New Paul Galvin fashion line inspired by former Barcelona managers Pep Guardiola and Patrick O’Connell

Barcelona might have looked a little threadbare in the world’s fashion capital this week, but Paul Galvin is rewinding to happier days to celebrate the club’s enduring sense of style

Paul Galvin exclusively for Dunnes Stores SpringSummer 2017. Blazer, €80; Charcoal crew neck knitwear, €35; Blue stripe shirt, €35; Suit trousers, €40. Pic: Lee Malone

’MISTER’, Galvin’s new menswear collection, is inspired by former Barcelona managers Pep Guardiola and Patrick O’Connell. Guardiola’s dapper style and phenomenal success is familiar, but Galvin has been personally struck by the story of Dubliner O’Connell, who had a controversial spell at Manchester United before winning La Liga with Real Betis and Barcelona. Sadly, he later died in poverty in London.

“Patrick’s story is so rich in many ways,” Galvin says. “Even the fact that an Irishman had won La Liga with a club like Betis, or was managing Barcelona. If that happened today he would be on a multimillion euro contract. That he died in the way he did was such a huge contrast. From a visual aspect [O’Connell] looked very distinctive, he had quite a distinct style, and he was an interesting looking guy.”