Fila+, the latest diffusion line from Fila headed up by Palace co-founder Lev Tanju has just released its debut collection.
Considering the current trends of retro soccer jerseys and adidas Sambas, it’s only fair that a founding father of casual active gear such as Fila gets its due. The longstanding staple of the sportswear scene rose to prominence in the 1980s when European brands flooded overseas markets thanks to fashion forward football fans.
In the spirit of this, Tanju has journeyed into Fila’s vast archives to reimagine the brands’ Northern Italian flair, which has finally come to fruition with the inaugural Fila+ release.
The appointment of Lev Tanju is a master stroke, as no other big name brand does sportswear homages quite like Palace and the same affable approach to sportswear is evident with Fila+.
Currently only available via Dover Street Market, the 18-piece drop hosts expected garments like tracksuits, polo shirts and retro inspired long sleeves, although the additions of an all-over print tie, cashmere-blend knits and contrastingly technical footwear come as surprises and are indicative of Lev Tanju’s appreciation for a wide range of aesthetics.
Available in jet black and camel, the F+ tracksuits favour plush velour constructions with contrast piping throughout. Going full-tilt on the ’East Coast mobster vibes’, the tracksuits are cut to a traditional, relaxed fit with tonal branding and classic collars, adding a touch of elegance to typical sports gear.
The Squadra knit tops lean further into the vintage sporty aesthetic by utilising wool-blend constructions, again featuring contrast piping and a patch logo at the chest.
Fila+ also explores the point where casual workwear meets technical apparel and representing this intersection is another two piece combination and a trio of boots. The Utility Shirt and Trousers come in deep navy cotton with the shirt boasting a hidden placket closure, where the trousers earn their name thanks to enlarged front pockets.
When you think of Fila footwear, infamous designs like the Disruptor or more conservative Club C spring to mind, so the inclusion of technical boots definitely comes as a surprise.
The case for the Drill Boots to be crowned the most intriguing part of the debut Fila + collection is backed by the massive Velcro strap across the design’s mid-section, custom Vibram sole units that extend to the mudguard and panelled suede uppers that look incredibly tactical in all black, or fun and experimental in the brown/ orange or grey/ turquoise options.
