the world’s biggest brands just yet.
This season, we’re hoping to see for ballers rock the new camo, “Minecraft style” Damier LV print pieces introduced by Pharrell. Don’t be surprised to see the new “buttery” leather monogram speedy bags and the latest selection of solid leather jackets either, which have already been seen on Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram.
The LV x Kid Super Autumn / Winter ‘24 collection is one to watch too, most notably the easily identifiable patchwork-face outerwear, donned by Chelsea’s Diego Moreira and renowned baller fashion-head Jesse Lingard.
Classy And Elegant Flex
Over the summer, we’ve seen luxurious vacation views and even more luxurious drip from the game’s biggest players. There’s been a clear shift, where ballers are wearing much more formal, understated, and classic fits. Take the classic tailored pants, the linen shirts and even the suede Loro Piana summer walks rocked by Juventus’ Moise Kean for example.
They’ve all been keeping to the unspoken yet strict color scheme too: cool beiges and browns, calm blues and crisp whites. The unshakeable Ousmane Dembélé – now at PSG – and Atlético Madrid’s Memphis Depay are just two ballers doing just that.
This classy theme is heavily inspired by the sweet, city life of fashion hotspots like Milan, Monaco, London and Paris. A life that calls for quality and coolness in all areas. Don’t get it twisted though – there’s no age limit on this trend. Young players like Liverpool’s Stefan Bajčetić have stepped up and made this their own. Check his ‘Gram for proof. At only 18, he’s yet to miss with once in the fashion regard. Designer Martine Rose also had the USWNT looking dapper & chic in their custom pre-game suits at the Women’s World Cup.
The cooler months will call for high thread count cashmere sweaters, flawless blazers, bespoke shirts and trousers with premium leather kicks. Look no further than brands like Prada, Loewe, Ami and JW Anderson for inspiration via their latest collections. Loewe’s introduction of high-waisted, straight and ever-so-slightly flared pants are 10/10. Affordable options in Cos and Massimo Dutti could also do the trick too.
This is definitely the vibe we’re looking for this season. Plus, with players like Jude Bellingham getting the call-up at Real Madrid and Timothy Weah linking up with the impeccably dressed Juventus guys, it’s no time before they see the vision & catch the Mediterranean wave.
Right (And Left) Wrist Van Cleef
Drake was spot on when he sealed this trend into current culture with the above lyrics from “BackOutsideBoyz”. The luxury jewelry brand – Van Cleef & Arpels – famed for their neat and lightweight four-leaf clover style “Alhambra” bracelets – have got players like Jadon Sancho spinning the block back to the store and doubling up the amount they wear on one wrist.
The brand has really caught on due to its “lucky charm” look, which means each link gives off a personal feel to its owner. Now this may not be everyone’s vibe (nor everyone’s price bracket) and that’s cool. More than anything this season we’re looking out for similar jewelry that has a sentimental feel to it. Chains and bracelets that are delicate in weight, but valuable in their meaning fit this criteria. This new trend of jewelry with sentimental value also explains why stars like Drizzy recently grabbed Tupac’s ring (before Karim Benzema got a chance) and Pharrell’s chains at auction. Expensive or cheap – we’re ready for ballers to follow suit.
Heavy On The Denim
If you haven’t been under a rock these past few months, you’ll agree that the jorts – or jeans shorts – trend has been going crazy amongst players. From LV print carpenter shorts to knee length and baggier three-quarter styles, the variety made it an easy summer staple for the likes of Leão and style heavyweight Trevoh Chalobah.
Looking ahead to the 23/24 season, it’s time to turn the denim trend up a notch. After all, jorts can’t be the move in the upcoming colder weather. Brands like Givenchy, Gucci, Loewe, Diesel, Y-Project and JW Anderson are dropping so many denim options back to back that we’re now spoilt for choice. But these aren’t the overly ripped, super bleached or distressed types we’ve been used to.
These are jeans in their purest form, with a heavy-weight look to them: a sign of quality. Whether that be 90s-looking light blues, mildly stonewashed grays or darker-dyed options, good denim is a vibe right now. Jeans that look sturdy & hefty, straight fit and slightly wide (but not ridiculous). We’ve had promising glimpses of this already, but we’re definitely praying to see more across the league. Less of the overdone & typical flashy jeans, more of the traditional, tastefully finished stuff. Alright, the Denim Tears and Chrome Hearts jeans can stay too…
Tales From The Far East
South Asia has recently provided top-notch hospitality within football over the summer. Hosting the Barcelona boys in Tokyo and welcoming Manchester City in South Korea on their pre-season tours. But it’s Asia’s contribution to fashion that ballers and fashion fanatics should be most grateful for.
