1
APR
2025
faf Talks MULTIFORM: Patrik Platko's Bold Collection From 2024
With a unique vision that transforms football jerseys into high-fashion pieces, Patrik is redefining how sportswear intersects with style. This is the story of how his experiences, challenges, and inspirations shaped a bold new perspective on fashion.
Patrik Platko’s journey in fashion is one of creativity, hard work and a passion for both design and football culture. From studying at Coventry University to collaborating with Cult Kits, his approach to upcycling and sustainability sets him apart in the industry.
His time at university presented a range of challenges and opportunities for Patrik. Reflecting onhis studies, he acknowledges that while the city of Coventry itself didn’t necessarily shape his creative vision, the experience of studying abroad did. Coming from Slovakia, the cultural shift was significant, and adapting to the UK’s approach to fashion education was a learning curve.
"Studying in the UK compared to my home country was definitely a big jump," he explains. "The first two years were tough, especially with COVID limiting access to studios and collaboration. But my third year was a rewarding experience—having access to facilities, meeting other creatives, and really getting hands-on with my work made all the difference."
Let’s take a dive into one of the unique pieces he produced in that final year of university; a collection named MULTIFORM.
The concept for his final collection wasn’t an immediate revelation. Patrik recalls struggling to settle on a theme until an unexpected form of inspiration led him to reimagine uniforms in a new way.
"I was in the library 24/7, looking at collections from the early 2000s, trying to find a direction. Then I saw a reconstructed military jacket, and that’s when it clicked—why not take uniforms and reinterpret them?"
From there, football jerseys became a key component of his work. "Each outfit in the collection represents a profession, and for me, football is more than just a game—it’s a profession, a passion, and a lifestyle."
Football has always been a part of Patrik's life. Having played the game since childhood and being an avid Liverpool supporter, he became very aware of the deep-rooted football culture in the UK compared to Slovakia.
"Football culture in England is on another level. You see people wearing their club’s shirts everywhere, whether they’re at the stadium, on holiday, or just walking around the city. It’s a lifestyle."
This realisation played a pivotal role in his decision to incorporate football jerseys into his designs. "I’ve always loved football, but I never thought of integrating it into my work until my final year at Coventry. Seeing how embedded it was in UK culture helped me make that connection."
Collaborating with Cult Kits Changed the Game
Patrik’s partnership with Cult Kits, a well-known seller of vintage football shirts, marked a significant turning point in his journey as a designer. His collaboration with the brand came about after a series of outreach attempts to other companies. “I reached out to a lot of places, but Cult Kits was the only one to respond,” he recalls.
This positive response from Cult Kits was a moment of validation, signalling that his unique vision for reworking football shirts was not only possible but could also be embraced within the fashion community. "They jumped on a video call with me, and we talked about my vision. They were completely on board."
Cult Kits provided him with jerseys that were either damaged, replica versions, or otherwise unsellable. For Patrik, this was ideal. "Since I was reconstructing the pieces, imperfections didn’t matter. I could work around holes, stains, or sizing issues."
Visiting the Cult Kits warehouse was a defining moment in his university experience. He was given the chance to hand-pick around 30 to 40 jerseys, all of which were ready to be transformed into high-fashion pieces. "The [Cult Kits] team was incredibly supportive. It was one of the best days of my time at Coventry.”
Upcycling football jerseys required Patrik to rethink traditional design methods. "When you're working with existing garments, you have to approach design differently. Instead of sketching first and sourcing fabric later, I had to let the jerseys dictate the final look." One standout piece from his collection is a dramatic skirt embellished with the netting from a football goal, an element he felt perfectly embodied the theme. "Originally, I wanted to source old goal nets from a club, but I couldn’t find any. In the end, I bought a new one, but the idea was to highlight how every part of the football world could be reinterpreted in fashion."
He also created a bag constructed from football boots, pushing the boundaries of upcycling even further. "I wanted to take essential elements of football and transform them into something completely new. The boots-turned-bag concept was a perfect example of that."
