p6 :: Industry
Brand news Fresh Fila sliders
The 2017 ASICS Frontrunner team members have every right to be excited: the final group of 30 was selected from a huge number of applications, 3 400, from across the country — a tough selection for the panel of selectors, which included Runner's World, ASICS FrontRunner core members and ASICS SA. “We were completely overwhelmed by the response received nationwide for the ASICS FrontRunner programme,” says Sarah Mundy, ASICS South Africa's Marketing Manager.
The Base, adidas’ new urban soccer centre in Johannesburg, provides a place where players can play multiple formats of the game, test products, and watch players and teams. It offers pitches, Pana court, media room, dedicated skills area and a game room. Like in London, this venue plays host to the South African branch of the adidas tournament, TANGO LEAGUE (see next page).
THE FILA sandal collection is here and summer 2017 belongs to the slider, says local distributor Footwear Trading. Fila is launching a fresh range of sliders, in men’s and ladies sizes, “for comfort seekers and fashion pioneers alike. Fila uses premium fabrics designed to radiate the sophistication of Italian craftsmanship, and the slider collection is no different!” Available in signature Fila colourways, the slider collection is “practical and unpretentious. Fashion forward consumers may wear their sliders with socks for an old school retro vibe, while the rest may pair it with straight leg cropped jeans for a chic minimalist look”.
The Fila sandal collection also features a selection of striking thongs. Whether you’re out for a hike, headed to the beach or simply embarking on an open-toed wander, the Fila thong collection with it’s classic colours and distinctive branding creates that carefree, relaxed look, says Footwear Trading. The EVA rubber outsoles are lightweight yet durable, while the uppers fit snug around the foot for a comfortable stride. The Fila sandal collection caters for a wide variety of tastes and preferences, with several styles and colours across the slider and thong ranges. “Summer sandals have never looked this good!”
Superga retro styles THE NEW Superga S collection is inspired by retro designs and a sporty tennis aesthetic. “We live in a culture that’s infatuated with the past and the Superga Club S is a collection that retro lovers will obsess over!” says the brand. These sneakers are made with premium quality materials in a classic design that features trendy yet functional perforated holes. They are as at home on the court as on the street, says Superga, which points out the sneakers look equally good worn with jeans and a bomber jacket, as with a suit. “Superga is well over 100 years old and still remains an influential shoe icon since the very beginning, transforming with current trends and inspiring many sneaker styles from canvas to flatforms (a flat shoe with a thick sole) and mid-tops that transition from season to season.”
The Bolton marketing and design team. Standing left to right: Lukholo Mambu, Ronnie Jacobs, Wayne Roos, Stuart Hopwood, Gary Gilder, Jody Henry, and Kiran Shunmoogam. Front: Fahiem Frizlar.
Bolton Footwear’s fashion show in the park
The Sharks (above left) and Cheetahs (above right) in their Columbia outfits. Photo of Sharks: Howard Cleland.
Columbia teams up with Sharks and Cheetahs OFF THE FIELD the Sharks and Cheetahs will now be able to enjoy the outdoors in clothing provided by their first outdoor apparel partner, Columbia. And their outdoor-loving supporters can copy the team look in dualbranded supporters’ kit. “We see a massive opportunity at the Sharks for the Columbia PFG range that is directed at the big fishing community in KwaZulu Natal,” says Du Toit Botes of local distributor Brand ID.
Sports Trader :: 2017 Q2
“Columbia’s outdoor specific ranges are ideal for the game reserves, farming community and general outdoor lifestyle embraced by the people of KwaZulu Natal. It makes this partnership a great fit for the brand.” Free State farmers love their rugby and Currie Cup champion team and the Cheetahs Columbia outdoor apparel range will therefore also speak directly to the needs of the large farming community in the region, he adds.
AFTER TWO successful retail trade shows in Johannesburg and Durban, the Bolton Footwear group showed its latest winter footwear ranges to the Cape Town media. Presented in the tranquil setting of De Waal Park, the shoes were shown off to their best advantage on podiums with glass tops, giving you a view of every detail.