There have been plenty of sharp team looks at this World Cup, but when Parisian-Congolese designer Alvin Junior Mak was asked to dress the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for its first World Cup appearance in 52 years, he knew it called for something special. Drawing on the national team’s nickname, Les Leopards, and the country’s tradition of sapeurs – impeccably dressed, often working-class dandies – Mak created tailored suits featuring a bold leopard-print panel across the lapel, paired with oversized matching bags.
The result was both a celebration of Congolese style and one of the tournament’s most memorable fashion moments, deservedly going viral. Since the start of the tournament, Norway’s Erling Haaland has earned a reputation not only for his performances on the pitch, but also for his fondness for Hermes bags. He arrived carrying an HAC Birkin 50 “Endless Road” in the exceptionally rare Gris Perle finish. Coveted for its intricate leatherwork, the bag typically commands between $45,000 and $60,000 on the resale market.