We know the Japanese don’t play when it comes to quality design and individualistic 1-of-1 drip that’s made to last a lifetime. Their creation & use of materials is globally respected, as their dyeing & “boro boro” reuse/upcycling process is one that’s been perfected for generations. For those looking to bring different vibes and have a fashion advantage, we recommend locking in & seeking out the rising fashion brands & trends coming out of Asia this season. You’re bound to find unseen archive pieces, crazy silhouettes (again, like Kenzo) and second-to-none textiles & detailing. This is the boundless creativity and freedom football has been needing; Asian fashion and excellent craftsmanship overseas will play a big part.
Brands like Thug Club out of South Korea – already supported by the likes of ASAP Rocky, SZA and Central Cee – are bringing new interpretations of streetwear with fire designs. Their double denim sets are embroidered with their futuristic-looking star & moon “TC” logo are too hard to pass up. And the caps, tees and hoodies? A must-cop!
Standout designers like Seoul-based Andersson Bell & LVMH prize nominee Juntae Kim are ones we hope to see featured amongst Barca’s tunnel fits & rocked well at the Netherlands’ national team camp. Bell knows ball, since recently the brand hosted Trevoh Chalobah front row at their Milan SS24 show. The new collection features crazy style linkups like doubled-up hoodies & leather pants patched with cargo pockets. The latter brand Juntae goes equally as hard with cropped bomber jackets and immaculately creased denim that give a two-tone effect. Phenomenal.
Of course, long-standing luxury Asian brands like WooyoungMi & Japanese brand Sacai – most known over here for the Nike Vaporwaffle – could do with some more love in the league. Sacai’s on a different level since their recent collaborations with Carhartt, which is all about upgraded workwear and fits inspired by the great outdoors. Their multi-functional dungarees and pocketed puffers, bombers, long length parka jackets with asymmetric openings would be a perfect fit for a style maverick like Michy Batshuayi.
This one ain’t just a trend, it’s a movement. Get tapping into the endless brands coming out of Asia!
Belt Buckle-Mania
The bigger the buckle, the better! Musicians like Travis Scott & Kendrick Lamar have been rocking custom belts the size of WWE titles and we’re feeling it. Seeing the strong connection between sport and music, it won’t be long before we see ballers tighten up and catch onto the bucklemania effect. You won’t have trouble finding your own, since Gucci has brought back the legendary double G buckle and Loewe have released belts big enough for Wild West cowboys.
Let us know which trends you’re looking out for ahead of another wavey year in the football x fashion space.
“I didn’t see the dream of being a professional when I was growing up so I think we, as female players, have a responsibility to show young girls that this can be a career and playing football is something they’re allowed to do,” Rosella Ayane says on behalf of the countless female athletes with similar stories.
From her serene, humble yet confident and present state – almost matching this warmly sun-lit London apartment we’ve met her in – you’d forget that the 27-year-old will soon face the highest peak of any footballers career: representing her nation on the world stage.
Though Reading-born to a Scottish mother, Rosella’s bold decision in 2021 to reconnect with her heritage and represent her father’s home country Morocco has been respected and backed within the game. The African nation is only separated from Europe by the strait of Gibraltar between the Mediterranean Sea & Atlantic Ocean, but a weighty decision like that isn’t made overnight. However, such a decision is more than paying off for Ayane whose AFCON semi-final spot-kick against reigning champions Nigeria sent Morocco through to not just the tournament final but to this summer’s World Cup, making them the first Arab nation in women’s football to qualify.
“It was a crazy moment. I should probably read a dictionary because I need to find new words for it. The atmosphere out at AFCON was incredible. I was in Marrakesh a couple of weeks ago, I hadn’t been there since that moment and the reception I got was surreal,” Ayane says, eyes beaming whilst reliving the experience.
Photography by Shane Bain. In partnership with size?
“It just shows the stamp that we’ve put on women’s football. Obviously, the men did so well at the World Cup too and I think that shows that Morocco as a footballing nation respects both the men’s and women’s teams. That’s very evident and is still evident now from the hype we’ve got going into the World Cup this summer.”
“It took me a while to digest and realise what we’ve done,” Ayane says on the World Cup qualification that was seemingly against all odds. “I didn’t actually realise how much history we’d made until my family listed all the achievements to me. To be the first Arab country to qualify and to do it for the first time in Morocco’s history, it definitely took a while to sink in. I don’t know how much will feel real when we walk out against Germany in the first game.”
Whilst the success of this Atlas Lions team and the name of each player being firmly placed in the history books could be enough for Ayane, she remains far from the end goal of inspiring a generation of young girls across not just Morocco, but the world.
“There shouldn’t be judgment on young girls playing football and I think we as players of the women’s national team need to pave the way for girls to be footballers or whatever they want to be in life.”
Photography by Shane Bain. In partnership with size?
