Costa Mesa, CA-based I.E. Distribution, makers of the World Industries skate brand, signed a license agreement to produce and distribute footwear for the urban-themed DADA and DADA Supreme labels for North America.
“I look forward to working with DADA Footwear’s founder, Lavetta Willis, and the original designer, Lantz Simpson, to reintroduce the brand and keep it true to its heritage in the North American market,” says John Dickinson, president, I.E. Distribution. “When we founded I.E. Distribution in 2004 we planned on creating a multi-brand distribution company. This moves us closer to that goal.”
“I am very excited to re-launch the brand in North America,” states Lavetta Willis. “I miss my friends in retail and can’t wait to get back in the mix.” Willis adds, “We will again find our place in the market. Our new relationship with John and I.E. Distribution will give us the infrastructure and support we need.”
DADA made a splash in the ’90s with its cutting-edge basketball shoes, most notably the all chrome upper version that Chris Weber, former NBA star and DADA endorsee, sported during an All-Star game. DADA shoes were also endorsed by NBA players Latrell Sprewell, Karl Malone and Horace Grant as well as rap stars Snoop Dogg and Ludacris. In addition, DADA made news with the launch of its Code M shoe, which featured a wireless footwear system that delivered both audio and data.