The Creative Process
Throughout this collection it was essential to preserve key elements like national flags, badges, and sponsor logos, though their placement remained flexible, what mattered most was keeping them intact. Patrik never aimed to disrupt the jersey’s original integrity; instead, he looked to reimagine it through a fresh perspective, emphasising the brand, the club, the country, and even the players who wore it. This approach ensured that the original badge, logos, and often the sponsors remained an integral part of the design.
"The badge and the logo were almost always [kept in] there because I wanted to highlight who made the jersey and who it belonged to in the first place, what team it was."
His approach to colour blocking was also carefully thought out. By ensuring that bold colours like red and blue were strategically placed, he maintained a sense of harmony and design balance in his creations.
When the conversation turned to the idea of cutting up jerseys, Patrik reflected on the broader cultural shift towards sustainable fashion. Despite the heavily saturated market of vintage and reworked shirts, Patrik commented on the fact that a lot of football culture "isn't ready for this transition of jerseys being fashion pieces. I'm sure many football fans don't realise their outfit can be fashion."
"The core audience or fans are usually just the ones who wear a jersey with Nike bottoms or jeans, something simple like that. But the real shift is being able to take a jersey and turn it into something more; like a dress, a jacket, or any other type of clothing."
This statement comes after receiving various hate comments when Cult Kits posted a video of his creative process.
"The hate in the comments was crazy. [Commenting] about why I destroyed the 10 or 15 or 20 jerseys that could be worn and stuff like that. People were just trash-talking about it."
"For them, the shirts represent their team; it’s about loyalty and history and pride as well. How can you cut that up? But it doesn’t affect them in any way. It’s just my expression; you don't need to look at it. Just close the page."
Reflecting on Patrik’s insights, it’s clear that while the football world may not fully embrace jerseys as fashion pieces yet, fashion has certainly embraced football. As more creatives experiment with reworking these iconic symbols of sport, a new era of football fashion may be larger than expected - football kits are no longer just for the field but for the runway, too.
Sustainability: More Than Just a Buzzword
While sustainability has become a marketing tool for many brands, Patrik is committed to making it a core principle of his work. His fashion brand, GONOE, co-founded with a friend, is built on the foundation of upcycling and responsible design.
"We started with sustainability in mind, and we want to continue that way. Now, we have the skills to produce things from scratch, but we still want our core to be about repurposing materials."
His continued partnership with Cult Kits reflects this ethos. "We’re planning another collaboration, but this time as [GONOE] rather than just me as an individual. They’re sourcing jerseys for us again, and we’re excited to see how we can push the concept further."
Looking ahead, Patrik is interested in expanding beyond just garments. "We’ve discussed how to take this concept to the next level. Maybe it’s homeware—couches made from jerseys, like how people use denim to upholster furniture. Or maybe something even more unexpected."
His vision for the future is clear: keep innovating, keep upcycling, and keep challenging the norms of both fashion and football culture.
With his passion, creativity, and commitment to sustainability, Patrik Platko is undoubtedly a designer to watch. His work isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, reinvention, and making a statement that goes far beyond the runway and into everyday use.
Just faf-ing about
26
MAR
2025
Acne Studios x Kappa Drops Tomorrow, Here's What You Can Expect
Swedish luxury brand Acne Studios have teamed up with Kappa, an Italian sportswear brand, to release an updated version of the Acne Studios football jersey... but that's not where they've stopped.
Acne Studios x Kappa Are Kicking Off Your Summer Wardrobe
Swedish luxury brand Acne Studios has once again tapped into the world of football, this time joining forces with iconic Italian sportswear label Kappa. The result? A dynamic collection that reimagines football apparel through a high-fashion lens, cementing Acne Studios’ ongoing fascination with the beautiful game.
