Dan R: Season is a “fashion and football zine.” There are some cracking kits for this World Cup; which ones stick out for you?
Felicia P: I'm English and Nigerian and therefore biased, but those kits definitely stand out for me. Kudos to Nigeria’s kit designer; that staggered zigzag print in green and black is a stroke of genius and it looks great however you wear it. Timelessly on trend, the fact that the print is streamlining is another bonus. I’ve seen so many non-Nigerians wearing it. The away kit is a minimalist’s dream; the quieter option but still impactful in a gorgeous green with neon green accents. I love the England training shirt I wore in the campaign, the mosaic like blue/red panel graduating to white. It’s fresh, bold and again extremely versatile.
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DR: In what ways do you see football affecting fashion and creative culture?
FP: Footballers becoming models, designers and influencers is an obvious one. Bobby Moore, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and Hector Bellerin all embody the connection in their era with Bellerin actively using his social media channels to boost this profile and express his other interests.
In every issue of SEASON there is a “The Football of Fashion” feature because I noticed that in every fashion month, there seemed to be at least one collection that referenced football. In issue 05 we’ve taken a closer look at Koché’s SS18 and PF18 because the Paris based fashion label collaborated with Paris Saint German.
We also do a “Covet me” feature highlighting the most desirable football and fashion products. In issue 04 we featured Gosha Rubchinskiy x Adidas and in issue 05 Umbro x Christopher Raeburn. There’s been a really exciting wave of World Cup capsule collections: Nike x Off-White, Nike x Kim Jones, #YOOXSOCCERCOUTURE, Louis Vuitton… again cutting-edge design-lead products dictating what’s tasteful.
I think the significance of the football shirt or jersey and scarf has definitely affected fashion and culture. Both sentimental symbols of fandom have become meaningful sites of experimentation far beyond football clubs which is great from a design point of view. From Vetements to NSS and Urban Outfitters, fashion and/or concept versions have been made and worn by the masses but their authenticity is problematic. What brands like OWN do is amazing and rare: coming up with simple, original and clever idea that executed well. Their Hawaiian football shirts are so great.
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DR: It’s hard not to look back at ‘90s kits with awe. Will we be doing the same in 20 years time about modern-day kits?
FP: I think so because they represent our time and moment in football culture. It’s a matter of taste as there’s something for everyone. If you like minimal kits, Nike have done them well for a last few seasons for example, and the World Cup kits have been bolder than I can remember; Japan’s pinstripes are on point! Kits now have to function on the pitch with performance technology, but also on the street in terms of a distinctive design that doesn’t deviate from official guidelines.
Also, the difference between gender fits and necklines seem destined to be talking points with hindsight. But those are the just official kits. The rise of fan-made concept kit designers like SETTPACE who are utilising social media also fall into the same bracket and can be admired for their creativity.
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DR: You’ve now reached your 5th issue and established SEASON in the game. What is your aim for the magazine and also the following you’ve built over the last few years?
FP: I guess to raise awareness about and keep building on what we do. Learn, improve, collaborate and innovate. We're an inclusive creative platform and community, which I really want to get across in the print issues, events and anything else we do.
The initial aim to showcase and empower women in modern football culture by giving them an honest voice and sharing their stories, opinions and style stays the same. So does the exploration of the evolving interplay between fashion and football and emphasis on diversity and unpacking important issues. SEASON champions women but men are a big part of our and football's narrative; we talk about male players, men's football and work with male talent as well as female. There's a new feature starting from issue 05 that spotlights men supporting women in football.
We're working towards bringing our community together in real life as well. We teamed up with Carabao for #SEASONmatchdays, inspired by the Women at the Game initiative, to get groups of women to go the game together. We also hosted a zine-making workshop and 'Fashion of Football' panel at adidas' Creator Base earlier this month and we've got more get-togethers and events planned during the World Cup.
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