Myles Lewis-Skelly made a statement far beyond the pitch this week as he walked the runway for Wales Bonner’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection. The Arsenal midfielder swapped football boots for high fashion, bringing his natural composure and charisma to a collection that effortlessly merges sport and culture.
Paris Fashion Week has seen some of football’s biggest names pull up to get involved, whether it’s watching from the side or immersing in the show. Their presence signals a shift in how we view the modern footballer – not just as performers on pitch but as identities and personalities. Whether it’s Héctor Bellerín in custom tailoring or Leah Williamson front row at Dior, these appearances are challenging outdated norms of masculinity, elevating visibility for women in sport, and blurring the lines between kit and couture. The latest to dip a toe into the fashion world is Myles Lews-Skelly, as he walked the Wales Bonner SS26 show in Paris this week. The young England and Arsenal star stepped off the pitch this off-season and straight onto the runway, making his debut appearance out on the catwalk just months after his international debut. After a breakout season for club and country, this is just the next step in Myles Lewis-Skelly journey to become a cultural icon for the next gen of ballers.
The show, set against a backdrop of Afro-Atlantic heritage and contemporary tailoring, was a seamless canvas for MLS, who’s natural presence made the debut seem effortless. Styled in the brand’s signature fusion of tailoring and athleticism, he stood as a symbol of a new era – one where athletes and not just symbols of athleticism, but ambassadors of expression, identity and style. It’s safe to say Lewis-Skelly looks just as confident on the catwalk as he does in the Premier League. The collection itself was a celebration of a decade of visionary design and refined elegance, infused with history and soul. The collaboration with Y-3, featuring technical jackets, reimagined field shoes and tracksuit bottoms, further confirmed Wales Bonner’s place in the sports-luxe industry as they continue to pave the way for other fashion labels. A stunning collection to say the least.
Global music stars Dave and Steve Lacy were also in attendance of the show, alongside other A-list celebs and football icons, once again highlighting the growing cultural influence of a new generation which is unafraid to glide between worlds. We are so here for it.
Watch this space to see other footballers make the jump from football to fashion...