Acne Studios is no stranger to football-inspired fashion. From multiple reinterpretations of football kits to the astro-inspired Bolzter Football Sneaker, showcased at their FW23 Paris Fashion Week show, the brand has consistently drawn from the sport’s aesthetics. Now, with the Acne Studios x Kappa collaboration, they push the boundaries even further, creating a collection that is more than just a nod to football—it’s a full embrace.
A Full Kit for a Football-Fashion Summer
This drop is packed with pieces that seamlessly merge football culture with streetwear sensibilities. The references aren’t subtle; they’re direct homages to the sport. From football shirts to base layers, shorts to socks, and even football boots, Acne Studios and Kappa have crafted a collection that delivers both style and performance. Whether you’re on the pitch or on the streets, this collaboration ensures you’re dressed for the occasion
Images: acnestudios.com
Lace-Up Sneakers: The Ultimate Fusion of Sport and Style
One of the standout pieces from the collection is the Lace-Up Sneaker, priced at £420, this bold fusion of football aesthetics and high fashion, it's website description is "soccer-inspired," and it’s easy to see why. The silhouette draws from classic indoor football boots, featuring a sleek, low-profile design, a rounded toe, and an exaggerated tongue—reminiscent of vintage football footwear.
The black-and-white detailing on the upper echoes the patterns of traditional football kits, while the oversized Kappa logo adds an extra layer of nostalgia. However, the most striking design element is the intricate cage-like overlay wrapping around the shoe, offering a futuristic, sculptural look that aligns with Acne Studios’ avant-garde ethos. Crafted from lightweight yet structured materials, the sneaker balances functionality with high-fashion appeal.
The Bowlina Mini Shoulder Bag
Another striking piece from the Acne Studios x Kappa collection is the Bowlina Mini Shoulder Bag, a striking fusion of football aesthetics and high fashion. Priced at £1,550, this sculptural accessory also takes inspiration from the shape and anatomy of a football boot, reinterpreted with Acne Studios’ signature avant-garde touch.
The bag’s curved structure is enhanced by an intricate grey and black gradient design, giving it a futuristic, almost skeletal appearance. Functional yet bold, it features football boot studs at the bottom. Meanwhile, the duo-branded detailing, with Kappa’s iconic silhouette logo and Acne Studios’ sleek typography, elevates it from a simple accessory to a true collector’s piece.
With its top handles and zip closure, the Bowlina Mini Shoulder Bag is not just an eye-catching statement but a practical one, seamlessly bridging the worlds of luxury fashion and football culture.
Images: acnestudios.com
A Perfect Blend of Heritage and Innovation
The Acne Studios x Kappa campaign successfully merges the experimental Scandi-cool DNA of Acne Studios with Kappa’s rich footballing history. The collection bridges the gap between performance gear and luxury fashion, capturing the ever-growing influence of sports culture on contemporary style.
In a world where football and fashion continue to collide, this collaboration proves that the sport’s aesthetic influence extends far beyond the pitch. Acne Studios and Kappa have created statement pieces that not only celebrate the game but also redefine the boundaries of luxury everyday wear.
For those looking to bring a touch of football-infused high fashion into their wardrobe, this collection delivers in every aspect of style, innovation, and authenticity.
Just faf-ing about.
21
MAR
2025
Manchester City Team Up With snuggs, Their New Official Period Underwear Partner
Manchester City Women have announced a groundbreaking partnership with snuggs, Europe’s leading period underwear brand, in a bold move to challenge the stigma surrounding menstruation in football.
Breaking The Cycle
Manchester City Women have announced their new patnership with snuggs. This collaboration goes beyond sponsorship - it’s about creating real change. Snuggs is now the Official Period Underwear Partner of Manchester City Women, bringing both innovation and impact to the game.
With over 3 million pairs sold, snuggs has already transformed period care, and now, they’re helping to reshape women’s football.
Fronting this partnership is Man City Women’s captain, Alex Greenwood, who joins as an ambassador for snuggs. Together, they aim to bridge the gap between female footballers and the freedom to play without limitations.
