Over the next few days we'll be rolling out interviews with each of the five #cf97ThirdKit finalists asking for the inspiration and unique qualities of their entries.
Earlier today we spoke to Option 1 Designer Mike Sever. Below are the responses from Option 2 Designer Danny Carlino...
What was the inspiration behind your design?
My design is inspired by the Chicago municipal flag. Ever since the Fire had a flag themed jersey in 2005, fans have clamored for another one. That one was light blue with the four stars across the chest and the flag opposite the team badge. Ever since then I’ve been tinkering with ideas for a new adaptation of such a jersey. I liked the idea of making this one predominantly white with light blue trim so as to give that concept a new look.
What do you feel is unique about your design?
The Chicago municipal flag is beautiful in its simplicity. I tried to make sure that every part of the jersey reflects the Chicago flag and accentuate that beauty and simplicity. I went with a white jersey not only to differentiate from the 2005 iteration of Fire 3rd kit, but to also reflect the white background of the flag itself. The two blue stripes across the chest replicate those on the flag. I placed the Quaker sponsor logo in between the two stripes. I knew some fans might have an issue with the Quaker logo taking the place on the jersey where the four red stars from the flag would typically go. To help remedy that, I used a red Quaker logo to keep the flag’s color scheme. The fact that Quaker is a Chicago-based company, has an over century-long history with the city, and is supporting our club should make that aspect more acceptable.
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With that, I still had to find a place to put the stars because without them, it can’t be an authentic flag jersey. I placed the four stars along the right collar bone parallel to the adidas stripes and a full Chicago flag on the lower left hem of the jersey. I wanted the flag to be represented as much as possible, so I made the adidas stripes along the shoulder white with the light blue in between to represent the three white areas of the flag with the two light blue stripes in between. The sleeves also reflect the flag with the area where the MLS and American flag patches being white while bordered by the light blue shoulders and cuffs.
The back of the jersey also features two elements that have never appeared on a Fire kit. The number “1871” appears in red in the traditional Fire font just below the collar to represent the year of the Great Chicago Fire for which the club is named. Below that is the seal of the city that features the date of incorporation of March 4, 1837 as well as the Latin motto “Urbs In Horto,” which means “City In A Garden.”
While not pictured, I’d also like to have the name and number on the jersey printed in red to keep in line with the red accents of the stars, the Quaker logo, and the 1871.
What would it mean for your design to be chosen as the club's third kit?
You want there to be an emotional attachment to the club’s jersey. If you’re designing it yourself as a team supporter before there was even a team, that emotion increases immensely. I’ve been fiddling with logo and jersey ideas before the Fire even officially had that moniker. Let’s just say this process may have been more difficult had the team actually been named the “Rhythm.”
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After the 2005 flag jersey, I’ve designed several versions even buying adidas jerseys that fit the color scheme and putting patches on it so I could have one of my own. Just having adidas produce my design is a thrill. The thought of the club walking out of the tunnel at Toyota Park on a sun drenched day, seeing them earn three points, celebrating with Section 8, playing a big international club in a friendly, and ultimately raising a cup in that kit truly gives me chills. I appreciate your support in making my dream our reality in this third kit.
