From streetwear brands making moves on the international scene to a terrace favourite finally making it out on to the pitch, 2022 gave us some huge collaborations, and with the year all but done, we round up the best of them.
Since PSG’s barrier-smashing hook-up with Jordan opened the doors to partnerships with off-pitch brands, and Juventus picked up the baton through their collection with Palace, collaborations have become an integral part of football culture, propelling it forward into previously unexplored territory. And 2022 has been no different, with clubs and brands eager to explore the potential and possibility of where the influence of different cultures could take them. Here, we take a look at 10 of the biggest and best from the year.
Kappa x LC23 x SSC Bari
Back in March, Kappa teamed up with designer Leonardo Colacicco for the limited edition ‘Special Pack’ for SSC Bari. Putting the then Serie C side on the map for many fans ahead of their promotion to Serie B, the collection saw history, ancient customs and popular culture, all infused with a splash of seafaring tradition. Worn in the regional championship derby against Fidelis Andria, the collection really deserved more of a spotlight, and was yet another example of Kappa's progressive ethos.
New Balance X Stone Island
Stone Island has long been a fixture in football terraces, but this year saw its promotion to on-pitch player, thanks in no small part to the collaboration with New Balance. It was a huge moment in the Italian brand's history, punctuated by Raheem Sterling wearing the Furon v7 on pitch in Qatar. Shame FIFA regulations meant that the Stone Island logo couldn't appear on the heel, as it does it the limited edition retail version, but all in all this was a huge step and hopefully just the beginning of bigger things to come...
AC Milan x Off-White
In one that came out of nowhere, Off-White were announced as AC Milan's official Style and Culture Curator in October, and soon after they debuted one of the first pieces from the new partnership: a stunning varsity jacket, worn ahead of the club's Champions League fixture with Chelsea. The full collection was revealed soon after, and it promises an exciting future for the pairing. Could Off-White use this to make an on-pitch debut at some point? Here's hoping.
Kappa x Drole De Monsieur x AS Monaco
Once again showing their flexibility and open mindedness when it comes to expansive designs, Kappa teamed up with French fashion label Drôle de Monsieur for an exclusive capsule collection for AS Monaco, inspired by the history of the Principality of Monaco. The collection featured a reinterpretation of the Monaco jersey, which the side wore against LOSC, and it was joined by a full apparel collection. Yet another step progressive step.
adidas x Daily Paper x Ajax
The final piece in Ajax’s sublime three-piece for 22/23 came courtesy of a helping hand from Amsterdam-based fashion label Daily Paper. Last season's universally loved Bob Marley-inspired third shirt was always going to be a tough act to follow, and so recruiting the fastest growing fashion label out of Europe was a shrewd move from adidas – and the Dutch brand did not disappoint, with one of the stand out collections of the season. Fashion x football in full focus, and we love it.
PUMA x Liberty Collection
The PUMA x Liberty hook up came in two parts: first, we had National team kits for Italy, Iceland, Austria and Switzerland ahead of Euro 2022. It was a landmark move, taking the influence of street culture that's been spilling onto the club scene, and playing that out on the International platform. A huge moment that perhaps was not given the recognition it deserved.
And the kit collection was backed up by some special edition boots, with the Future Z and Ultra Ultimate dressed out in bespoke LIBERTY floral patterns and customised logos. It was also a lowkey introduction to the all-new Ultra Ultimate.
adidas x Swarovski
The Predator Edge probably didn't quite have the impact that some others in the iconic silo's history have had, but the height of its influence arguably came in April, when adidas got their hands on some goods from crystal craft masters Swarovski and then set about producing a proper premium Predator, complete with iced-out Three Stripes. Ramping the term ‘special edition’ up to a whole new level.
New Balance x Aries x AS Roma
Following in the footsteps of Juventus, New Balance recruited British luxury streetwear brand, Aries for a collection for AS Roma that took the Giallorossi into previously unexplored territory. Worn in the club's tour of Japan, the collection was teh perfect blend of the club's traditional colours, offset by the Aries' unmistakeable style.
adidas x Stella McCartney x Arsenal
Building on her existing connection with the game, Stella McCartney took her first steps into the club scene, producing a limited edition 10-piece collection with adidas, designed to support Arsenal Women both on and off the pitch. It featured a gender-neutral pre-match jersey for the women’s and men’s teams, which fused Arsenal club’s colours with a modern oversized leopard graphic synonymous with iconic designer. The full collection was worn by Arsenal Women ahead of their derby against Tottenham Hotspur, and then by the men’s team ahead of their game against Crystal Palace, ensuring prime visibility for the collaboration for all audiences.
adidas x Tomorrowland x Belgium
Following on from the Liberty x PUMA hook up, the Belgium national team's collaboration with music festival Tomorrowland was a real first for the men's game. To have an entity that is unaffiliated to football partner with a national team was previously unheard of, but hopefully this opens the door for much more to come.
The drop came in two parts, with a lifestyle clothing collection arriving in June ahead of the reveal of the club's away shirt for the 2022 World Cup. It was a bold statement for Qatar, but sadly one that didn't get to shine on the biggest stage.
Umbro x LC23
Yes, and eleventh on the list, but the collaboration between Umbro and LC23 deserves a special mention for its creativity. Sure it didn't appear on pitch, but have you ever seen a more creative interpretation of one of the most iconic boots in the game?
Quite the year, opening doors and breaking barriers. Here's hoping we continue bigger and better in 2023...
