Calvert Lewin has been inspiring those beyond the pitch with his gender-neutral football flare.
Over the last couple of years, Dominic Calvert Lewin has not only been making a name for himself as one of the best footballers in the UK, but also one of the best-dressed strikers on Earth.
With the help of his personal stylist and creative partner Harry Lambert, the man responsible for Harry Styles’ eccentric Bowie-Esque tour outfits and Emma Corrin’s unique red carpet looks, Calvert Lewin has re-defined footballer flare.
The flare which is usually associated with ripped jeans, white sneakers, and oversized t-shirts has been reborn through Calvert Lewin’s flamboyant and gender-neutral looks.
Dominic was introduced to Harry Lambert through his talent representative. Outside of playing for Everton, Lewin wanted to express himself in a more creative field and one in which he felt he could honestly portray himself — that field was fashion.
Lewin opened up about the pair’s relationship in an interview with GQ this June:
“We wanted to move more into the fashion space and Harry was recommended not only because he’s exceptionally good at what he does, but also because he’s a nice person. That’s important to me. What I didn’t want to do was incorporate a stylist who would take me away from what I’ve already been doing and from what I like. That’s the key with Harry. He puts outfits together that might divide opinion. He knows me – I’ll put anything on – but it’s about achieving a balance, not going away from myself and what I like to wear.”
For those unfamiliar, Calvert Lewin burst onto the football scene at the age of 17, becoming one of English football’s young top prospects. Scouted by many top Premier League clubs, the number 9 striker opted for a move to his boyhood club Everton, a true testament of his personality and humility.
With modern-day footballers often associated with signing controversies and no loyalty when it comes to major deals, Calvert Lewin proved himself to be a different breed in the early stages of his career. His choices reflected the personal fulfilment he aspired for, rather than financial success.
Off the pitch, it wouldn’t be uncommon for players to use their high profile and influence to create other areas of income — signing sponsorship deals with beauty lines, fashion labels and sports brands, but Lewin never seemed to fit into that category. Opting for more creative and demanding ventures, Lewin wanted to be more than just an example of peak athleticism and composure.
Born in 1997 — the year Princess Diana died and the Spice Girls acquired critical success with the release of Spiceworld, Calvert Lewin found himself growing up in a fashion scene that was transforming, the late 90’s transitioning into the 2000s.
The styles that had defined the last decade become outdated overnight. Lewin recalls his interest in fashion beginning at the age of eight, “It all started with trainers. My dad’s brother, my uncle, had a crazy trainer collection, and I remember going to his flat where he had trainers upon trainers, all lined up, and I wanted to take them all even though they were way too big for me. I guess my dad was always into clothes too. He did his bit back in the day, telling me about the stuff he used to wear. He told me about how he once went out to a nightclub in a skirt.”
On the pitch, you only have moments to showcase your individual talent, for the most part. Football being a team game, every individual has to carry one another through athletic masculinity.
In the changing rooms, you have to have a strong personality to stand out and make an impression, follow the manager’s demands. In some cases, it’s not enough to just be naturally talented, you have to show commitment through good and bad spells.
In the fashion world, you have more freedom. You have a voice. You can constructively critique your outfits, and the approach to projects and share ideas in an open and collaborative environment. In the former, you do what’s told. Your voice is almost non-existent.
“For me, wearing clothes and suits that divide opinion is what I like doing, so I’m going to continue doing it.”
The combination of football and fashion has given Calvert Lewin balance.
Through sport, all the built-up frustration and negativity is used as competitive motivation. Through fashion, Dominic can be free, and himself. There is no pressure or critique from fans, and in that world, Lewin has effortlessly opened doors to opportunities no modern footballer dares to.
“I am more than happy to be a standard-bearer for new flamboyance, Why not? You’ve only got one life. Do what makes you happy.”
Since entering the fashion world, Calvert Lewin has collaborated with the likes of Lambert, Kim Jones, Emporio Armani and even attended world-renowned fashion shows — most recently Milan Fashion Week S/S 2023 ( where he was styled by the Armani team).
Attending numerous shows, Lewin met fashion pioneers and icons such as Donatella Versace. With the fashionista also being featured on magazine shoots for GQ and the Winter/Spring 2022 cover of Arena Homme Plus, where he donned a Prada short suit and pink Chanel handbag – all personally owned.
Instead of having a wardrobe filled with branded tracksuits and logo-heavy tees, Lewin’s consists of seventies-inspired camp outfits — flared trousers, polka-dot shirts and suits, as well as collections from Prada, Versace, Armani and an extensive Chanel women’s handbag collection.
“I’m quite spontaneous about what I wear. I was on holiday recently and there was a pop-up Chanel store. I went in and thought it would be cool to have a bag to carry my stuff in – I express myself, even more, when I’m on holiday, I think it might be the sun – so I went in and saw a few cool bags and thought you know what? I’m just going to do it.”
At the age of 25, with multiple shoots, covers and fashion show attendances under his belt, Calvert Lewin has created a name for himself in the fashion world, with more yet to come. As an undeniable sporting role model and modern style icon, Lewin remains open-minded about all ventures the future holds — in both the sports and fashion world.
“I’m happy that some people perceive me as some sort of fashion inspiration, but in all honesty, I stay in my own world and do what I feel like doing.”
Lewin will continue to inspire those both across the football and fashion world, making a name for himself as one of the world’s most influential and stylistic modern-day football players. Unafraid to push boundaries and be himself, the future looks brighter than ever for this young fashionista.