The importance of feeling comfortable - Interview with Romelu Lukaku

It is now under everyone's eyes, insiders and outsiders alike, how influential football aesthetics have become, so much so that they have become commonplace in fashion collections, both when it comes to stealing certain items to take to the catwalk and using the well-known faces of footballers to bring added value to their shoots. The signings in fact of Son with Burberry, the possible but never announced one of Grealish with Gucci and last year's one of Mbappé with Dior have brought the footballer back to the centre of the village - to put it in football terms. Fashion houses seem to be mainly interested in players who have created a defined and recognisable profile beyond the sporting aspect, thus using that three-dimensionality to enter other markets and demographics. And the latest to have attracted the attention of another major brand that in the past has made this combination - footballers and brand - one of its strong points, sponsoring players of the calibre of Beckham, J. Rodriguez and Ljungberg, to name but a few. 

The brand in question is Calvin Klein, which, confirming the above, for its latest campaign has also decided to involve Inter striker Romelu Lukaku, who has scored another major coup, after Maserati and Versace, becoming the star of the new Underwear - Calvins or Nothing campaign. And it was precisely on the occasion of this unexpected collaboration that we had a chat with the Belgian striker, talking both about how fashion and football are increasingly intersecting, creating a bond that has profoundly influenced both worlds, and of course also about his goals and his style of play, not too far removed from his style off the pitch.

Why do you decided to link up with CK? And how did this collaboration come about?

Calvin Klein is a brand I have always had an admiration for, so when the opportunity came about, it just felt right. I wear Calvin’s, so to link with Calvin makes perfect sense.

After Beckham, James Rodriguez, Ljungberg and many other historical footballers, you are next. How does it feel to be the face for a brand with such a unique and recognisable history and heritage?

It’s a true honour, you’ve mentioned some incredible footballers who transcended the sport, so to be the next person in line feels good.

The link between football and fashion is increasingly strong and collaborations like these are here to stay, how is your relationship with fashion?

I’m big on my fashion, living in Milan, you have to be. I’ve worked with many fashion brands in the past and have great friendships in the industry with designers. It’s a passion of mine.

In your view, as a star player, what made fashion and football come together so quickly and easy?

We’re human beings, we wear what we like and some of us just happen to be more passionate than others. I think when it comes from a place of passion, it’s authentic and we, as a footballers, want to feel involved and look the part. 

Does the way you play on the pitch also represent your style off of it?

Haha, I guess so. I play up top, I link up play - the same way I link up my fits.

 If you had to define your style in one word, what would you use?

Depends on the occasion. I always fit it!!! Personal. I wear what I like, I don’t follow trends. I wear what suits me and what I feel comfortable in.

For you, this is not a season like any other, given your return to Inter, what do you expect? What are your goals?

To help Inter go back to the top, I love this club and hopefully I’m able to do my job on the pitch to give the fans the success they deserve.