Fred Perry x Kris Van Assche - where classic meets modern
When we think of classic British sportswear, one name immediately comes to mind - Fred Perry. A brand that has been blending elegance with a laid-back attitude since 1952, inspiring generations of young people along the way. This time, the legendary brand has joined forces with Kris Van Assche, a Belgian designer whose journey through the world of fashion is as fascinating as it is diverse. The result is a collection of 13 standout pieces that balance sporty ease with refined elegance.
Van Assche admits that Fred Perry has been present in his sketches and designs almost from the very beginning. Back when he was working on his own label, and later at Dior Homme, polo shirts and tennis footwear from the British brand were a constant source of inspiration. Sport and various youth subcultures have always been my main sources of inspiration
, the designer explains.
Photo: Fred Perry x Kris Van Assche / Alasdair McLellan / Mauricio Nardi
Flowers, tailoring and first encounters with elegance
This collection is more than a refreshed take on classic styles. It tells a story of transition - from youthful nonchalance to mature elegance. Van Assche weaves his personal inspirations into the designs: photographs of flowers appear on pin badges that bring polos and caps to life. These subtle details symbolise moments of change - from tracksuits to tailoring, from school days to first dates. A tie paired with a polo shirt is a small symbol of youthful transitions. I like to romanticise those experiences.
, the designer admits.
Clear nods to heritage are also present: the collection includes a striped track jacket, track pants, a sporty skirt, as well as a casual blazer, shorts and a sweater in a traditional pattern. All designed to blur the line between sportswear and formal style, while injecting classic pieces with fresh energy.
Photo: Fred Perry x Kris Van Assche / Alasdair McLellan / Mauricio Nardi
A meeting of two worlds
The designer, who also gained experience at Berluti, highlights that visiting the Fred Perry archives was a dream come true. Discoveries such as floral-patterned knitwear allowed him to rework classic elements in a new way. He is equally fascinated by the story of Fred Perry himself - a working-class sportsman for whom clothing became a tool of identity and self-expression. It’s incredibly inspiring that clothing can be more than just functional
, says Van Assche.
Fred Perry, in turn, appreciated the Belgian designer’s rebellious spirit and his ability to balance rule-breaking with respect for the brand’s DNA. Kris Van Assche proves that it’s possible to push the boundaries between formal and casual without losing a brand’s identity - creating something that feels fresh yet authentic.
Minimalism and precision across 13 pieces
As the designer himself notes, limiting the collection to just 13 products was a challenge. Every detail had to be refined, every cut aligned with the project’s vision. That’s exactly what gives the collection its strength - bringing together the heritage of Fred Perry with Van Assche’s personal aesthetic, resulting in a compelling mix of respect, creativity and precision.
The collection will debut on February 19 in selected Fred Perry stores across Europe, as well as in Tokyo, Shanghai, Delhi and Sydney. Prices range from €80 to €450, but the true value lies in the meeting of two worlds that, while different, fit together perfectly.
Photo: Fred Perry x Kris Van Assche / Alasdair McLellan / Mauricio Nardi
Photo: Fred Perry x Kris Van Assche / Alasdair McLellan / Mauricio Nardi
