Melissa launches collaborative collection with Fila

Brazilian label Melissa, best known for its design plastic shoes, has partnered up with Italian sportswear brand Fila on an athleisure collection. Featuring plastic sneakers, slides, sandals, fanny packs and a raincoat in Fila’s signature color palette (white, red and navy), the collection aims to “imagine the future inspired by the past of both labels”, according to a statement by Melissa.

Items are already available in Melissa’s stores and ecommerce worldwide, with items priced between 40-105 US dollars (30-80 pounds). Melissa’s flagship and gallery in London is even holding an exhibition to celebrate the launch. The space has been turned into a giant foam pit of lettered cubes bearing both Fila’s and Melissa’s logos, which visitors can use to spell words. Windows also display a video by visual artist Natalia Stuyk, especially commissioned for the launch.

Melissa is just the latest in a series of brands teaming up with the Italian label founded in 1911, as Fila goes through a ressurgence in popularity thanks to the athleisure and 1990 trends. Last year Fendi launched an entire collection inspired by the compatriot label, appropriating a joint logo designed by visual artist Hey Reilly.

Fotos: courtesy of Melissa and Net-a-Porter