As part of the initiative, snuggs will provide menstrual health education to players in City’s Girls’ Academy, along with donations of period underwear; ensuring young athletes can progress in the sport without menstruation becoming a barrier.
“I’m particularly looking forward to working together to support and educate the next generation of City players in our growing Girls’ Academy.” – Charlotte O’Neill, Managing Director of Manchester City Women
This partnership marks a huge step forward for women’s sport, but it’s not the first time Manchester City has led the way in period-conscious football.
In 2022, they became the first club in the WSL to switch to darker-coloured shorts following player concerns about wearing light colours while on their periods. A year later, the England Women’s team followed suit, swapping their traditional white shorts for navy blue.
Periods have long been a taboo topic in sports, with the fear of leaks being a major reason many young girls quit. By openly addressing menstruation and providing real solutions, Manchester City and snuggs are helping to normalise the conversation and change the game for future generations.
The campaign visuals embrace an editorial, Calvin Klein-esque aesthetic, blending minimalism with raw authenticity. The blue / white denim, plain white tops, clean lines, and natural poses all echo the effortless cool of classic fashion editorials. stripping back distractions to focus on confidence, movement, and empowerment. This stylistic choice reinforces the message: menstruation in sport should be simplified, not stigmatised.
With this partnership, football is finally taking another step toward inclusivity, proving that no player should have to choose between their sport and their cycle.
Just faf-ing about
13
MAR
2025
Athens Kallithea Are Reusing Their 24/25 Kits—Here’s Why
Athens Kallithea are reusing last seasons kit and calling it the 24/26 Collection in an inspiring attempt to challenge the football industry’s wasteful kit cycle. This move is a direct protest against the overproduction and wasteful cycle of seasonal kit releases—a growing issue in modern football.
Why This Matters
The club’s initiative challenges the idea that kits need to be replaced annually. If nothing has changed, why buy new? Their campaign encourages fans to hold onto their shirts for another season, reinforcing the importance of conscious consumerism in football.
Keeping a football kit for just nine months longer than the average person can reduce its carbon, water, and waste footprint by up to 30% (GreenFootball.org). Recognising this, GreenFootball.org has highlighted keeping your kit is one of the top three ways to reduce your environmental impact—a principle Athens Kallithea is proudly promoting.
The statistics on sportswear waste are staggering. In the UK alone, an estimated 100,000 tonnes of sportswear end up in landfills each year—the equivalent of around 500 million football shirts, or roughly 951 shirts discarded per minute(schoolsfootball.org.).
Athens Kallithea’s official statement on the initiative reads:
"It seems clear there is gross overproduction in the football industry right now. The market is flooded, and fans are drowning. Releasing four or more kits per year, with quality succumbing to quantity."
Their 24/26 collection is a restock of their 24/25 home, away, and third kits, now available on their website as a rebranded collection. While this may seem like a revolutionary move today, two-year kit cycles were common practice in the 1990s. However, with the rise of consumerism, we now see clubs releasing up to four kits per season—often with minor variations.
Football Kit Overload
Major clubs have embraced mass production, saturating the market with excessive kit variations. Arsenal, for example, has up to three versions of their 24/25 away shorts alone; Away Shorts, Authentic Away Shorts, and Authentic Alternate Away Shorts
Even dedicated fans struggle to keep up with the constant turnover of new designs, highlighting the need for a shift in football’s consumer culture.
A Step Towards Change
On a global scale, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of all CO2 emissions, and football is a major contributor—just in 2021, 2.45 million Liverpool and 1.95 million Manchester United shirts were sold worldwide.(www.manchester.ac.uk)
Athens Kallithea’s initiative is an inspiring step in the right direction. As football clubs continue to churn out endless kit cycles, it’s time for the sport to acknowledge its environmental impact. Hopefully, AKFC’s stance will encourage other teams to see a new perspective on sustainability in football fashion, because in order to make a real impact, clubs, brands, and fans must rethink their approach to kit culture and sustainability.
