Katie Grand Partners With Fila In Celebration Of The Brand's 110th Anniversary

published on 12 February 2021

To highlight the history behind the much loved Italian sportswear brand, renowned stylist Katie Grand has collaborated with Fila to launch a special collection for their 110th anniversary.

To highlight the history behind the much loved Italian sportswear brand, renowned stylist Katie Grand has collaborated with Fila to launch a special collection for their 110th anniversary.

Marking their 110th anniversary, Fila has chosen to collaborate with none other than fashion's beloved stylist, Katie Grand. Uniting the brand's past with its present, Grand immersed herself in Fila's archives, located in Biella, to draw out her favourite pieces reimagining them for the launch, connecting the past with the present. Examining everything from Fila's original 80s trainer designs to sketches from the brand's debut creative director Pierluigi Rolando, Grand managed to draw direct inspiration from the brand's heritage while also injecting a modern taste.

Katie Grand said of her experience in Fila's archives, 'Fila is one of most enduring sportswear brands in existence and their archive is phenomenal and extensive. With shoes dating back to the Eighties and the most amazing books full of illustrations by the designer Pierluigi Rolando - shelf upon shelf of them - it was super inspiring.'

Created in Biella, Piedmont, Italy in 1911, the brand initially made clothing for those who lived in the Italian Alps - largely underwear. With the help of tennis player Björn Borg thanks to an endorsement deal, Fila slowly moved into sportswear in the 1970s for which they are now primarily known for now. Reflecting on the history of Italy's first-ever global sportswear brand, Fila chairman Gene Yoon commented, 'Fila's spirit of innovation has guided the brand for the last 110 years, throughout our storied history, Fila's evolution has been fuelled by creativity in design, performance and style. The brand has always stood out for being bold, authentic and fearless. Our rich heritage includes unforgettable moments, epic victories and legendary individuals who transformed sports and fashion. We will celebrate this milestone and Fila's worldwide accomplishments throughout the year, beginning with a partnership with Katie Grand. This project will honour our legacy while modernising iconic pieces for all generations of Fila fans.'

Katie Grand

The collection designed between Grand and Fila will launch during Milan Fashion Week with a collection video, documenting the collaboration in its entirety. Alongside the video, Fila will also launch an interactive site that will further examine the brand’s influence in sport and style. Visitors to the site will embark on a journey, beginning with a timeline that traces the evolution of the sportswear brand, allowing them to relive and experience the Fila universe through a selection of archive photographs and video footage.

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Stylist Katie Grand; one of 200 cultural icons captured by Nick Knight for the 30th anniversary issue of i-D magazine.
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