Rio Ferdinand’s Five and Selfridges

Rio Ferdinand host the launch for his A/W collaboration with footwear brand Five and Strut at Selfridges Exchange Square.

So myself, Katrina, Dale and Clare joined celebrity sporting faces, Manchester’s usual suspects and Selfridges top shoppers as we enjoyed Dirty Martinis and watch Rio Ferdinand and the Selfridges buyers present, Five!

 
The collection is heavily influenced by Rio’s style, consisting of military style lace up boots, brushed leather sneaker shoes and brogues all designed in Rio’s words for, “that casual yet smart man about town”.
 
Extremely down to earth, Rio told guest how his influences came from his dad, who actually used to work in the apparel industry himself, making blazers. He described his Dad as a bit of a dude who had great taste in music and clothes and has influenced him throughout his life.
 
From what I gathered from the evening Rio is pretty hands on with feeding his influences into the style of the collection and keeps a clear and detailed eye on the design and production of the range.
 
Friends with the likes of the owners of Boohoo.com, Rio obliviously surrounds himself with very tuned on and savvy business people, but it goes without saying that being the England captain does give you a little leg up into the industry. I did get a vibe that some people seemed to be criticising Rio’s position as cashing in on the fame, but so what...they would if they could!

Whatever, Rio is quite clearly switched on and has clear direction for the brand, talking about bringing accessories into the line next year. His number one goal (excuse the pun) is to play football for our country and by his tone, I think he’ll organically let the brand grow and with Selfridges nurturing I am sure we’ll see a their relationship flourish.
 
Thanks to Selfridges, Manchester Exchange Square for hosting an interesting and well put together evening, showing how "non-fashion type" celebrities can with style and direction, cross over into the world of fashion.