All images from @Athenskallitheafc on IG.
11
MAR
2025
Revisiting My Favourite Miu Miu Runway Moment: Spring/Summer 2021
In honour of their Autumn/Winter 2025 show today, let's take a look back to when Miu Miu stepped into the sports field.
Miu Miu SS21 Runway
SS21: WHERE FOOTBALL MEETS "HIGH" FASHION
Today was Miu Miu's PFW Show, showcasing the A/W Ready-to-Wear Collection and it was a beautiful conversation between "mediums of art, cinema and fashion". For Spring/Summer 2021, Miu Miu were part of a different conversation, one between sports and fashion. The show reimagined the runway as a sports arena, transforming the boundaries between luxury fashion and athleticism. The collection was a bold statement against the idea that sportswear and eveningwear exist in separate worlds. Instead, Miu Miu proved that the energy, movement, and aesthetic of football could seamlessly merge with high fashion.
The show was described by Miu Miu as “an exploration of the meeting-point between sportswear and fashion,” and every detail reinforced that concept. Models strutted across a stadium-like setting, wearing structured yet playful ensembles that borrowed heavily from football culture. Jersey-inspired tops, sleek shorts, and varsity-style jackets were all reinvented with Miu Miu’s signature feminine touch.
Miu Miu SS21. All Images: miumiu.com
However, the most striking football reference came in the footwear. Miu Miu took the classic silhouette of a football boot and elevated it, literally, by adding a high heel. This fusion of sporting function and luxury aesthetics blurred the line between practicality and extravagance, making a clear statement: football isn’t just a game; it’s a source of fashion inspiration.
Miu Miu’s SS21 collection wasn’t just about clothing; it was about challenging conventions. By placing football-inspired pieces in an elegant, high-fashion context, the brand proved that sport and sophistication aren’t opposites—they’re a perfect match. In a world where fashion continues to draw from athletic influences, Miu Miu’s SS21 show remains a defining moment in the ongoing love affair between football and luxury style
Miu Miu SS21. All Images: miumiu.com
Just faf-ing about.
10
MAR
2025
Timothée Chalamet Sporting A Retro AS Saint Etienne Zip-Up
When did a football kit become such casual fashion statement?
From the Pitch to Streetwear: The Rise of Football Shirts as a Fashion Statement
The fashion of wearing football shirts outside of simply supporting a team has evolved significantly over the decades, blending with streetwear, music, and high fashion.
In the 1980s and 1990s, football shirts began crossing over into casual wear, especially in the UK, where terrace culture saw fans styling jerseys with jeans and trainers. The emergence of brands like Adidas and Umbro collaborating with teams helped elevate the aesthetic appeal of kits beyond the pitch.
By the 2000s, vintage football shirts became a retro statement, with hip-hop and indie musicians often seen sporting them. The rise of “Y2K football nostalgia” made iconic kits from past tournaments collectible fashion items.
In the 2010s and 2020s, high-fashion brands like Balenciaga and Palace began incorporating football-inspired designs into their collections, while collaborations between clubs and designers (e.g., PSG x Jordan, Juventus x Palace) blurred the lines between sport and fashion. The growing influence of streetwear culture, along with the popularity of oversized fits and bold prints, solidified the football shirt as a versatile style piece rather than just fan gear.
Today, football shirts are embraced as both vintage gems and contemporary streetwear staples, with styling variations that range from retro casual to high-fashion layering.
The Recent Explosion of Adidas Zip-Ups
Over the past few years, Adidas zip-up jackets—especially vintage and retro-inspired designs—have made a massive resurgence in both streetwear and high fashion. From celebrities and athletes to fashion-forward influencers, the classic three-stripe tracksuit top has evolved from its sportswear roots into an essential wardrobe staple.
