Last Friday, Jun 9, 2006, was the opening of the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. And as the soccer craze nears its fever pitch, even veteran fashion designers like Gianfranco Ferré, cannot help himself, but join in the fun.

“I confess that I have stolen ideas and inspiration, style and materials, properties and technical solutions from the world of sport. Season after season, I have reinterpreted them and adapted them to suit the various categories of urban fashion,” said Gianfranco Ferré in a statement as he introduced his latest creation, the “ME X 32” shirts inspired by the World Cup tournament.

‘ME X 32’ – a collection of 32 T-shirts inspired by the nations taking part in the Football World Cup. Created with ironic yet original interpretations of their symbols, flags and national characteristics, the ‘ME X 32’ series is unmistakably Gianfranco Ferré.

Contrasting elements were converged into an iconographic leitmotif resulting to an enigmatic silhouette that is surprisingly fun yet makes you stop and think, verging on almost philosophical.

With Diadora’s technical expertise, the shirts are in active, breathable and moisture wicking fabric. They have no seams and are heat-bonded, and are available in spontaneous white and black.

Yet, having fun was not the only thing in Gianfranco Ferré’s mind when he designed the ‘ME X 32’ collection. He was also thinking of ‘Baby nel Cuore,’ a non-profit organization that supports children in need around the world by raising funds for aid initiatives and solidarity projects to provide food, medicine and education.

As planned, the T-shirts for the “ME X 32” project will be on sale to the public at a series of exhibitions where they can be purchased at a price of 1000 euros each, to raise funds for an important cause: the work undertaken by “Baby nel Cuore.’

The first exhibition will be in Florence: ME X 32 Spazio Ferré Palazzo Navone Via della Vigna Nuova 2R Date: Jun 23 and 24, 2006 Hours: 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM Open to the public	Cocktail opening (by invitation only) Thursday 22nd of June 2006 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
The second exhibition will be in Milan: ME X 32 Gianfranco Ferré Boutique Via Sant’Andrea 15 Date: Jun 27 and 28, 2006 Hours: 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM Open to the public	Cocktail opening (by invitation only) Monday 26th of June 2006 6:00 PM to 12:00 MN