Fashion house Balenciaga made its debut on the jerseys of Stade Rennais Football Club (SRFC) during their match against Troyes on May 14th. In honor of the upcoming International Day Against Homophobia on May 17th, Balenciaga collaborated with the French Professional Football League (LFP) and the 40 clubs from Ligue 1 Uber Eats and Ligue 2 BKT to create a unique jersey that combines the Balenciaga name with the vibrant colors of the rainbow flag.
This partnership between Balenciaga and SRFC marks a significant milestone for both entities. While Balenciaga had previously announced its partnership with the club, this is the first time their designs have been showcased on the field. The fashion house’s decision to dress the players of SRFC for European matches and home games in Ligue 1 Uber Eats at Roazhon Park demonstrates their commitment to establishing a presence in the world of football.
The collaboration between Balenciaga and SRFC goes beyond aesthetics. From May 17th to June 4th, the jerseys worn during the International Day Against Homophobia will be auctioned off on the MatchWornShirt platform. The proceeds from these auctions will be donated to charitable organizations including Foot Ensemble, PanamBoyz & Girlz United, and SOS Homophobie, further solidifying the partnership’s dedication to promoting inclusivity and combating homophobia in sports.
This collaboration is in line with SRFC’s ownership structure, as it is part of the Artemis Group controlled by the Pinault family. The Pinault family also owns the luxury goods conglomerate Kering, the parent company of Balenciaga, highlighting the familial connection between the club and the fashion brand. This trend of luxury brands partnering with football clubs is becoming increasingly common, with notable collaborations including Christian Dior and Paris Saint Germain, Moncler and FC Internazionale Milano, Zegna and Real Madrid, Fendi and AS Roma, Off-White and AC Milan, and Montblanc and Zinédine Zidane. These partnerships demonstrate the growing intersection between the worlds of fashion and football, as luxury brands recognize the global appeal and influence of the sport.
Overall, Balenciaga’s collaboration with SRFC showcases their commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in the world of football. By combining their iconic designs with the powerful symbolism of the rainbow flag, Balenciaga is making a statement on and off the field. This partnership not only marks a significant milestone for both entities involved but also reflects the broader trend of luxury brands embracing the world of sports.
Useful links:
1. MatchWornShirt platform
2. Foot Ensemble
