Two Worlds Apart, Too Close to Home

At their Be the Difference event in Marseille in late August 2015, Adidas showcased their new premium third kits for the upcoming season. The range emphasised on the European pedigree of the six clubs that would go on to wear it, who at the time had 28 Champions League titles between them. Called ‘Spark in

Template Evolution – Nike 2002

The turn of the millennium marked the shift into kit design, with a higher emphasis placed on athlete performance. Perforated panelling became the mainstream to help regulate body temperature in key areas, tighter-fitting garments wicked the sweat away and the use of lighter materials was a literal load off. For the 2002 FIFA World Cup,

Bringing Back Old Glory

Taking inspiration from past iconic designs brings about a sense of nostalgia, although the cynic among us would say it’s a lack of imagination by rehashing what’s already been done. Instead of looking at the past, how about make a modern classic that will be imitated in the future? Producing two exemplary kits in one

Kappa Doing Things by Halves

If there are three things that are ubiquitous with Kappa’s Kombat range — it’s the tight fit, raglan sleeves and inverted seams. You could say the repatriation of Italy’s kits to the Turin firm in 1999 was the forerunner; ridding the clutter of the such as the sleeve taping and flappy collar, going for a

Umbro Anniversary Blues

Earlier this week — in the most topical I’ve been so far on this blog — the Republic of Ireland celebrated their association’s centenary with a friendly against Qatar. To mark the occasion, Umbro produced a vintage-style kit based on their first ever uniform, from against Bulgaria in the Paris Olympics of 1924. In the

A Brief History of Adidas Equipment

Adidas launched its iconic Equipment range in 1991. Abbreviated to EQT, the template also brought about a new logo for the company which has remained as its flagship ever since. With its three huge slanted bars draped over the right shoulder, it marked the start of Adidas being flagrant with its branding for much of

Stand Up Speak Up

Thierry Henry started the anti-racism campaign in January 2005 after a couple of recent high-profile incidents; notably himself being the subject of an unsavoury remark by Spanish coach Luis Aragonés, towards Henry’s club teammate José Antonio Reyes, and the reaction of the home crowd in a friendly between Spain and England a few weeks later.