New York Cosmos Execs Dressed by Official Tailor of MLS

New York Cosmos chairman and CEO Paul Kemsley (l) and Cosmos honorary president Pele (r) pose in the backyard of 10 Downing Street in London; the ball may say Umbro, but the suits - provided by the league's official tailored clothier, Hart Schaffner Marx - say MLS. (image source: new york cosmos)

At first glance, the New York Cosmos execs at Old Trafford looked like “Men in Black,” sporting their dark tailored suits. But the iconic (to use the Cosmos’ favorite word) logo over the left breast set these players apart from the rest. That and those neon-green ties, which are so hideous that Eric Cantona couldn’t even bear to wear his for very long.

Pele sporting his Hart Schaffner Marx suit on the pitch at Old Trafford. (image source: new york cosmos)

In case you were wondering if these suits were an extension of Umbro’s Cosmos “Blackout” collection, they are not. These threads are courtesy of Hart Schaffner Marx, the “official tailored clothier” of Major League Soccer. The American label, founded in 1887, also happens to be the official tailor for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. No doubt they are taking Martin Rennie’s measurements at this very moment.

Dressed for a Special Occasion?
While we do not want to engage in any speculation (but, of course, we will), this is the second symbolic step the New York Cosmos have taken this month towards getting in line with Major League Soccer. Earlier this week, the organization announced the closure of its west coast youth academy, which it would not be able to operate once it joins MLS due to league regulations. This could be a coincidence, or a subtle signal that the Cosmos are getting their house in order for a franchise application.

New York Cosmos director of soccer Eric Cantona (l) with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (r) before the match at Old Trafford; Cantona clearly takes a more casual approach to wearing his new Hart Schaffner Marx suit. (image source: new york cosmos)

On top of that, the press release issued by Hart Schaffner Marx on August 9th noted that “the New York Cosmos will play a match in New York City later this fall.” Whether or not the release was approved by the Cosmos organization, clearly someone from the Cosmos had to have mentioned this to them. So, in addition to the match slated for February 25th, 2012 in Las Vegas, be on the lookout for an announcement regarding a game right here in New York City sometime this fall.

The new suits couldn’t have come at a more opportune time, as the Cosmos are clearly gearing up for some big things. And the design is set for the season. No word if there will be an alternate kit – perhaps a neon-green suit with black leather ties?

Also, the outfits are custom-made for the Cosmos executive staff, so unfortunately they won’t be available for sale to the public. Which is a shame, because I think they’d make a killing on the bar mitzvah circuit. After all, if you’ve got to put on a jacket and tie, why not wear your colors!