Declan Rice, the fashionista? Footballers and fashion are never too far apart. And Rice, it seems, is no exception. Speaking to Men’s Health during his June cover shoot ahead of England’s Euros campaign, Arsenal’s record signing reveals how fashion has become a big part of his life away from the pitch.
‘I think as I’ve got older my style has changed,’ Rice tells Men’s Health editor-at-large, Gordon Smart. ‘I’ve got a big love for fashion. I’ve got a nice selection [of clothes] at home that I feel confident in and I like. It’s a big passion of mine.’
But it hasn’t always been that way. Asked if he has any fashion regrets, Rice unsurprisingly points back to his youth. ‘When I was younger, I probably bought some rascal stuff,’ he says, ‘but I think my style has changed since I’ve gotten older. Everyone’s the same – you look back at yourself as a kid and you think, “what am I wearing there?”.
Clothing:Â Tank knit and trousers, Jil Sanders at The Outnet
He adds that his mum, Stephanie, had a lot do with that. ‘My mum used to have such a big say in what I was wearing,’ he says, smirking. ‘She’d tell me “yeah you can wear this, you can’t wear that”, and I’d be like, “alright mum”.
Today, Rice enjoys shopping and building his own wardrobe. ‘I don’t wear anything rascal, now. Maybe this,’ he laughs, gesturing towards the knitted burgundy, white and black Amiri cardigan he’s wearing for the shoot.
‘I like it though,’ he adds, more seriously. ‘A few of the lads are definitely going to put some banter in on this, but I’m staying strong. I like it.’
Here’s how to recreate each of the designer looks using high street clothes similar to what Rice picked out for his Men’s Health June cover shoot.
Zara Cotton-wool Knit Vest
Lululemon Collar Button-Up Shirt
Percival Pleated Tailored Trousers
Boohoo Man Liquid Metallic Parka
NN07 Billy 6594 Brushed Wool and Mohair-Blend Jacquard Cardigan
Grooming: Laura Dexter. Styling: Abena Ofei at Wizzo & Co