Renowned for his quintessentially British style, Paul Smith is now the designer behind the new wardrobe of iconic French top-tier football team Olympique de Marseille (OM). Smith, who showcases his collections in Paris, will create tailored urban attire for OM’s players and staff for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 seasons.

“This partnership seals an alliance where timeless elegance is combined with Marseille’s audacity and passion,” Paul Smith and the club stated in a joint release. Paul Smith’s inaugural designs for the partnership, which include dark suits paired with regimental ties in OM’s signature blue and white, were revealed on Sunday, December 1, during the team’s home game against AS Monaco, which they won 2-1.

“We are delighted to partner with Paul Smith, a world-renowned brand that, like OM, knows how to combine tradition with modernity, ambition with authenticity,” said Grégory La Mela, sales and marketing director at OM. “This partnership reflects our vision: to shine in all arenas, whether sporting or cultural,” he added.

Previously, OM’s official attire was provided by French men’s fashion brand Izac, which first partnered with the club in the summer of 2013.

As for Paul Smith, a sports enthusiast especially interested in cycling, he is no stranger to such high-profile collaborations. In 2008, he entered into an official tailoring partnership with English Premier League club Manchester United, a collaboration that has been highly successful and continues to this day.

The link between football and fashion has always existed, particularly through subcultures, with football players influencing rap artists and fashion brands, and vice versa. This crossover of styles remains as relevant today as ever.