Case Study: FILA achieves a fashion-forward revival and launches PLATINUM performance line with WGSN

Francine Candiotti turned to WGSN to help her create fashion-forward collections and revive Fila’s standing as a leader in sports performance apparel

FILA enlisted design director Francine Candiotti in 2009 to revive the brand’s sports-performance apparel by adding a cohesive, fashion-forward edge across 20 collections a year. Facing lagging sales and higher expectations from savvy buyers and consumers, she needed fast, research-backed inspiration and a way to communicate a single seasonal theme across teams and product lines.

Using WGSN’s trend research, collaborative workspace and extensive design library, Francine streamlined research, developed presentations without physical samples, and coordinated with footwear and vendors to refine assortments. The result was the PLATINUM line—featuring THERMOCOOL fabric, laser-cut no-sew seams and reflective finishes—worn by every player at the 2015 Australian Open, widely covered in editorials and driving record vendor buy-in.

Fila

Francine Candiotti

Design Director