Fashion shoots

Much-loved brand kitted out some of sport's biggest stars

- BY HANNAH BRITT

Loved by football fans, mods and even Superman himself, British brand Gola bridged the gap between sportswear and fashion.

Its Harrier shoes have been going strong since the 1960s, while Gola bags caused a virtual stampede when they launched in the 70s.

But this week, 120 years of proud British ownership came to an end when Gola was sold by its family owner to Japanese conglomerate, Marubeni Corporation.

The sale will not result in job losses nor the relocation of any manufacturing out of Britain.

Still, it will feel like a loss to the British fashion industry, according to Dr Naomi Braithwaite, an associate professor in fashion and material culture at Nottingham School of Art and Design. "Gola's strength for so long is that it is British through and through," she says.