TIME MACHINE: 2002

Welcome back to the Time Machine.

The year 2002 began with an event of great importance. On 1 January, the European Union introduced the euro, a single currency for its Member States. Initially adopted by 12 countries, it is now used by 20 out of 27. The euro was created to simplify international trade and strengthen the economy.

On 24 March, history was also made in Hollywood at the 74th Academy Awards. For the first time, both Oscars for Best Leading Actor and Actress went to actors of African descent. Denzel Washington won for Training Day by Antoine Fuqua, while Halle Berry received Best Actress for Monster’s Ball by Marc Forster. She remains the only African-American woman to have won this award.

Meanwhile, at FILA, 2002 opened with a prestigious collaboration with Ferrari. The car manufacturer from Maranello shared much with the sportswear brand from Biella: Italian roots, a proud tradition and visionary founders. Enzo Ferrari (1898–1988) began his career as a driver for Alfa Romeo in 1920 at the age of 22, when motor racing was still seen as extremely dangerous. His daring spirit eventually led him to leave racing in 1932 and establish Auto Avio Costruzioni, the company that evolved into Scuderia Ferrari in 1947.

This was the start of a legend. Ferrari cars entered Formula 1 almost immediately, carrying the dream of Italian craftsmanship and luxury around the world. Since their debut, Ferrari F1 cars have always been red. Until 1968, international regulations required each country to race in a specific colour, and Italy was assigned red. This seemingly random choice         shaped the brand’s image, and Ferrari himself embraced it, famously saying, “Ask a child to draw a car and he will make it red.”

In 2002, FILA and Ferrari joined forces to create a line of clothing, footwear and accessories for Formula 1 technical staff. Their energy and dedication were celebrated through the slogan “A man in command is never alone” and a campaign set to David Bowie’s Heroes. The collaboration was rich and creative. Collections with a vintage spirit drew inspiration from historic races such as Le Mans and featured artwork by the celebrated Italian illustrator Guido Crepax, who designed the cover of the Spring-Summer 2003 catalogue.

The highlight of the partnership was Michael Schumacher, the legendary Formula 1 driver with seven world titles and 91 victories. A shoe was designed specifically for him, moulded from a cast of his foot and combining advanced technology with striking design. The strength and elegance of the project were captured in a promotional photo campaign by renowned photographer Michel Comte.