“Then, with more investment, the support from brands like size? and the more the game is in the public eye, you’re only going to see it expand and young people will see us on the TV and in magazines like I never got to see. They’ll be able to grow up and say ‘I want to be like her’.”
Of course, it’d be wrong to talk about this summer’s World Cup without asking a star involved in her tournament predictions, something Ayane is more than happy to get stuck into. “Well, Morocco are going to be in the final of course, so that’s a silly question!” she says with a smirk that quickly turns into laughter.
“If, and it’s a big if, for some bizarre reason we aren’t in the final, you can’t take the United States lightly. The other team is really hard to choose. It really depends on who turns up during the tournament. You’ve got Germany, you’ve got France who will be a force and then Australia of course, who will do well since it’s a home tournament.”
“I’m going to say an unpredictable one and pick Australia. They’ve got a whole country behind them. People don’t realise it but that is like having two extra players, not just twelve players but thirteen! Having a home crowd and that buzz, full stadiums and everyone behind them will pay off. So my final prediction is Australia vs. the United States with the US coming out on top, but this is obviously only if Morocco gets knocked out for some bizarre reason,” Ayane smirks once more.
Photography by Shane Bain. In partnership with size?
With the interest in women’s football growing with each passing day, players such as Ayane are now gaining social media audiences bigger than their male counterparts, with Ayane’s 217,000 Instagram followers surpassing many male Premier League stars. With that comes not just fame, but influence and responsibility, something the Moroccan doesn’t take lightly.
“Speak to any female footballer and they realise the depth and magnitude of being an inspiration,” Ayane says. “It’s something we’re very proud of. We want to help inspire the next generation and every player will sit here and say that. The bigger the game gets, the bigger we become as role models and that’s something I found out after AFCON last year. It’s something I’m very prideful of and I’m very happy to try to be the best role model I can be.”
That level of responsibility both online and offline is something previous generations of players have not been accustomed to given the lack of coverage in the game failed to allow major growth for athletes’ personal brands. For Ayane, the lack of coverage in her childhood prevented her from seeing football as a viable career option.
“If I’m honest, the coverage was non-existent when I was growing up,” Ayane admits. “I didn’t see the women’s game on TV, I didn’t see it as a profession and I didn’t see it as something I could make a living from. It was just something I fell into because I loved it and year by year, I slowly found myself becoming a professional footballer. It was just step-by-step.”
Photography by Shane Bain. In partnership with size?
“One of my teammates, Becky Spencer, actually put a clip up of her playing in the FA Cup final for Birmingham donkeys years ago,” Ayane recalls.
“I remember saying to her, ‘I watched that game mate’ and I was only about 12. That’s probably the only women’s game I ever remember watching on TV. That needs to change and it is slowly changing thanks to platforms such as size? being serious about pushing our game.”
With more interest comes more investment which has no doubt increased the quality of the Women’s Super League, most notable by last season’s incredible to-the-end title race between Manchester United and Chelsea, with the Blues snatching another title late on. Ayane, who also found herself coming out on top of a battle towards the bottom of the table, believes such a level of competition is vital for the growth of the game.
“One of the reasons the Premier League in men’s football is so highly respected and watched globally is because you never know who is going to win week in, week out,” she says. “I think it’s starting to get to that point in women’s football. As you just said, with the title race, you didn’t know who was going to win until toward the end. I think it was the same with the bottom of the table too.”
“You didn’t know who was going to get relegated until the last game of the season. That in itself speaks volumes for where women’s football is going and it’s a credit to everyone who is involved. With that level of competition, the quality and viewership will only get higher.”
Photography by Shane Bain. In partnership with size?
Whilst football is Ayane’s one true love, fashion is also a close contender. The rise of the football and fashion crossover no longer requires any explanation. At this point, being unaware of it would raise serious questions over where one has been for the past two years. Players from all around the game, from England to Italy and male players to female, are actively showing their fits off the pitch these days and Ayane is no different.
“I just think, with fashion, it’s my way to express myself away from football,” she begins. “From your clothes to the way you dress and style yourself, it can say a lot about how you’re feeling and your personality. I think when footballers get put in this box of just being footballers, fashion, music and all things culture-related are outlets to express yourself and prove that label wrong. Self-expression is one thing a lot of players, including myself, love doing through their clothes.”
“My outfits depend on where I’m going. One thing I will say about my fashion is it’s versatile. I haven’t just got one look or one thing I like to base my fits on. I love to glam up but I also love to glam down. When I open my wardrobe, it depends on the event and I like to fit in with the atmosphere or the vibe but describing my style isn’t black and white.”
