Even if France was to lose against England in their next rugby match, one thing is for sure: France will still be a winner, at least when it comes to fashion. Yes, this is right, since French brand Eden Park has just become the official formalwear provider of the Rugby Football Union. The official announcement was made by Eden Park founder Franck Mesnel and England team manager Martin Johnson at a party held in Kensington Roof Gardens on the 20th of October. Chic-Londres was there…
With luxurious cashmere scarves, black shoes embroidered with England roses, quirky gavroche hats, details including rugby ball shaped buttons, and each hand-tailored suits made to their individual measurements, the English rugby boys will never have been so incredibly chic. And all of that thanks to us, the French… or at least to Eden Park, which has become the first French brand ever to dress the England team, after creating an exclusive collection of bespoke formalwear. The collection is part of a six year partnership covering the next two Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015 and will see Eden Park kit out the entire 215 strong England squads, ranging from the Seniors through to the Under 18’s, management and backroom staff.
“Eden Park has come a long way since 1987, when five Racing Club de France rugby players decided to design a set of rugby shirts for our friends and I would never have dreamed that just 20 years later, we would have the honour of dressing the England Rugby Team”, said Franck Mesnel, the brand’s founder, who was in London for the official announcement of the new partnership. “Being founded by five ex-international rugby players means they know exactly what a rugby player requires”, added Martin Johnson, England Team Manager, who was also at the launch, alongside several international players like Ugo Monye and Danny Care, who had previously travelled to Paris to select fabrics, cuts and design details alongside the Eden Park design team. For rugby amateurs -or fashion lovers- who wants a bit of sporty Gallic chic for themselves, Eden Park will release a limited edition capsule collection in collaboration with the RFU, which will be available to buy from early 2011. Made up of chic blazers, smart shirts and ties, every garment features the famous England rugby rose.
Below: Ugo Monye and Danny Care model their new bespoke rugby formalwear; Rob Andrew, Franck Mesnel, Martin Johnson and Ugo Monye at the launch
