Now the end of spring is approaching, many of us are gearing up toward summer by dusting down our barbecues, dragging out the lawnmower and digging out our favourite summer outfits; and Summer 2014 is set to be more exciting than many, particularly for football fans, with the World Cup kicking off in a little over three weeks in Rio, Brazil. Many may remember that magical day back in 1966 when England won the World Cup Final for the first and only time and ever since that extraordinary day the country has come together every four years to support some of the world's most talented footballers as they battle to bring football home for a second time. Any major sporting event is a great time for the country to pull together and celebrate our culture and achievements and our patriotism is already sizzling away as the shops fill up with flags, posters and football shirts proudly proclaiming the country's support for the England team. As our favourite footballing heroes finally take to the pitch with Three Lions proudly emblazoned across their chests, you can be sure that not far behind them will be a group of fabulously stylish women who will be cheering on their men as they attempt to equal the amazing feat of footballing icons such as Booby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Gordon Banks; they are of course, The WAGS. For those who do not follow football as closely as others, the footballers wives can often provide a little bit of light entertainment giving some welcome relief from the serious business of group draws and penalty shoot outs and whilst it is believed that The WAGS may not be permitted to follow their men to Rio this year, you can be sure that they will still be putting their best fashion foot forward and gracing the front pages of the red tops and celebrity magazines in an array of couture fashion and fabulous Dressmaking Fabrics. WAGS are, whether we like it or not, important in the world of fashion as they occupy the territory between cutting edge designer fashion and the mainstream and will influence what we see gracing the rails of high street stores for the remainder of the season.
In celebration of the women who have fascinated (and often appalled!) the fashion world's critics and spectators for many years now, we count down the top 5 best WAG moments in footballing history:
5. The England WAGS of 1966:
[caption id="attachment_6999" align="alignright" width="300"]
The 1966 WAGS were a fear cry from the headline grabbers we know today.[/caption]
On the eve of the 1966 World Cup Final, the wives and girlfriends of the iconic team gathered at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington oblivious to the fact that their other halves were about to make history. The girls were the epitome of classic 1960s style looking elegant and classy. Leslie Newton (Alan Balls' fiancee) in particular looked wonderful in a gorgeous geometric shape dress typical of the decade and sewn in a beautiful floral Dressmaking Fabric. With her dark hair pulled into a classic beehive, Leslie's classic style would stand the test of time and is a look still coveted by fans of retro fashion today. To recreate this classic mod style choose our Rose and Hubble floral Dressmaking Fabric paired with an anti-static Dress Lining. This is a particularly flattering style of dress for any body shape, try it paired with a pair of low heeled Mary Jane's and an over the shoulder bag for an authentic 1960s style.
4. Cheryl and Victoria Germany, 2006
During the tournament in Germany in 2006, The WAGS caused a media storm when they descended on Baden Baden tottering on their sky high Louboutins and wrapped in an array of designer dresses. England star Rio Ferdinand referred to the furore as "a circus" and many blamed the distraction of the girls presence for England's dismal performance which led to a future ban on wives and girlfriends accompanying their partners to future World Cup tournaments. It is true that many of us paid much more attention to the girls antics than we did to what was happening on the pitch and the main talking point in the press was Queen of The WAGS, Victoria Beckham and her lady in waiting, Cheryl Cole. Mrs.Beckham and the then wife of England star Ashley Cole struck up an unlikely friendship during the 2006 tournament which would later end in a bitter feud. It is thought that the former pop stars found common ground in their love of fashion and both ladies were seen strolling around the stadium in a variety of show stopping outfits. Perhaps the most famous Victoria/Cheryl moment was when they were spotted heading out to dinner wearing designer dresses with Cheryl sporting pigtails, a look which is a far cry from the primped and polished grown up TV star we are used to these days. You either love or hate this look and if you are one who loves it, you can recreate Mrs. Beckham's classic LBD at a cost that won't require David's salary by using our cotton spandex Dressmaking Fabric for a figure hugging outfit perfect for any date night or special occasion.
