Dolce&Gabbana team up with Chelsea FC
Blues to wear D&G suits in three-year deal
28 July, 17:40
(by Denis Greenan).(ANSA) - London, July 28 - Dolce&Gabbana and Chelsea FC on Wednesday signed a three-year deal to dress the Blues.
It will be the first foreign soccer foray for the Milan-based designers, who already provide the official suits for AC Milan and the Italian national side.
"We are very happy about this agreement and to be able to link our name to such a prestigious club as Chelsea," a statement from the cutting-edge designers said. "We're big football fans" said Domenico Dolce, a season-ticket holder at the San Siro, and Stefano Gabbana.
"Players are style icons on and off the field and that combines with our love for England and for London, which has always been an inspiration for our work," said the designers, best-known for their sharp lines and southern Italian motifs.
Chelsea stars such as John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba are said to be looking forward to sporting their new blue suits, with two-button jackets and big 'jacquard' ties.
Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti, a sharper dresser since his Juventus and Milan days, is also reportedly keen to get his sturdier frame inside a D&G outfit. The design duo, who used five Italian soccer stars for underwear ads ahead of the World Cup in South Africa, have had business interests in soccer since 2003.
Under the deal, whose financial arrangements were not disclosed, D&G will also make a "comprehensive" redesign of the new directors' lounge at Stamford Bridge, as well as the reception area at the club's HQ.
Fashion brands like D&G have increasingly been looking to buff soccer stars to boost their appeal.
The Milan designers reported wholesale sales of 1.379 billion years in the year to March.
Chelsea Football Club CEO Ron Gourley said: "We are delighted that Dolce&Gabbana will be our official supplier of formal wear for the next three years". "Their designs for this season's team wear are exceptional, and we're excited to be partnering with such a world-renowned and innovative design house". photo: Dolce (R) and Gabbana (L)
