Adopted by the football Casuals in 1973 who aspired to dress like playboys of the Italian Riviera on their super yachts, the iconic Fila Vintage sports label has continued to build upon the brands success, not only amongst their original loyal subculture of football fans but also by attracting a new audience in recent years thanks to the hefty dose of 80’s nostalgia we have seen of late.
Three years after the release of Nick Love’s film The Business and with his latest big screen adaptation of The Firm taking over cinemas this year, the infatuation towards the much loved Casuals era and legendary Fila Vintage label is stronger than ever. The release of these movies allowed Fila to emulate their 1980’s triumphs and elitist position within the overcrowded sportswear market of today by glamorising the vintage collection so the highly acclaimed British movies showcased the memorable classics designed by Pier-Luigi Rolando, including the now symbolic Mark (MK3), better known as the Terrinda….
Continuing the hugely popular line of Fila Matchday jackets the MK3 was launched in 1982 and quickly dubbed the Terrinda after the luxurious fabric from which it was made. Consisting of simple characteristics the jacket with its slightly padded shoulders, a biker style collar and thin white piping to represent the tennis court markings was innovative in its design and much time was spent by Fila developing what would later become their key piece of 80’s Casual attire. The tough-luxe velour like cloth in primary shades, was durable and gave a clean and sharp silhouette to its wearers but due to the research which had gone into creating this jacket it was the most expensive of its time and as a result production was limited which only added to its status in becoming the most sought after jacket of the decade. The Terrinda was worn by the toughest of football fans who had fought the hardest (and saved the longest) to buy what must be the ultimate lads jacket.
Despite the pleas from collectors, Fila have always been reluctant to re-release the Terrinda and it’s taken their design team countless hours to recreate the original unique fabric of the jacket, yet at last they have done so and as with all classic Italian labels they have remained faithful to the authenticity of the brands heritage. With the enthusiasm surrounding the Casuals couture today the recently resurrected Terrinda released in conjunction with The Firm is proving to be a popular as ever and continues to be the fastest selling Fila piece to date. Again, to remain loyal to their roots, Fila have only released 500 pieces per colour way (red, white, blue and green) so worldwide distribution is limited with each jacket coming in a specially comissioned presentation box.
The Terrinda has established itself so well with Casual conisseurs that it alone epitomizes fashion and football culture of the 1980's and possibly even today.
The Terrinda has established itself so well with Casual conisseurs that it alone epitomizes fashion and football culture of the 1980's and possibly even today.
Words: Sanyika Odieté