3. Abbey Clancy, 2013
[caption id="attachment_7000" align="alignleft" width="253"]
Abbey Clancy at the 2013 SCD Final in Chiffon Dressmaking Fabric.[/caption]
Liverpudlian Abbey finally stepped out of the (rather tall) shadow of her famous hubby in 2013 when she paired up with Aljaz Skorjanec on the smash hit BBC series, Strictly Come Dancing. The former model waltzed her way to a surprise victory in a variety of show stopping outfits courtesy of the BBC's accomplished costume department. For her final winning performance of the series, Abbey stunned in a floral embellished gown which looked wonderful twirling around the dance floor but would not look out of place at a posh evening do or dinner dance. Created from beautiful chiffon Dressmaking Fabric, this heavily embellished gown was just stunning. To recreate a heavily embellished gown such as this, look to heavier Chiffon Dressmaking Fabrics such as Georgette. Georgette Dressmaking Fabric is slightly heavier in weight than Chiffon meaning it is capable of holding heavier embellishment and is a popular choice for embroidered bridal and evening gowns. Chiffon is perfect for creating fanciful layering effects like that seen on Abbey's gown for a truly extravagant outfit.
2. Shakira, 2011
Not just a WAG, Shakira is also one of the most famous pop stars on the planet and a huge celebrity in her own right. It was only when she met Barcelona star Gerard Pique in 2010 that she was inducted into the WAG Hall of Fame. For many years, Shakira has been famous for her stunning outfits and gorgeous curves, ever since she released her first smash hit single Whenever, Wherever in 2001. One of her most famous WAG moments to date was when she arrived at the FIFA Gala in 2011 in a gorgeous red, embellished mermaid style gown. Made from a gorgeous red Dressmaking Fabric Shakira stole the show with her hourglass figure and Marilyn-esque hair style. We cannot wait to see what stunning outfits the Latina sensation will showcase whilst supporting her hubby during the 2014 tournament.
1. Victoria Beckham, 1997-present
[caption id="attachment_7001" align="alignright" width="200"]
Our best know WAG, Victoria Beckham with husband David in 2004.[/caption]
Who else could be number one in our countdown but Queen of The WAGS, Victoria Beckham, the first official WAG and the inspiration for ITV soap/drama Footballers Wives. Before she was the sleek and sophisticated fashion designer that we know and love today, Victoria reigned as Queen WAG and alongside her superstar husband David, Victoria has given us some of the most talked about moments in modern fashion history. From double denim, sarongs and matching white outfits to sitting atop thrones at their tongue in cheek, over the top wedding ceremony; David and Victoria were sure to cause a stir with their outlandish fashion choices wherever they went and there are so many hits and misses that it is impossible to choose just one favourite Victoria moment. In recent years, Mrs. B has ditched the hair extensions and has embraced a more sleek and sophisticated look which she has channelled into her own designs for her massively successful fashion line, Victoria by Victoria Beckham. Whether designing or dressing herself for a night out, Victoria is a huge fan of tailoring and structured lines and works with some of the most luxurious and sought after Dressmaking Fabrics on the market. To purchase a VBV original is way out of budget for most of us but with our selection of stunning Dressmaking Fabrics you can recreate some of her most iconic outfits including the sleek black mini dresses made famous by her alter ego Posh Spice by using our Bi-Stretch Fabrics, or if you wish to emulate Victoria's more fun and flirty side look to our Satin Dressmaking Fabrics and a slick of red lipstick to recreate the stunning señorita style Victoria showcased at the Albert Hall in 2004.
The 1966 WAGS were a fear cry from the headline grabbers we know today.[/caption]
On the eve of the 1966 World Cup Final, the wives and girlfriends of the iconic team gathered at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington oblivious to the fact that their other halves were about to make history. The girls were the epitome of classic 1960s style looking elegant and classy. Leslie Newton (Alan Balls' fiancee) in particular looked wonderful in a gorgeous geometric shape dress typical of the decade and sewn in a beautiful floral Dressmaking Fabric. With her dark hair pulled into a classic beehive, Leslie's classic style would stand the test of time and is a look still coveted by fans of retro fashion today. To recreate this classic mod style choose our Rose and Hubble floral Dressmaking Fabric paired with an anti-static Dress Lining. This is a particularly flattering style of dress for any body shape, try it paired with a pair of low heeled Mary Jane's and an over the shoulder bag for an authentic 1960s style.
