Exploring the Influence of CP Company in Football Fashion
Football Casuals A Subculture Defined By Style and Passion
Football is more than just a game; for many they are a way of living. While there are many fan subcultures that have come up over the decades, none is as distinct and well-known as casuals of football. Rooted in the terraces of the UK the casual movement is a mix of love for the sport and a passion for fashion, and an aura of insurrection. This article explores the roots, evolution, and influence of football casuals.
The History of the Football Casuals
The football casual movement began in the latter part of the 1970s and into the beginning of the 1980s within the United Kingdom. It was born out of a desire to stand out from an audience of football lovers and many of them were associated with punk or skinhead scene. Casuals sought to separate themselves from the skinhead and punk groups, and did so by sporting high-end, sporty and designer clothes.
Brands like Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse, along with Sergio Tacchini became the standard of popular choice for casuals. They represented exclusivity and aesthetics, a stark contrast to the raucous and rebellious style of different fan groups. Fans of football who returned from European away games brought designer clothing that wasn't widely available in the UK which sparked a new trend that would soon sweep across the nation.
The Style That Defined a Subculture
The casual style is all about fashion. The casual style typically includes:
Designer Tracksuits Brands like Fila and Adidas were the best-known for tracksuits, usually in vivid colors and in unique designs.
Stonewashed Denim With casual trainers Denim was a go-to for casual attire.
Iconic Clothing Nike trainers Adidas including their Samba and Gazelle versions, become iconic in the casual world.
Outerwear jackets from designers such as CP Company, Stone Island, and Burberry created a practical, but fashionable layer to the outfit.
Barbour wore scarfs and baseball caps, subtle mixing the colors of their club with their fashionable outfits.
The obsession with fashion did not only revolve around looking nice but also a way to avoid detection. By dressing discreetly in designer attire, casuals could be spotted in crowds and get around authorities at games, especially during a time in which there was a lot of football-related hooliganism.
The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond fashion, football casuals symbolized an atmosphere of loyalty and camaraderie. The movement was built around three pillars:
Football Casuals were, first and foremost, loyal supporters of their clubs. Days of games were holy and supporting their team was an issue of pride.
Territorial Pride: Casuals represented their locales Matches often became venues for rival groups to take on the upper hand. The territorial nature of games fueled tensions that could escalate into battles.
Unity and Identity The casuals' distinct style created a sense belonging. Wearing the same brands and having the same passions fostered a close-knit community.
While casuals have occasionally been attributed to hooliganism, it's crucial to remember that not all casuals involved in violence. For some, it was all about celebrating football and expressing individuality by wearing fashion.
The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual game has developed dramatically since its beginning. In the 1990s, it saw an increase in popularity as football became more commercialized and the game's roots in the working class diminished. But the casual game has not gone away completely; it developed and changed.
The influence of casuals can be evident in popular fashion. Brands like Stone Island and CP Company were once a niche brand for the terrace, are now popular with celebrities and fashion collectors. The resurgence of retro sportswear has brought old Adidas footwear and Fila tracksuits back in the spotlight.
Modern soccer fans are continuing to embrace aspects of the casual look that blends with contemporary streetwear. The legacy of the game is evident in the stands as well as in the streets.
Casuals in Popular Culture
The casualties of football have left a mark in popular culture. Films like The Football Factory and Green Street have depicted the lifestyle, albeit usually focusing on its most violent aspects. In the same way, genres of music like Britpop in the 1990s were heavily influenced and influenced by casual clothing with bands such as Oasis and Blur taking on the look.
Social media has also played an integral role in keeping this trend alive. Platforms such as Instagram show modern versions of casual style, encouraging new generations of football lovers to embrace the look.
The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
The trend that began in the UK is now spreading across the globe. The football casual look can be found in countries such as Italy, Russia, and Brazil all of which have their unique twist to the movement. The shared love for football and fashion transcends boundaries as it brings together fans of a common culture.
In areas like Italy casual clothing has incorporated elements from high-end brands such as Gucci and Prada and reflect the country's long-standing fashion tradition. In Eastern Europe, the movement tends to adopt a more traditional and rugged look by combining streetwear and the typical casual look.
Conclusion
The casual football movement is a fascinating blend sports, style and subculture. Its influence goes beyond the terraces, shaping fashionable fashion trends, and inspiring pop culture. The idea of using football as a means to let football fans express their the individuality and loyalty of their fans has grown into the world's most popular sport, proving that the intersection between fashion and sport can be a significant force.
For those who live a life of a casual, it's a lot more than just clothes and football. It's a declaration identity that celebrates communities, and a tribute to the beauty of football.