Gola collaborates with Christian Lacroix

British sport brand Gola is teaming up with French couture designer Christian Lacroix. To two will collaborate on a collection of men’s and women’s footwear that intersects high fashion with sport.

The Gola by Christian Lacroix collection for SS09 takes its inspiration from the designer’s house pattern ‘Torero Cape’ and comprises two men’s and two women’s styles. The luxurious designs offer a twist on classic sport footwear by incorporating elements and techniques signature to the French fashion house, such as rich leathers, intricate embroidery and embossing. The collection will be sold globally through selected stores in 20 countries as of January 2009.

Christian Lacroix commented: “In a way, trainers are to the 21st century what shimmering ties and multicoloured vests were to the dandies of the 19th century - a distinctive sign, a personal signature. That is the perspective from which I prefer to view fashion, rather than that of uniformity. Given carte blanche by Gola, I took the opportunity, with much gratitude, to bring the modernity of a contemporary and popular brand together with the timeless baroque of an iconic design of our Couture House: the embroideries of a torero cape.”