He’s the AFL hot-shot who is married to one of Australia’s most successful models.
But while it’s usually his wife Jesinta Campbell who is recognised for her love of fashion, it’s Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin’s sartorial journey that has caught the attention of fans in recent years.
Having debuted a new pair of hipster-inspired spectacles this week, it’s clear that the rugby star has enjoyed quite the style evolution since he started dating five years ago.
Won’t lose him in a crowd! It’s clear that Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin, 30, has enjoyed quite the style evolution since he started dating five years ago (pictured November 2017)
Buddy’s first major foray into the world of fashion took place in 2009 when he launched his debut fashion brand Nene and Pasadena.
The street-wear brand sparked controversy at the time thanks to its use of explicit images of naked women in print designs and advertising material.
In 2012, AFL bosses slammed Buddy for his involvement in the fashion line, with corporate affairs manager James Tonkin telling the Herald Sun: ‘We consider it inappropriate and inconsistent with our respect and responsibility policy and we’ll be considering our options.
Buddy’s first major foray into the world of fashion took place in 2009 when he launched his debut fashion brand Nene and Pasadena (pictured wearing a shirt by Nene and Pasadena on the red carpet with ex-girlfriend Kasia Z 2010)
Sparking controversy: The street-wear brand sparked controversy at the time thanks to its use of explicit images of naked women in print designs and advertising material
Suited and booted! Meanwhile, Buddy was moving up the ranks in the fashion world, having starred in fashion campaigns for menswear brand Politix between 2014 and 2016
Meanwhile, Buddy was moving up the ranks in the fashion world, having starred in fashion campaigns for menswear brand Politix between 2014 and 2016.
Perhaps following in Jestinta’s footsteps, Buddy was seen posing up a storm in an array of schmick suits and trendy apparel by the popular label.
‘I wouldn’t say I feel too comfortable [being a model] but it’s a little bit of fun,’ he said in a statement released by Politix in June 2015.
Style king: Speaking of his own fashion style, Buddy said in a statement released by Politix: ‘I wear a lot of jackets, beanies and hoodies. I’m a winter person’
‘You’ve got to enjoy doing something outside of footy. But it’s not a second job for me.’
Speaking of his own fashion style, Buddy went on: ‘I really love winter, probably because of living in Melbourne for so long.’
‘I wear a lot of jackets, beanies and hoodies. I’m a winter person,’ said the former Hawks champion.
Nice kicks! Buddy was also developing a penchant for acquiring fancy footwear, taking to Instagram in to share a photo of his brand new orange-hued Balenciaga kicks in May 2015
Can’t win ’em all! Buddy donned this bizarre unitard ensemble in 2016
Buddy was also developing a penchant for acquiring fancy footwear, taking to Instagram in to share a photo of his brand new orange-hued Balenciaga kicks in May 2015.
In November 2016, Buddy’s delved deeper into the world of high-end designer fashion when he donned a Hugo Boss suit at his wedding.
While it was no surprise glamazon Jesinta decided to sport a Vera Wang gown for the lavish affair, it was Buddy’s chic ensemble that thrilled fans.
Looking sleek! While it was no surprise glamazon Jesinta decided to sport a Vera Wang gown for the lavish affair, it was Buddy’s chic ensemble that thrilled fans
Pricey garbs: He was spotted looking decidedly chic in an eye-popping Gucci sweater, worth $1,350, during a low-key lunch date with Jesinta in July 2017
In June 2017, Buddy reached new heights when he starred in a campaign for Dior’s perfume Sauvage Very Cool Spray.
Indeed, a month later he was spotted looking decidedly chic in an eye-popping Gucci sweater, worth $1,350, during a low-key lunch date with Jesinta.
The Swans player opted for a relaxed look in black tracksuit trousers and white Yeezy Boost sneakers paired with the ritzy sweater.
Think pink! Buddy shared this photo of his newly unboxed Pink Givenchy sneakers this week
Recently speaking to Men’s Health about his newly-honed sartorial senses, Buddy advised: ‘I think for men it’s about keeping it simple with your basics and finding key pieces each season that make a statement.
‘Invest in some good hoodies and jumpers,’ he says. ‘I like to wear mine with a leather or denim jacket.’
‘I only buy loose fitting t-shirts and have a good supply of long sleeved polos.’
Dishing out advice! Recently speaking to Men’s Health about his newly-honed sartorial senses, Buddy advised: ‘I think for men it’s about keeping it simple with your basics and finding key pieces each season that make a statement’