I have an inkling that a cool, minty color trend is on its way. I’m not looking to the fashion runways or the streets of New York and and L.A. to confirm this, though—I’m getting it from my beloved game of football (er, soccer).
In many sports, but soccer specifically for the purpose of this blog post, each team has what is called a third kit (or a third jersey). It’s an extra jersey to be worn in instances that, home or away, its colors can easily be confused with the opposing team. The third jersey’s been around since as early as the 1930s in English football, and other club leagues have joined in since.
I like the third kit because it’s sort of the “fun” one. It’s always a wackadoodle color—or at least, that has been the case lately—that really has nothing to do with the team’s colors. I have no idea how they choose what they do, but the result is always interesting.
As the 2018–19 season begins, club teams have unveiled their uniforms, including the third kit. It’s probably coincidental, but a number of teams have opted to go the way of minty green and blue.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmDgCMUjclg/
Via: @arsenal
Arsenal’s third jersey is what they’re calling a turquoise, but I say it’s mint. Like a darker, richer mint, but mint all the same.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmAhXasAPuM/
Via: @officialafcb
Also in the Premiere League, AFC Bournemouth is looking minty fresh, too.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Blas9UzAa-c/?taken-by=fcbayern
Via: @fcbayern
Bayern Munich (my team!) has gone super minty, even utilizing the hashtag #MintyFresh in its reveal.
There are even more examples, but it’s time we get to the jewelry, shall we? You may be wondering what any of this has to do with the jewelry industry, as if gemstones and football could ever influence each another. But the thing is, soccer is growing in popularity here in the states (despite the fact that American viewership of the World Cup was down). Sports does have an effect on the fashion world (think athleisure) and vice versa.
If nothing else, the unveiling of these kits reminds me that shades of mint—whether green or blue or even gray—are quite appealing in many ways, so my interest in seeing more is definitely piqued. In its softest instances, these colors can be very versatile regardless of the season, and they pair well with many other colors, too (Arsenal’s navy blue and FC Bayern’s deep, muddy purple, which is an awesome shade for fall).
I don’t know that we should be banking on FIFA to set the tone for the hottest gemstone sales of the season, but on looks alone, these jewels should be pretty irresistible to shoppers, football fans or not.
Top: Green Goddess ring in 18k yellow gold with 3.65 ct. John Dyer ZigZag-cut Afghan tourmaline and 0.26 ct. t.w. diamonds, $13,350; Pamela Froman
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