A curious thing happened at the 2018 World Cup. Thanks to his ever-present M&S waistcoat, England manager Gareth Southgate became that summer’s unlikeliest of influencers. And like all good influencers, he had selling power; sales of the style promptly soared at M&S as a result.
Alas, The Waistcoat™ has been benched for the Euro 2020 tournament. Yet, so far England’s winning streak continues. So, could it be that he has another lucky charm to hand? Eagle-eyed viewers believe so.
For every Euros match, Southgate has been wearing his Linear men’s friendship bracelet by jewellery designer Monica Vinader (the brand and style favoured by Meghan Markle). With its woven bracelet and simple silver tag, Southgate’s version retails for £100 and although it is currently sold out online (it wasn’t yesterday, FYI, remember what I said about selling power?John Lewis also reports that sales of polka dot ties – another current Southgate signature – are up 100% right now).
Now, Southgate - understated, humble, considered - doesn't strike me as a 'man jewellery' kind of guy. However, this falls into the subtle and sentimental, rather than the blingy and obvious, category. It might not have garnered the same thirsty coverage as Jack Grealish’s curtains (guilty, but unapologetic!), but according to many – it is has just as much talismanic power.
‘Gareth has been wearing our [bracelet] at England's matches since the World Cup in 2018, which we were thrilled to see,’ says Vinader. ‘At this year's Euros tournament, we noticed that the bracelet was pride of place on his wrist for every game - and their winning streak hasn't stopped yet! I love how his family gave it to him with a personal engraved message - I can't help but think it's become a lucky charm!’
Whether it is or not, let’s not risk it. So, finally, a kind request to Mr Southgate: don’t forget to wear it this evening.
SEE MORE: Meghan Markle's Favourite Piece Of Jewellery Is A £125 Bracelet From A Beloved High Street Brand
SEE: Meghan Markle's Jewellery With Hidden Meanings
1 of 5Suetables, Shirley Horoscope Necklace
Interestingly, the most common zodiac sign amongst the royal family is the Queen's sign – Taurus, which she shares with her three youngest great-grandchildren, including baby Archie. Meghan wore this necklace bearing Archie's sign in tribute to her son. Here Meghan is wearing two necklaces, each nodding to Harry and Archie's star sign – virgo and taurus.You can buy the second necklace here.
2 of 5Jennifer Meyer, 18-karat gold turquoise necklace
Meghan chose to wear this dainty Jennifer Meyer necklace in her first appearance after giving birth. The necklace holds three, small turquoise stones. Maybe it's a happy coincidence, but turquoise is believed to be a 'master healer' and when worn on the chest, it delivers a healing energy throughout the body.
3 of 5Mini Mini Jewels, Diamond Accented Dog Tag Initial Pendant Necklace
This necklace Meghan wore to the US open paid another tribute to baby Archie and Harry. The gold chain looks simple at first, but on closer inspection the tags are engraved with a H for Harry and an A for Archie.
4 of 5Edge Of Ember, Visionary Charm Necklace
Recently, Meghan volunteered some time to speak with her patronage Smart Works, and in the clip can be seen wearing this evil eye pendant which, according to its maker, 'bears a blue topaz evil eye to protects its wearer from negative vibes.'At this time Meghan had just announced that she was stepping down from her royal duties.
5 of 5Jennifer Meyer, Diamond Mini Uppercase Letter Necklace
Another Jennifer Meyer necklace, this time dedicated solely to her newborn son at the time, Archie. The delicate and subtle A was a tribute to her baby boy.