Gola Toasts 110th Anniversary in L.A.

A KICK IN L.A.: U.K. sneaker brand Gola is coming to California to celebrate its 110th anniversary with a pop-up shop at Fred Segal Santa Monica and a party on Friday night. The brand, which has been distributed in the U.S. for a decade, recently set up its own distribution Stateside, along with a Nordstrom partnership. “From a U.S. point of view, our distribution has been much more East Coast so we’re looking to branch out in the West,” said Gola president Tony Evans. The pop-up, which will be open for four weeks, will feature a museumlike installation of the brand’s print advertisements and greatest moments in soccer — or football — history. “A lot of new brands come along every week or every month it seems, but to have a heritage is a great U.S. play for us,” said Evans, who noted that Gola’s classic styles Harrier, Comet, Quota and Equipment have been trending strongly here. The men’s Made in England collection will launch exclusively at Fred Segal, while Barcelona retailer Limited Editions will collaborate on three styles to celebrate the anniversary.