Fila has announced the addition of Phil Russo to its global product design team, appointing him as the creative design director for performance and lifestyle footwear. Most recently, Russo was the international group head of footwear design at Puma International, which made him one of the most reputable and sought-after creative team leaders and designers in todays industry.
According to Kristin Kohler, general manager of Fila, Russo has a proven ability to identify talent worldwide-added to that is his extraordinary ability to build creative teams from that talent pool to produce innovative and progressive design-driven market successes.
“We constantly strive to achieve products that perform, crafted by Italian design,” said Kohler. “We expect our in-house creative team to develop collections that inspire. Our products range from sport-influenced streetwear and archive classics to footwear that truly enhances individual performance. We want the extraordinary detailing that comes from our Italian heritage to be so seamlessly woven that the design element actually improves the performance element. To achieve this, we must think completely outside the box, ultimately driving a unique point of view in an extremely competitive industry. Phil Russo brings that rare combination of talent that can unite design discipline and creative synergy. Beyond that skill, he holds himself to the same standards he requires of his designers. At the end of the day, we know he can seriously create some shoes!”
Though Russo was most recently credited for building and driving several market wins for Puma International, his past portfolio includes a two-year design period with Fila. From 1996 to 1998, Russo was part of a cross-disciplined team of designers that merged Filas heritage with multiple, contemporary, design-driven successes. His appreciation for the brands legacy and its current niche position in the marketplace drew him back to his roots.
“There is a certain nostalgia surrounding the brand that dates back to the 70s and 80s,” he said. “Its a deeply held loyalty that stems from Filas longstanding commitment to luxury and individual performance. I have the advantage of broader experience and a global perspective now as I join a team of solid industry experts. Together, I believe we can build on Filas illustrious history to drive the contemporary brand toward new market opportunities. I believe that Fila is one of the few brands in the marketplace today with the ability to combine a credible performance heritage with desirable fashion. That authentic platform, combined with contemporary luxury and innovation, scripts a promising future for the company and the caliber of work Ill be doing.”
Prior to 1996, Phil was the senior footwear designer for Ellesse Sports in New York City. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from LeMoyne College and a Masters of Industrial Design from the Pratt Institute in New York. His responsibilities on the global product front are effective immediately.
