The MLS All-Star Game is a showcase of the top talent in Major League Soccer. And while three Sporting Kansas City players will have the opportunity to showcase their talent on the field, one of those players will use the occasion to showcase his talent away from the pitch.
On Tuesday, July 30 fans will get their first look at AC78, a clothing line designed by Sporting KC defender Aurelien Collin. The Frenchman will hold a fashion show at the Power and Light District (6:30-7 pm CT) on the eve of the midsummer classic to showcase a series of elegant suits that he has designed along with partner Tom Paolini. The fashion show will take place prior to the Silversun Pickups at the Power and Light District.
“I have been into fashion since I was very young,” Collin told SportingKC.com. “When I came to America, I had more freedom to pursue my passion.”
READ: Collin, Besler, Zusi named to gameday roster for 2013 MLS All-Star Game
The 6-foot-2 center back joined Sporting KC as a guest trialist in March 2011. He signed a contract a month later and never looked back. In two-and-a-half seasons, Collin has been named an MLS All-Star twice and was named an MLS Best XI defender in 2012. He has proven to be a threat on both sides of the ball for Peter Vermes’ squad, marshaling a defense that allowed a paltry 27 goals in 2012 and totaling nine career goals scored in 70 games.
But while Collin’s tenacity on the field has endeared him to his teammates and coaching staff, his personality off it has endeared him to the Kansas City faithful.
“I’m very open-minded in life and in fashion,” he said. ”I love dressing and have a special way of dressing. I’m happy that my teammates can participate in the show. I think fans are really going to love it.”
Kei Kamara, Matt Besler, Graham Zusi and Jimmy Nielsen have all agreed to model in Collin’s show. According to Collin, each person will wear a suit designed to emulate his personality.
“[Matt] Besler is going to wear a more conventional suit,” Collin said. “Kei [Kamara] is going to be a little more crazy. We are trying to show that suits can be for anybody. You don’t need to be a professional athlete to look good in a suit. Whatever body type you have, you can look sharp, elegant and great.”
Despite his love for fashion, Collin asserts that soccer is and will remain his first priority until his playing career is over.
“This could definitely be something that I pursue after soccer,” he said. “But right now, soccer is still my priority and that will never change. I’m just excited to be able to show fans another part of me and hopefully we can do another, bigger fashion show in the future.”
