5 questions with Didier Drogba

SINGAPORE — If you are a football fan, chances are you will know who Didier Drogba is. After all, the Ivory Coast star made headlines in 2004 when he was signed by Chelsea for £24 million (S$50 million). His talent and long-time dedication to the sport is undeniable, but the self-professed fashion lover always finds time to pursue his passion for style.

He recently signed a deal with HOM, a part of the Triumph Group, to craft out a line of men’s underwear and beachwear. His debut capsule collection, aptly named Drogba & Co by HOM, features a 16-piece offering designed by Drogba and Cote d’Ivoire couturier Elie Kuame.

“I love fashion. I even had a fashion shop in London; a few people know that,” he said in an email interview. “Thus, the idea of having my own brand seemed interesting. However, I did not want to do (it) like other players — just putting another brand on the market. My motivation was to be able to use my brand, Drogba & Co, to raise funds for the good of the population in Cote d’Ivoire and Africa.”

Q: How did this collaboration with HOM come about?

A: I wanted a product that everybody needs and wears. I thought of underwear as a first step. Then, I wanted to collaborate with a brand renowned for the quality of its products. HOM came to my mind. You know that HOM’s headquarters are in Marseille, France, and my first big team was Olympique de Marseille. So, I saw a sign there! HOM is also part of the Triumph group, one of the biggest underwear groups in the world, and that was important for me to ensure good distribution of my brand.

Q: Could you describe your involvement in the creation of your product?

A: Everything has been thought and supervised by me. Of course, I am not a designer and I teamed up with Elie Kuame, a young and promising Ivorian designer, and we worked with the assistance of the HOM team, which has better experience in (designing) underwear lines. You will see some African flavour in the capsule collection. I wanted something for all tastes — classic and more ethnic. I was not involved in the material selection, but made sure everything was done in an ethical manner that was guaranteed by HOM. As for marketing, I guess you have seen that I’ve put myself forward in the advertisement!

Q: Underwear is usually hidden under layers of clothes. Why was it important for you “to design a fashionable men’s underwear range”?

A: You are right. That is the reason I also have T-shirts in the collection. Hopefully, in certain countries, people wear their pants so low that you can see their underwear brand. However, the fact is that underwear is needed by everybody and, for a first try, I felt it was easier to start with an underwear line. If things go well, thanks to (the public’s) support, we will diversify, always with the same spirit to do good and raise funds.

Q: Besides underwear, which other items are important to you?

A: I love fashion. I love jeans, shirts and T-shirts. It all depends on my mood and what I have to do. I just need to feel comfortable wherever I am — that is my key criteria. When I am comfortable, I feel confident.

Q: You are representing Ivory Coast at the World Cup. How special is this opportunity?

A: It is a dream to play in a World Cup tournament in Brazil, you know. Brazil means a lot to African players. Many of us have been inspired by Brazilian players such as Pele, Zico and many more, even (down to) the choice of our nicknames. It will be a real pleasure to be there. We will feel almost (at) home. Zhang Weifang

The range of underwear by Drogba & Co from HOM is available at Takashimaya, Metro Paragon, Robinsons Orchard, Tangs VivoCity and Tangs Orchard. Prices range from S$45 to S$59.