WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS
We're ravelling back to 90s Europe: a vibrant place in time dominated by football hooligans, rowdy ravers and cheeky Britpoppers. Our time machine? Fashion. More specifically, Italian sportswear brands.
Italian sportswear is back in a big way to help us satisfy our cravings for nostalgia. We’re talking brands such as Kappa, FILA and Stone Island that are reviving pieces from their 90s archives to evoke happy memories of bygone days.
Let us take you through our top picks of Italian sports brands (available right here on FARFETCH) that will transport you back to the premillennial era.
Kappa
If you think Kappa is a little passé for the 2020s, then think again. After a slew of high profile collaborations, the Italian sportswear brand is once again the go-to brand for tracksuits and athleisure wear. And it’s not hard to see why when looking at the label’s latest collection.
Take Kappa’s new-season track pants, for example. An à la mode militarian trouser is emblazoned with the brand’s retro Omini logo to create a neo-retro look appropriate for all ages.
Prada Linea Rossa
“Form follows function”, is the architectural principle Prada Linea Rossa has followed since its inception in 1997. Defined by its durable fabrics, streamlined silhouettes and trademark red stripe, the Italian sportswear sub-label offers a luxe way to relive the late 90s. Our pick of the new season? It has to be this red polyester jacket that’s retro yet timeless, sporty yet chic.
C.P Company
Although C.P Company is redolent of the 90s, it very much looks and feels like futurewear. The Italian brand’s use of technical, weather-resistant fabrics and utilitarian style is ideal for those looking for practical, stylish everyday wear that’s been tried and tested by previous generations. Just look at this C.P Company Gore-Tex hooded jacket: a versatile, waterproof layer, ideal for any climate.
Diadora
True sneakerheads doff their caps to Diadora, because when the bulk of the industry shifted manufacturing to low-cost centres, the brand refused to part with their “Made in Italy” badge of honour. Still holding onto their pride, the Italian sportswear label continues to be an indie choice admired by members of the beau monde, thanks to its stylish use of premium materials.
And because we have a penchant for hi-tops, we’re taking this opportunity to shine a spotlight on Diadora’s MI Baskets – most especially the classic red and white colourway.
Stone Island
No Italian sport clothing brands list is complete with a mention of Stone Island. Back by virtue of hip-hop’s recent fascination with the brand, the all-important compass badge is once again prevalent in metropolitan subcultures – especially in and around London. Our choice of new Stone Island? (Thanks for asking.) We’re all about this classic forest green number, chiefly because it transcends dress codes.
FILA
FILA – the tennis label that took off after the Borg/McEnroe Wimbledon 1980 final – has stayed true to its roots with its new collection that features classic logo tees, sweatshirts and polo shirts. But, what we’re really here to tell you is that it’s the sneakers that are the real aces this time round. As FILA continues to depart from traditional tennis shoe blueprints, we’re seeing more innovation from the Italian sportswear brand than ever. Source A: FILA's Ray Tracer TR2 Sneaker.
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