Prada Named Official Partner of the Chinese Women's National Football Team

Prada on Monday revealed an official partnership with the China Women’s National Football Team, just in time for the squad’s arrival in Australia ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup later this month.

Dubbed the “Steel Roses,” the 23-player team will wear the Italian fashion house’s designs for formal events and travel. The squad’s official uniform, which consists of a black blazer with matching trousers, a sharp button-down and Prada loafers, is designed to provide the team with “a fresh and contemporary off-the-field image,” per Prada.

“The China Women’s Football Team has forged a global reputation and is a source of inspiration for young female athletes, focusing public and institutional attention on a democratic and inclusive sport,” Prada said in a statement.

The team won the Asian Cup last year, and it will compete in the World Cup beginning on July 22, in a match against Denmark. Following the World Cup, Prada will continue its partnership with the team through the Asian Games 2023, the Paris 2024 Olympics and “various important summer fixtures.”

The partnership is only Prada’s latest foray into sports in the country. In the last year, the brand has enlisted Chinese basketball player Shuyu Yuang and Olympic table tennis player Ma Long as brand ambassadors. Additionally, Prada recruited four Olympic athletes — shotput athlete Gong Lijiao, marathoner Li Zhixuan, water polo player Xiong Dunhan and Yang Shuyu — for a Douyin campaign in 2022.

Elsewhere, Ralph Lauren will stage a runway show during New York Fashion Week this September.