Fila

Sportswear giant Fila was established in Biella, Italy in 1911, in the foothills of the Italian Alps. A leader in athletic shoes, apparel and accessories, Fila champions Italian heritage design while pushing the boundaries of contemporary, globally-relevant performance wear.

Acquired and operated by Fila Korea from Sports Brand International in the U.S., Fila was once a modest family-run quality textile business in 1911. The company was established in Biella Piedmont in Italy by brothers Ettore and Giansevero Fila. Interestingly, in the early days it made apparel for people in the Alps in Northern Italy, primarily knitwear and underwear. After years of establishing the fashion brand as a provider of quality clothing, it merged with Fila Fratelli. Giansevero Fila hired Enrico Frachey as Managing Director in 1968 and launched Fila into the world of athletics.

Frachey hired artistic designer Pier Luigi Rolando and engineering director Alessandro Galliano and their first sportswear collection titled 'White Line' debuted in 1973. During this time, tennis rose to international prominence as a form of individual expression and Fila inked an endorsement deal with legendary player Björn Borg. Borg was a rage after winning five Wimbledon titles and fans who come to see him play mostly wore his iconic Fila gear. Since, the brand expanded its portfolio to include apparel for golf, running, baseball, football, motor sports and compression wear. While its technical processes were at the forefront of athletic design, the brand remained rooted in its Italian aesthetic. Outfitting athletes like Grant Hill, Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Chriss Webber, Tom Watson; Reinhold Messner and Kim Clijsters contributed to its worldwide popularity and Fila became a force to reckon with on the global sports goods map. Since, the brand focused on shoes, polo shirts and sweatshirts in bright colours and bold silhouettes.

Sadly the brand plummeted in the Nineties. In 2007 Italian owner Holding di Partecipazioni sold the company to U.S.-based hedge fund Cerberus Capital Management, which owned Fila through holding company Sports Brands International. It operated Fila businesses worldwide with the exception of Fila Korea. In January 2007 the brand and all its international subsidiaries were acquired by Fila Korea for reported $400 million. 

The same year, Fila collaborated with Global Leading Brands House — a fashion organization that helps companies develop high-end fashion products — and set up its headquarters in Milan. In 2009, Chinese sportswear company Anta Sports Products Limited acquired Fila. Fila filed for IPO and entered the stock market in October 2010. In May 2011, Fila Korea acquired global golf equipment brand Acushnet Company for reported $1.23 billion. 

Yoon Geun-chang became CEO of Fila Holdings Corp. in 2018. He has served as CFO and Executive VP of the Strategic Planning and Footwear Division of Fila from July 2016 until March 2018. And has also served multiple roles including Manager of Footwear Sourcing, VP and CFO of Fila North America as well as other Fila affiliations from February 2009 until October 2016. 

In 2018 Fila signed Tennis legend Björn Borg's fifteen -year- old son. The sponsorship agreement will have Leo in the brand's apparel and footwear both on and off the court and will be featured in advertising starting in 2019. "We are thrilled to partner with Leo as we continue our commitment to the next generation of tennis players" Gene Yoon- global chairman at Fila- said in a statement. "As the newest member of the Fila family, we are excited to support Leo as he strives to leave his own mark on the game."

Fila continues to give wearers a retro feel till date with its unique, sleek designs and usage of cutting-edge material. It may no longer be the behemoth it used to be but the sports goods brand can never be taken off a sneakerhead's to-do list.

Fila is dedicated to inspiring people to live an active lifestyle by providing quality, performance and style in all their products.  Their mission is to create sportswear and footwear that not only meets the demands of athletic performance but also reflects contemporary fashion trends. Whether through high-performance gear for professional athletes or casual apparel for everyday use, Fila seeks to motivate individuals to stay active and confident in their personal style. By combining cutting-edge technology with sleek, modern designs, Fila consistently delivers products that support a healthy and active lifestyle.

A key aspect of Fila's mission is its commitment to maintaining a lasting impact on the world of fashion. The sportswear brand’s unique ability to transcend traditional sportswear boundaries allows them to influence not only the athletic world but also global fashion trends. Fila’s iconic designs often bridge the gap between functional sports gear and street style, making their products versatile for both athletic pursuits and casual wear. Through ongoing collaborations with fashion designers and athletes alike, Fila continues to innovate, ensuring that their collections remain relevant in the fast-evolving landscape of fashion.

Innovation is central to Fila’s mission, as the brand continuously strives to develop new designs and products that enhance both performance and aesthetic appeal. They focus on incorporating advanced materials and technologies into their sports goods to elevate the experience of athletes and active individuals. Fila’s dedication to creativity and progress ensures that their offerings evolve with the needs of consumers while maintaining the brand’s core values of quality and style. By balancing innovation with tradition, Fila remains a driving force in both the sports and fashion industries, inspiring people to push boundaries and live their best, active lives.

Fila envisions itself as a global leader in the sportswear and lifestyle market, inspiring people of all ages to embrace an active lifestyle. The brand is committed to creating products that empower individuals to pursue their fitness goals while maintaining a sense of style. By merging performance with fashion, Fila aims to be at the forefront of the industry, influencing consumers worldwide to lead healthier, dynamic lives.

At the heart of Fila’s vision is a dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. The brand strives to make high-quality sportswear and gear available to everyone, regardless of background or ability. By celebrating diversity and ensuring that their products cater to a broad audience, Fila seeks to foster a community that values both personal fitness and individual expression.

Fila’s core vision also centers on innovation and excellence. The team consistently designs apparel and gear with superior performance, ensuring that their products meet the evolving needs of athletes and active individuals alike. Through continuous innovation and a commitment to quality, Fila aims to inspire consumers globally, setting new standards in both sportswear and lifestyle markets.

Fila has won numerous awards including Design Award for Fashion for the Fila Disruptor II in 2018 and the European Design Award for their Fila Flame collection in 2020. It was also the first Korean fashion company to be titled "2023 Top-Rated ESG Companies" (Asia-Pacific region) by Sustainalytics.

Fila retails performance wear for both men and women. Their product line includes performance-driven sportswear, footwear, and accessories, all crafted with high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology. From running shoes to activewear, Fila’s designs emphasize comfort, durability, and style, catering to individuals who want to perform their best while looking good.

In addition to athletic gear, Fila’s lifestyle collections bring sports-inspired fashion to everyday wear. The brand’s casual apparel, including t-shirts, hoodies, and sneakers, is known for its sleek, contemporary aesthetic. By integrating fashion trends with sportswear functionality, Fila ensures that their products are versatile, appealing to a broad audience looking for both comfort and style in their daily wardrobe.

Fila also offers customization services, allowing consumers to personalize select products with colors, designs, or logos of their choice. This service reflects Fila’s commitment to individuality and personal expression, further solidifying its presence in the lifestyle market. With a focus on innovation, versatility, and inclusivity, Fila continues to provide products that inspire active and stylish living.