Designed With The Help Of Karl Lagerfeld - Nike France 2011 Away Kit | Closer Look

Karl Lagerfeld, a true icon of the fashion and photography world, died today aged 85. What many of you might not know is that the designer helped Nike creating the France 2011 away kit, the first France away jersey by the Swoosh.

Nike's partnership with the French Football Federation was launched in Paris in January 2011 with an overall campaign titled 'Vive Le Football Libre'. The design of the away kit was intended to "capture the spirit of the French team whilst bringing superior performance innovation and unparalleled elegance on pitch."

The kit was seen for the first time in photography shot by Karl Lagerfeld. The photo, which captures the revolutionary elegance of the away kit, features Alou Diarra, "one of the faces of the new era of the French team" back then.

Nike France 2011 Away Jersey

The new away jersey takes strong visual cues from the ‘marinière,’ a piece of French history since the last century, and now a timeless French style icon. The marinière first appeared as the uniform of sailors in the French navy in the 19th century and was first seen in civilian wardrobes in the early 20th century. Soon, it would become a symbol of French culture, adopted by free‐spirited individuals in France and beyond.

Tech-wise, the Nike France 2011 away kit has a tailored fit that allows freedom of movement on pitch. The lightweight fabric features Nike Dri-FIT technology and engineered ventilation systems to help keep players cool, coupled with ergonomic cut and soft cotton feel for player comfort.

The kit was also Nike's most environmentally sustainable kit to date, with shirt and shorts made from microfiber polyester that is entirely derived from recycled plastic bottles. For the shirt, this material is combined with organic cotton (96% recycled polyester, 4% organic cotton.)

Karl Lagerfeld did not had another step in the world of football - the France 2011 away jersey is the only soccer piece the designer helped to create. It can be called masterpiece.

The FFF 2011 away kit is already an expensive and quite rare collectors item.

Do you like the Nike France 2011 away jersey? Let us know in the comments below.