4. Cheryl and Victoria Germany, 2006
During the tournament in Germany in 2006, The WAGS caused a media storm when they descended on Baden Baden tottering on their sky high Louboutins and wrapped in an array of designer dresses. England star Rio Ferdinand referred to the furore as "a circus" and many blamed the distraction of the girls presence for England's dismal performance which led to a future ban on wives and girlfriends accompanying their partners to future World Cup tournaments. It is true that many of us paid much more attention to the girls antics than we did to what was happening on the pitch and the main talking point in the press was Queen of The WAGS, Victoria Beckham and her lady in waiting, Cheryl Cole. Mrs.Beckham and the then wife of England star Ashley Cole struck up an unlikely friendship during the 2006 tournament which would later end in a bitter feud. It is thought that the former pop stars found common ground in their love of fashion and both ladies were seen strolling around the stadium in a variety of show stopping outfits. Perhaps the most famous Victoria/Cheryl moment was when they were spotted heading out to dinner wearing designer dresses with Cheryl sporting pigtails, a look which is a far cry from the primped and polished grown up TV star we are used to these days. You either love or hate this look and if you are one who loves it, you can recreate Mrs. Beckham's classic LBD at a cost that won't require David's salary by using our cotton spandex Dressmaking Fabric for a figure hugging outfit perfect for any date night or special occasion.
3. Abbey Clancy, 2013
[caption id="attachment_7000" align="alignleft" width="253"] Abbey Clancy at the 2013 SCD Final in Chiffon Dressmaking Fabric.[/caption]
Liverpudlian Abbey finally stepped out of the (rather tall) shadow of her famous hubby in 2013 when she paired up with Aljaz Skorjanec on the smash hit BBC series, Strictly Come Dancing. The former model waltzed her way to a surprise victory in a variety of show stopping outfits courtesy of the BBC's accomplished costume department. For her final winning performance of the series, Abbey stunned in a floral embellished gown which looked wonderful twirling around the dance floor but would not look out of place at a posh evening do or dinner dance. Created from beautiful chiffon Dressmaking Fabric, this heavily embellished gown was just stunning. To recreate a heavily embellished gown such as this, look to heavier Chiffon Dressmaking Fabrics such as Georgette. Georgette Dressmaking Fabric is slightly heavier in weight than Chiffon meaning it is capable of holding heavier embellishment and is a popular choice for embroidered bridal and evening gowns. Chiffon is perfect for creating fanciful layering effects like that seen on Abbey's gown for a truly extravagant outfit.
2. Shakira, 2011
Not just a WAG, Shakira is also one of the most famous pop stars on the planet and a huge celebrity in her own right. It was only when she met Barcelona star Gerard Pique in 2010 that she was inducted into the WAG Hall of Fame. For many years, Shakira has been famous for her stunning outfits and gorgeous curves, ever since she released her first smash hit single Whenever, Wherever in 2001. One of her most famous WAG moments to date was when she arrived at the FIFA Gala in 2011 in a gorgeous red, embellished mermaid style gown. Made from a gorgeous red Dressmaking Fabric Shakira stole the show with her hourglass figure and Marilyn-esque hair style. We cannot wait to see what stunning outfits the Latina sensation will showcase whilst supporting her hubby during the 2014 tournament.
1. Victoria Beckham, 1997-present
[caption id="attachment_7001" align="alignright" width="200"] Our best know WAG, Victoria Beckham with husband David in 2004.[/caption]
Who else could be number one in our countdown but Queen of The WAGS, Victoria Beckham, the first official WAG and the inspiration for ITV soap/drama Footballers Wives. Before she was the sleek and sophisticated fashion designer that we know and love today, Victoria reigned as Queen WAG and alongside her superstar husband David, Victoria has given us some of the most talked about moments in modern fashion history. From double denim, sarongs and matching white outfits to sitting atop thrones at their tongue in cheek, over the top wedding ceremony; David and Victoria were sure to cause a stir with their outlandish fashion choices wherever they went and there are so many hits and misses that it is impossible to choose just one favourite Victoria moment. In recent years, Mrs. B has ditched the hair extensions and has embraced a more sleek and sophisticated look which she has channelled into her own designs for her massively successful fashion line, Victoria by Victoria Beckham. Whether designing or dressing herself for a night out, Victoria is a huge fan of tailoring and structured lines and works with some of the most luxurious and sought after Dressmaking Fabrics on the market. To purchase a VBV original is way out of budget for most of us but with our selection of stunning Dressmaking Fabrics you can recreate some of her most iconic outfits including the sleek black mini dresses made famous by her alter ego Posh Spice by using our Bi-Stretch Fabrics, or if you wish to emulate Victoria's more fun and flirty side look to our Satin Dressmaking Fabrics and a slick of red lipstick to recreate the stunning señorita style Victoria showcased at the Albert Hall in 2004.