At Tottenham, Ayane is not alone in her passion for fashion…
“Fashion is big in the dressing room, definitely. A lot of the girls come in wearing outfits if they’re going somewhere after training, so we’ve got some fashionistas at the club. I have to say Shelina Zadorsky is very well- dressed. She’s always coming correct and she’s always got the latest pair of trainers or she’s wearing a fit everyone rates.”
Photography by Shane Bain. In partnership with size?
“Who could do with some help? Bless her… probably Kerys Harrop. She probably doesn’t care and fair enough, not everyone cares about fashion like that but some of the clobber she has on? I probably wouldn’t leave the locker room in. She probably wouldn’t wear what I wear and would say I look stupid in this,” Ayane laughs, pointing to her own fit. “Fashion fits everyone differently.”
No matter how fly Ayane looks today or on any previous day, nobody is immune to a fashion malfunction from time to time and unfortunately for her, the latest was only a few weeks back. “I was at an event and I was sat at the dinner table and it was like awards, so black-tie and glam-glam, and I could feel something itching my back,” she says, painting the scene of the calamity.
“I kept reaching towards it and thinking ‘What is on my back’. I said to my mate, ‘Have I got something on my back, like something crawling?’ and nobody had told me or realised that I’d left a massive tag in. So I’m walking around with what looks like a GPS vest on my back because the tag is still in my dress. That, for me, is my biggest malfunction and it was on a red carpet. I went straight to the toilet and asked my friend to rip it out of my dress,” Ayane says sending the room into laughter.
Footballers are competitive in anything they do. Ayane herself admits when she steps onto the pitch, her whole demeanor can change in order to get a vital win. So it’s no surprise that when it comes to fashion, players want to be the best. With athletes becoming more and more interested in fashion, a debate around who sits on top in the fashion stakes is to be expected and online, it’s already arrived.
For Ayane, naming a top-five list isn’t an easy task but as always, she’s happy to dive in.
Photography by Shane Bain. In partnership with size?
“First, I’ve got to go with my girl Leah Williamson,” she says on the Arsenal and England star, who is also a close friend. “She comes correct at every event, you have to give it to her. Even if I go chill at her house, she’s wearing something decent and she’s just sat in her house so I’ll go with Leah as number one.”
“Do you know whose outfits I always rate but couldn’t personally wear? Lauren James and Shanice van de Sanden. Those two are always very well-dressed. Trinity Rodman has popped up on my explore page a couple of times and it’s always an outfit that you think ‘Okay, that’s lit’. Kenza Dali is clean and she’s a big sneaker girl, so I’ll go with her to make up my five.”
Leah Williamson. Lauren James. Shanice van de Sanden. Trinity Rodman. Kenza Dali. Some list.
Like fashion, music is another hugely popular way for athletes to express themselves without a ball at their feet. From players now making their own tracks to having their name referenced in bars, the music x football crossover is also undeniable. For Ayane, there’s no doubt in her mind when it comes to her music opinions, which she happily admits will be sure to annoy some people.
“I’m probably going to get a lot of heat for this but I don’t particularly care… I can’t listen to Taylor Swift. I can’t listen to her music and I don’t understand how her tickets are so expensive. Harry Styles is another one I can’t listen to. Sorry, I know I’m going to get hate for this. Harry Styles, if I had to, I could listen to him, but Taylor Swift? No. If she came on the radio, I’d turn it off immediately and listen to classical,” Ayane laughs.
Photography by Shane Bain. In partnership with size?
“My favourite track and one I’ll always put on the aux is Last Last by Burna Boy. It’s just a banger. It gets the room going and whatever the vibe, you can rely on that song and for me personally, it has a lot of good memories. I played it every game day at AFCON so it always brings back the good vibes.”
“Most underrated artist? Good question! I’d personally go with Tems. I think she has bangers! I’ve had her latest album on repeat recently and I’m quite bad if I like an album, I will drown it out until people are like ‘please stop’. I’ll have it on repeat with no care in the world.”
Ahead of the biggest summer of her life, Ayane is a pleasure to talk to. As relaxed as someone without an ounce of pressure on their shoulders, each response she offers is full of charisma, taking the time to provide depth to each response whether it be through humour or an inspirational tone as she discusses helping the next generation of Moroccans to see the dream she could never see. “You have to enjoy what you’re doing,” she says on her advice to young girls aspiring to be in her position.
“Whatever job you’re in, you have to enjoy it. That’s how the best version of yourself is going to come out. I think that’s major in football. Happy players off the pitch usually play well on the pitch so I think enjoying yourself is my main bit of advice. Even if you don’t want a career in football, make sure that whatever you do in life, you do it with enjoyment.”
Shop all of Rosella Ayane’s looks and the full size? Homegrown collection here.
In Partnership With: size?
Photography: Shane Bain
Conversation: Ryhanna Parara
Words: Jason Owusu-Frimpong
