At pampeano, we have always believed that a pampeano belt should be more than just an accessory. Last year, during the 2025 Rugby Autumn Internationals, pampeano hosted a special giveaway in which the winner would have the opportunity to design a bespoke pampeano belt inspired by the colours of their favourite rugby team.

When our team reached out to Marek, informing him of the win, his response was one of pleasant surprise. “Honestly, I didn’t quite expect it. I’ve never won a giveaway before, so it was a really nice surprise", was his first response.

At first, he waited a moment before mentioning it to friends and family to make sure everything was confirmed. Once he shared the news, the reactions were enthusiastic. As Marek mentioned that his friends are already “exclusively pampeano belt wearers”, the idea of designing a bespoke one felt particularly special.

Marek’s favourite team was England, so his design-your-own belt colours were obvious: red and white. But Marek had a simple request to our team: could I add a hint of blue from the Uruguay flag to the belt colours alongside the red and white?

Why the Uruguay colours? Was our obvious curiosity.

As Marek answered our question, it quickly became clear that Marek’s design was more than just a colour combination. Behind it was a thoughtful story, shaped by personal heritage and the journey that brought him to where he is today.

 

Two flags, one journey

Marek is currently in his fourth year, studying Modern Languages (Spanish and French) in the UK. After returning from his year abroad, one place remains particularly close to his heart: Uruguay.

Originally, his semester at the Universidad de Montevideo was intended simply to improve his Spanish. What it became was something far greater.

He was welcomed into Uruguayan culture not as a foreign student, but as one of their own. He spent Christmas in Punta del Este with a friend’s family, travelled along the coast, and experienced the warmth and sincerity that define the country.

“At the end of my experience, I came to see what Uruguay is truly about, why it’s so special. The people, the sincerity and warmth they must show everyone. I don’t believe you will find another country that has people as brilliant as Uruguay.”

So, when it came to designing his bespoke belt, adding the colours of Uruguay alongside England felt entirely natural.

Even now, Marek maintains his Rioplatense accent and vocabulary, a subtle but meaningful nod to his time there. On his very first day, he asked for a takeaway using standard Spanish: “para llevar”. He was gently corrected to “para shevar”, that distinctive regional pronunciation found across Uruguay and Argentina. It’s these small details that stay with you.

And, of course, during his travels in South America, he noticed something familiar: the iconic pampa diamond belts worn by gauchos, the South American cowboys who inspired pampeano’s signature style. The connection was instant. When he won the prize, Uruguay was the first place his mind returned to.

“England is my home, where my roots are, and the country I’m proud to be from. Especially while England is playing so well (rugby squad)! Being able to wear both these flags' colours on a personal belt makes it feel just that bit more special. It tells a story of who I am and who I’ve become through that journey.”

Designing something personal

For his first time designing a bespoke pampeano belt using the Design Your Own Belt tool, Marek described the experience as smooth, if slightly intense.

“It was a clean experience. I enjoyed it at the start… until I started to overthink every option!”

With so many colour combinations and patterns available, he wanted every detail to be perfect. After experimenting with different styles, he landed on a design he cannot wait to wear everywhere.

Marek has always appreciated bespoke pieces. To him, custom-made items carry deeper meaning. This belt is no exception. It’s not simply a combination of colours; it’s a visual representation of his journey and identity.

Rugby, family, and wearing your colours

Though he jokes that he was “never any good” at playing rugby (rowing was more his sport), his love for watching it runs deep, particularly alongside his father.

Marek says some of his favourite memories are of watching England play together. The last match he saw live was England vs France, just before he left for the second part of his year abroad in France, and England won. Moments like that stay with you.

Wearing England’s colours on his belt allows him to carry that connection with him. Combined with Uruguay’s, it tells the story of where he comes from and who he has become.

Marek was aware of pampeano long before the giveaway. In fact, he laughs that almost everyone in his friendship group already owns one of our belts. They are, in his words, “such great quality and perfect for many occasions, whether it’s a casual day out or going into the office”.

Craftsmanship that stands out. Character in every stitch. And when designed with intention, a piece that becomes entirely your own.

Marek’s bespoke pampeano belt is more than leather and thread. It’s England and Uruguay. Family and friendship. Rugby matches and coastal summers. A reminder that style, at its best, tells your story.