Former Victoria’s Secret Angel Erin Heatherton Talks Football, Fashion and Chicago Hometown Pride

I’ve never been to a football game in my life, but when the folks over at the National Football League invited me and my honey to go to a game, I couldn’t refuse. And we were in fine company. Hanging out with our group was former Victoria’s Secret Angel Erin Heatherton, who shows off a different label these days modeling Chicago Bears gear as part of the 2016 NFL Women’s Apparel Collection.

Despite the frigid weather, Heatherton sported a chic ensemble complete with a  Chicago Bears Long Sleeve T-Shirt with a leather jacket layered beneath a black shaggy coat at the New York Giants vs. Chicago Bears game at MetLife Stadium. We, on the other hand sat freezing under layers of gear and huddled under a plush blankie (with Giants logo and team colors, of course!). Lest you think we were suffering through the game, we also had access to a very fancy VIP suite and far too much food and drink.

Team spirit is a fascinating thing. My mild-mannered fella is a somewhat rabid lifelong Giants fan but I’ve never quite felt the pull. Being in the stadium with tens of thousands of football fans was an amazing experience and not just because our team won (Go, Giants!!!). There’s far too much negativity in the world these days and rooting for the same team was a powerful unifying factor. No one cared whether someone was a Democrat or Republican or came from a red or blue state. The only colors that mattered were team colors and I made sure to come to the game decked out in my finest red and blue.

Meanwhile, diehard football fan Heatherton answered some questions about her love of sports and combining it with fashion and showing pride for her beloved Bears.

For what is considered by many to be a sport mostly followed by men, are people surprised to know you’re a football fan?

I think women enjoy football as much as men— especially because sports bring families, couples and people from all walks of life together. The Northwest and the NFL Women’s Apparel Collection make it so much fun to participate in supporting your team in style. It’s all about hometown pride.

What do you love about the Bears (or is it a Chicago thing?) and how does it make you feel to show off your team spirit with your clothes?

It’s definitely both. I grew up with parents that are huge sports fans, and Chicago is a huge sports city, so I grew up with the Bears. I’ve watched the games since I was young, and I remember always being so excited to do that while wearing Bears clothing. I think they have the best logo. There is something that I cherish about showing off my hometown pride. People notice that I’m from Chicago, and it totally bonds us. Overall, it’s just great to represent your hometown, and because fashion should say something about who you are, nothing does that for me more than my football team.

Any tips for pairing team items with your regular daytime clothes?

I love repping my team all year round, especially with my regular daytime clothing. I wear my Bears apparel out to brunch, to work outs…everywhere! Coming from the fashion world, I think fashion is all about self-expression, and with NFL Apparel, I can show my personal style and support for my team at the same time. It’s the best of both worlds.

In terms of tips, I’d just say be yourself. Whatever your style is, own it. I just love being able to mix and match my Bears apparel with my regular clothing.

Anything you’d like to add?

Go Bears!!!