The World Cup collection

On top of the world - Italy get Paul's vote

Top fashion designer Sir Paul Smith talks exclusively to World Football's Mike Geddes about how soccer became cool, and which kits from the World Cup collection could make it on to the catwalk... Let's face it - footballers are cool.

Fashion icon - David Beckham

Men like David Beckham lead the way both on and off the pitch - he was recently voted 'most fashionable male' by GQ magazine.

But anyone who lived through the vast lapels and skimpy shorts of the 70s and 80s will tell you it wasn't always like this.

Fashion designer Sir Paul Smith has spent years kitting out the top names in the game, and he told me where it all started.

'Fashion has always been there in football' - Paul Smith

"I know George Best very well" he said, "and one of my first jobs as a young designer was designing George Best Kidswear in the 70s.

"He was the first real superstar footballer, and he was personally very fashionable. He had two clothes shops in Manchester which I sorted out for him.

George Best - 'He was the first superstar footballer'

"Fashion was always there with footballers as long ago as the early 70s, but it's only really in the last ten years that it has become really noticeable.

"For the coming World Cup we've made all the accessories for the England team, like the suitcases, wallets and cufflinks.

Croatia - 'Good for playing chess'

"We've been asked a lot in the past to design kits, but I've always declined, because you're restricted by so many factors, usually the sponsors".

We asked Paul to cast his expert eye over some of the kits that will be on display in Japan and South Korea.

Cameroon - 'Really hideous'

"The Croatian kit would be quite good if you got bored and wanted to play chess... I'm not so sure about that one!" he said.

"The Cameroon one is sleeveless! Is that for real? It's hideous! Really hideous... but it would look quite good if you have nice shoulders.

"I quite like the badge, but don't call us - we'll call you!

Nigeria - 'The ref won't miss them'

"The French shirt is nice - a simple, classic blue, and I like the red and white shoulders - that's a nice idea.

"Nigeria - well, the ref won't miss them on the field, because it's the most bright, lime green, almost fluorescent, with white. It wouldn't look good on a Brit with very pale skin.

France - 'Simple, classic design'

"England - this is the reversible red and blue one. It's a lot heavier than the others so I hope they don't get to hot. "It's a nice shirt. Very simple red with the three lions. I think this would be my favourite.

"Until we get to this one! The Italian shirt is great! I think this one comes with a free comb and a mirror.

England - 'Very nice and simple'

"Lovely plain, simple blue, with three stars one one sleeve and the green, red and white badge of Italia on the chest.

"So, my favourites are the Italian first, then England, France third, the Cameroon one I don't think I can talk about any more, then the lime-green one from Nigeria, and then the Croatian chess-players one - good for chess, but I'm not so sure about football!".

Italy - 'Comes with a free comb and mirror'

You can hear all of Mike Geddes' interview with Sir Paul Smith on World Football on Saturday 27 April on BBC World Service. Check local listings for exact times. Or you can use the audio link at the top of the page.