Some clubs look to history. Others celebrate the city itself.
Deportivo Alavés have headed for the vineyards.
Their new away kit pays tribute to Rioja Alavesa, the renowned Basque wine region famous for its distinctive landscape, rolling vineyards and world-class wines. Launching the shirt among the vines feels entirely fitting.
The inspiration comes through without being overdone.
Across the dark base sits a muted pink topographic pattern, mapping the undulating hills that define the region. It’s a clever way of referencing the landscape rather than relying on more obvious vineyard imagery, and the contrast between the deep base and softer pink gives the shirt its identity.
The monochrome club crest and sponsor help keep the focus where it belongs. Rather than competing with the pattern, they blend neatly into the design and allow the landscape-inspired graphics to do the talking.
There’s also a subtle nod to home on the back of the neck, where the Basque flag reinforces the club’s regional identity.
It’s a shirt that raises an interesting question.
When clubs celebrate local culture, is subtle storytelling more effective than making the inspiration immediately obvious?
Alavés have certainly leaned towards the understated approach here, and the result feels refined rather than forced.
One that should age rather well.
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