Haider Ackermann + FILA to stage show in Manchester to mark collaboration

Paris-based designer Haider Ackermann and cult sports and streetwear brand FILA have revealed they are working on an unexpected collaboration, which will be revealed in a special catwalk show in Manchester on 17 November.

Italian brand FILA is know for its unexpected collaborations (previous co-creators include London-based designers Roksanda and Oliver Spencer) and Ackermann himself said he was surprised to be approached but excited by the challenge.

“I was extremely surprised when I was contacted by FILA with the idea to collaborate. Unknown things make my heart beat faster, because I believe in the power of the unexpected, so I willingly took on the challenge. In visiting the extensive FILA archives I was struck by how elegant sportsmen were on the playing field back in the day. My aim is to elaborate on that, keeping the feeling of unexpectedness that is so important for me,” Ackermann said.

Ackermann is renowned for the multi-cultural references in his work and for his refined sense of colour. He established his own label in 2002 and is known for his exacting standards.

FILA global chairman Gene Yoon said he had "always admired" Ackermann's creativity. "Giving him the possibility to dive into our archives in Biella opened an unprecedented creative landscape for the brand. Haider Ackermann’s fashion DNA merged with the FILA heritage in sports is a hyper-contemporary combination that represents the latest evolution of FILA to be forefront in sports, style and fashion," Yoon said.

The Haider+FILA collection will comprise menswear, womenswear and accessories. The exact location of the Manchester show has yet to be revealed.