DAVID BECKHAM has one and so does Rio Ferdinand, but there’s a new footballer on the fashion block – Alex Rodman has his own clothing line too.
When the Gateshead attacker isn’t giving his all for the Heed’s promotion push, he’s working with his brother Charlie on the latest trends.
Their brand Pretty Boy is going down a storm in Non-League changing rooms. From t-shirts to hoodies and beanie hats, Rodman has got it covered.
What started out as a bit of fun alongside the main custom t-shirt design businesses he co-owns with his brother and dad – Doodletogs, Sunny Tees and Freshly Baked gifts – has now really taken off.
Reality TV stars and MTV presenters have been seen wearing their gear and Rodman is excited where what started as a bit of fun might lead.
“Doodletogs, where you can design any t-shirt you want, is my brother’s full-time job so really we’d already got everything in place,” said Rodman, who thought up the idea with his brother while designing a t-shirt for himself.
“We built a website – iamprettyboy.com – and a proper product range. It’s taken about 18 months to get everything – the range, the materials – absolutely spot on.
“Together we just see the way fashion trends are going or see what we think will be popular and go from there.
“It’s trying to be acutely aware of everything now and what people are wearing. A couple of years ago you might just think, ‘Oh that’s decent’, but every time I see something now I think, ‘How can we incorporate that?’
“It’s a strange one. I didn’t have a passion for it before but now I am involved it is really exciting.
“Football will always be my main focus and will always come first. This is something on the side and it’s nice it’s going so well.”
Rodman’s team-mates Andrai Jones, Michael Rankine, Rob Ramshaw, Phil Turnbull, JJ O’Donnell and Ryan Wilson were model pros for a photo-shoot with The NLP.
“A few of them fancy themselves as full-time models but I’m not so sure about that,” Rodman, 27, said. “The good thing is every club I’ve been at quite a few of the lads have had some of the gear. I don’t push it but it’s nice when they really like it and want to buy it.”
Promotion is Rodman and Gateshead’s ultimate goal this season – but they are also hoping to fashion an FA Cup run.
This afternoon they travel to Evo-Stik NPL South Norton United determined not to slip-up.
“It’s at their place and we need to be aware they’ll be giving it absolutely everything,” Rodman said. “But if we apply ourselves completely we’ll hopefully come through it.”
*This article first appeared in the NLP on Sunday, November 9
