Fashion Kicks: Soccer Meets Style at Gent Men’s Fashion Week at CITYPARK
The fashion heart of St. Louis will throb on Sunday, February 18, as CITYPARK is transformed into a runway for the grand finale of Gent Men’s Fashion Week.
In a convergence of athletic prowess and sartorial elegance, members of the St. Louis CITY SC, including Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel and Head Coach Bradley Carnell, trade their soccer cleats for designer kicks. Joining them are CITY Futures youth soccer program participants, embodying a fresh-faced future group of model athletes. This eclectic mix showcases an array of local and international menswear, marking a pivotal moment for St. Louis' fashion scene.
The show, titled Runway at CITYPARK highlights London-based designer Stuart Trevor’s new sustainable fashion line. Trevor, the founder of AllSaints and Bolongaro Trevor, brings a conscientious edge to the event, his designs weaving in themes of modern sustainability. Alongside Trevor's creations are pieces from local talents like Paulie Gibson, The Normal Brand, Rocket Supernova, Ying Ying Ying, and Lukas Roe with a special selection from CITY SC, each brand contributing its unique flair to the vibrant tapestry of the show.
The runway event is more than a celebration of fashion; it is a symbolic union of two of St. Louis’ most passionate communities—soccer and the arts. This connection is aptly encapsulated by Dwight Carter, CEO of Brainchild Next and a board member of the Saint Louis Fashion Fund, who doubles as a CITY SC Community Coach. For Carter, blending these worlds is a natural step, reflecting the creativity and energy of the city.
“As the producer for Gent as well a CITY SC Community Coach, I live in both the men’s fashion and soccer world here in St. Louis, and I see the common threads. Both are about creativity, positive energy, and pride in St. Louis. It will be wonderful to bring them together at CITYPARK,” said Carter.
Susan Sherman, Co-founder and Board Chair of the Saint Louis Fashion Fund, remarks on the serendipity of the collaboration. The intersection of sports-inspired fashion and sustainability, she notes, mirrors the trends dominating menswear in 2024. This runway show, part of the 10 for 10 events celebrating the Fashion Fund's 10th anniversary, is a testament to St. Louis’s revitalized role in the fashion industry, a role reminiscent of its historic prominence as a garment manufacturing hub.
“I kept seeing these amazing photos from CITY SC players wearing the latest fashions as they arrived to matches,” said Sherman. “And I thought – we need to get them involved in Gent. Many of the themes we see from CITY SC – sustainability, soccer jerseys, and sports-inspired fashion – are dominating menswear trends in 2024. This is a perfect opportunity for people to celebrate St. Louis’ bright future in sports and fashion.”
St. Louis CITY SC’s involvement in the event is more than a stylish foray. It is a continuation of their “more than soccer” mission, which has seen them embrace local arts and fashion, from hosting the civic arts exhibition Counterpublic to publishing a fashion book with SoccerBible. Member of the ownership group and Chief Brand Architect Lee Broughton articulates this vision, underscoring the club's commitment to honoring the city’s legacy in both fashion and soccer.
“St. Louis has a rich history in the fashion industry, as storied as our history in soccer,” said Broughton. “Many of our players love men’s fashion, and professional athletes across the world are driving trends in men’s fashion and footwear. We are proud to be part of this effort to elevate St. Louis’ legacy in both fashion design and soccer culture.”
Gent Men’s Fashion Week also includes events like the Blue Jacket Fashion Show, supporting prostate cancer awareness, and "Decades: The History of Men's Fashion" at the Missouri History Museum. These gatherings are more than mere spectacles; they are communal experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the St. Louis cultural tapestry.
As the models take their final walk down the runway, the applause that fills CITYPARK is not just for the fashion on display. It is a celebration of a city rediscovering a part of its identity, a community finding unity in diversity, and a future illustrating the ever-evolving spirit of St. Louis.
Gent Men’s Fashion Week Schedule of Events
Thursday, February 1 at 5pm
The annual 2024 Blue Jacket Fashion Show in support of prostate cancer awareness will feature some of the hottest designers and star-studded talent will be streamed LIVE from NY at the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis. Tickets are on sale now.
Tuesday, February 13 at 5pm
"Decades: The History of Men's Fashion" will be hosted by the Missouri History Museum and sponsored by Tacony Corporation/Baby Lock. Panelists General Manager of Neiman Marcus St. Louis Dan Kramer, author Valerie Battle Kienzle, and local menswear designer Cedric Cobb will explore the evolution of men’s style.
Saturday, February 17
Celebrate Men's Retail Day by shopping at over 10 local retailers in support of Gent Men’s Fashion Week. Retailers include Tufts and Batson, Rudamentary, Profield Reserve, and The Normal Brand with in-store events and sales.
Image courtesy of Gent Men’s Fashion Week. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite here.