Vests come back in fashion, thanks to the director of the England football team, Gareth Southgate

Pic: Reuters [19659006] NEW YORK : Thanks to Gareth Southgate, the manager of the English football team, the vest became the unexpected symbol of England's unexpected success in Cup of the world; a totem of the power of a dream; and proof that dedication and belief can unite not only a team but also a country.

In the past month, Southgate ran along the sidelines, squeezing his players and whispering in their ears. a matching buttoned jacket all along; a blue shirt; a striped blue, red and white tie; and black laces

But that is the vest, released from the shadow of the jacket, which has attracted the attention of the world who is watching.

And he elevated Southgate to the status of icon not only in the eyes of the establishment of football, but also of the world of fashion.

He almost alone made the third wheel of the three-piece costume in the honor, inspiring men everywhere in his country to adopt the original style, causing sales to skyrocket and even get hashtags – #waistcoatwednesday, #waistcoatsaturday – that linked the garment to the game.

And that's just the beginning.

British Airways He handed Southgate-inspired vests to travelers flying from London to Moscow who wanted to show their national spirit at the World Cup tournament in Russia.

According to Lyst's global fashion research platform, British vests have increased by 41% since the start of the World Cup. Last week, searches rose 210% over the same period last year, the most viewed color being Southgate.

A spokesman for Marks & Spencer, the official tailor of the English team since 2007, said vests have doubled since the start of the World Cup.

And Marks & Spencer is not the only name benefiting from the phenomenon; The most seen brands on Lyst when it comes to vest searches are Ted Baker, Reiss and Thom Sweeney.

The Museum of London and the National Football Museum in Manchester have declared their desire to acquire Southgate's vest and to officially devote it as

And for those who question themselves on how to do vest style, there has been a spike in the online advice columns on the issue

. II to Steve McQueen and, more recently, to Justin Timberlake and Adam Levine in their dandy phases, and to Conor McGregor, star and champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship Championship

Yet, the vest is still considered a niche menswear . because, as wrote Capitol FM, a radio station in Britain, Timberlake and Levine, the risk is 'taken for their grandfather'.

Not anymore, apparently.

Now it's a clear sign of Southgate support and national pride.

Fans posted photos of themselves on social media in their vests.

It makes sense that the World Cup gives a great fashion moment.

Football has long been one of the most sartorial. advanced sports, its teams known for their relationships with designers.

The Italian team has been equipped off-pitch over the years by Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Ermanno Scervino.

Armani also worked with the English team, as did Paul Smith. Hugo Boss teamed up with the Germans and Dunhill with the Japanese

Soccer gave the world-style game, including David Beckham, Aaron Ramsey and Graziano Pelle, to name a few.

for success – apart, perhaps, from the former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in his giant puffer mantle.

-NYTimes