Dominic Calvert-Lewin's Hermès Birkin Bag Steals the Show at England Training
It is a world away from the modest kit bags that England's 1966 World Cup champions once used. Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin demonstrated that football and high fashion are increasingly intertwined as he arrived for international duty on Tuesday, proudly toting a Hermès Birkin bag. The 29-year-old, known for his stylish poses in culottes for Arena Homme+ magazine in 2021, joined his Three Lions teammates at St George's Park ahead of a friendly match against Uruguay on Friday evening.
A Fashion-Forward Arrival
Dressed in a casual white shirt layered over a cotton t-shirt, paired with baggy jeans and chocolate-colored Adidas trainers, the Sheffield-born footballer allowed his designer accessory to take centre stage. He smiled for photographers while holding out the bag, which instantly captured attention. Inspired by the late British actress Jane Birkin, the sizable '40' Haut à courroies bag was Hermès' first creation in 1892, originally designed to carry horse riders' saddles and boots. Referred to as the 'original Birkin,' it has become a favourite among affluent footballers with a taste for couture.
Luxury Price Tags and Expert Praise
The HAC style can retail for as much as £65,000, depending on the leather type. Recent sales include one at Sotheby's for £35,000, while pre-owned versions start at around £15,296 from John Lewis. Fashion expert Joanne Hegarty, who writes the Chic List column in You magazine, commented: ‘More and more male celebrities are openly carrying traditionally feminine luxury bags. And I’ve got serious bag envy over this one. His Birkin 40 in toga brown leather with palladium hardware is dreamy. It’s classic, chic - and styled perfectly with an oversized white shirt and blue denims. This slightly undone approach is exactly what keeps this big Birkin from feeling too try-hard. Bravo!’
Calvert-Lewin's Moment in the Spotlight
Calvert-Lewin, a father-of-one who married model Sandra Jerze last year, is relishing his return to the England squad after a surprise call-up from manager Thomas Tuchel, his first since 2021. He joined teammates at the official camp in Staffordshire, where FA President Prince William is a frequent visitor, as preparations ramp up for the World Cup kicking off in June across the US, Canada, and Mexico. His fashion choice notably outshone Premier League rivals such as Arsenal's Ben White, Brentford's Jordan Henderson, and Chelsea's Cole Palmer, who arrived in more understated hoodies or training kits.
Footballers and Designer Bags: A Growing Trend
This is not the first instance of a top footballer showcasing a penchant for designer bags at training. Lionel Messi once arrived at Paris Saint-Germain training with a monochrome Hermès tote, while Declan Rice owns a HAC 40 with silver hardware in blue. Recently, Ibrahima Konaté of France was pictured with a Hermès HAC 50, currently priced around £65,000. In stark contrast, historical photos show legends like World Cup winner Jack Charlton using simple plastic sports holdalls during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, highlighting how times have changed in football culture.