Fuelled by nostalgia., many of the designs seen today are either direct reissues or heavily inspired by late ‘90s and early 2000s sportswear, an era when footballers, hip-hop artists, and subcultures like Britpop and rave culture made the look iconic. The retro aesthetic aligns with the broader resurgence of Y2K fashion, where oversized fits, bold logos, and athleisure dominate.
Click Here to see my own incorporation of the three-stripes into my styling process.
Football's Influence
A key factor in this explosion is the increasing crossover between football culture and streetwear. Jackets associated with classic teams - like Real Madrid, Juventus, or Manchester United, - are being styled outside of the stadium and into everyday fashion. Unlike full kits, these zip-ups offer a more versatile, layered look that blends easily with casual and high-end pieces.
Brands have capitalised on this trend with modern reissues of iconic kits, often stripping away sponsor logos for a clean, vintage-inspired aesthetic. Adidas has released multiple throwback collections, tapping into the global appeal of football heritage while making the jackets fashion-friendly.
Take a look at the recent collaboration: ADIDAS ORIGINALS X MAN UTD 88/90 CAPSULE APPAREL COLLECTION, described as "Drawing on icons from the past, this track top retains traditional elements like the high stand up collar and team crest on the chest. A perfect addition to any fan's wardrobe." (taken from END.'s website).
Why is the Adidas Zip-Up Everywhere?
- Versatility – It pairs effortlessly with everything from baggy jeans to tailored trousers.
- Retro Appeal – It taps into the Y2K and vintage sportswear revival.
- Football & Streetwear Fusion – The growing influence of football fashion in streetwear keeps the look relevant.
- Celebrity & Luxury Influence – High-profile endorsements and collaborations have made it aspirational.
Adidas considers itself as "the global leader in football" and has woven the sport’s influence into fashion, turning kits, tracksuits, and boots into cultural statements. From vintage-inspired jerseys to collaborations with luxury brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Prada. Adidas blurs lines between the pitch and the runway with its iconic three stripes.
Images: schierke.com
Photographs from Adidas Original's "Bring Back" campaign (December 2023).
Just faf-ing about.
10
MAR
2025
George Best: The Man Who Made Football Look Good
The history behind football and fashion, and when did they become such a formidable pair?
BACK TO THE BEGINNING
To kick off this magazine lets go back to the start, the beginning of this unbreakable relationship between fashion and football.
Where better place to start then with George Best, part-time footballer, full-time fashionista and non-stop celebrity.
Before footballers became global style icons, there was George Best, the Manchester United legend, who was not just dubbed a genius on the pitch, but also a trailblazer for style in the 60s and 70s, making him just as famous off the pitch as he was on it.
WHO WAS GEORGE BEST?
George Best, a boy from Belfast, scouted in 1961 at 15-years old, quickly became a crucial part of Sir Matt Busby’s unbeatable Manchester United team. With dazzling footwork, a cheeky grin, and a rockstar attitude, he became football’s first true icon.
His rise in the footballing world mirrored his celebrity status, and it wasn't long before Best was a global name.
George Best sported long. Beatle-esque hair, with tailored suits and flamboyant shirts. In a time when footballers were not much more than smart-looking, family-orientated older men, Best stood out for his loud experimentation and interest in fashion....
... and perhaps the playboy energy.
FASHION ICON
In 1967, at 21-years old George best opened his own fashion boutique, the “Edwardia”, This boutique sold sharp suits and stylish accessories, with the fashion collection aimed at ‘the extroverted male’.
Before training at the Old Trafford pitch on a Saturday morning, you could find Best amongst his fans in the Edwardia.
Women working in the nearby Woolworths would take it in turns on their lunch breaks to sneak a peek of the footballing star.
Embracing his rockstar lifestyle, dating beauty queens, actresses and models, while being photographed in his sharpest suits and boldest prints, Best knew how to dress the part.
Just faf-ing about.
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