Could Virgil Abloh Really Design Liverpool’s Next Kit?
The designer recently asked the club to “move up the table together” on Instagram.
When Nike signed a deal with Liverpool in early 2020, the Swoosh’s star power was an influential factor. As the deal inched closer, New Balance — the previous kit suppliers — began a court case to continue in the role, but this was subsequently thrown out due to Nike’s marketing prowess. The judge in that case declared “that the New Balance offer on marketing was less favorable to Liverpool FC” particularly because of “global superstar athletes of the caliber of LeBron James, Serena Williams and Drake.”
Since the deal was signed, LeBron has been seen wearing Liverpool kits, as well as growing his financial stake in the club’s ownership. Now, though, the big name endorsements could continue. Responding to a direct message on Instagram, Virgil Abloh has opened the door to the possibility of designing a kit for the Premier League team.
“I didn’t even think about it,” his Instagram story said. “Liverpool FC, let’s move up the table together.” The message was particularly in response to designing a new home kit for the Reds, which would push the time frame back by a year considering Nike only recently unveiled the 2021/22 home kit. There is the possibility, however, that Abloh could create the away kit or — more likely — a third kit or a special edition fourth kit.
Nike has previous in blurring the lines between fashion and its football franchises. Jordan Brand has had a long-running involvement with Paris Saint-Germain, culminating in this season’s home kit, while it recently extended Skepta’s SK Air line to cover football boots, as worn by rising star Mason Greenwood as he scored against Leicester City.
Virgil Abloh also released a football capsule alongside Nike. Back in 2018, to mark that year’s World Cup, the Off-White and Louis Vuitton designer released a pair of bright orange Mercurial 360 boots and an accompanying “Football, Mon Amour” collection.
As it stands, Abloh’s Instagram story is the only indication we’ve received that he could be working with Nike on a Liverpool release. However, another move into football wouldn’t be a huge surprise from the designer.
