Let’s face it. It’s hard enough to get motivated to even think about going to the gym sometimes, let alone try and figure out what your outfit options are. The days of wearing oversized tees and baggy leggings on the treadmill are numbered however, as sportswear turns luxe. With celebrities and designers collaborating with the biggest sporting brands in the world to create work out gear that will undoubtedly turn heads in your next spin class (or at brunch – any excuse to wear new gym clothes will do), it’s time pounding the pavement got a whole lot more stylish.
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You can’t go past Stella McCartney when it comes to the ultimate in sportswear collaborations. Her initial sports performance collection with Adidas in 2004 saw her at the forefront of bridging the division between high fashion and leisure wear. McCartney expertly manages to maintain a level of femininity and uphold tailored qualities within her Adidas collections, but essentially it’s about creating that balance between looking good and feeling good, when working out. On her hope to inspire women to get active McCartney states: “We work with top athletes, and even they tell me they perform better when they feel like they look good. It’s a confidence thing.” Hey, if it’s good enough for professional athletes, it’s good enough for us.
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Rita Ora is not only know for her sassy vocal talents, but also for her cool and colourful street style (the girl knows a thing or two about rocking a sneaker). So it came as no surprise when Adidas Originals announced they would be launching a partnership with Ora, which would mark her first foray into designing. The athleisure (Oh yes – athleisure is officially having a moment) capsule collection contains 5 stories; Black, Pastel, Colour Block Pack, Spray and Roses, and is typical Ora – loud, bright and in your face, with neon and prints featuring heavily. It’s also a range that can seamlessly mix in with your everyday clothing, and items like the leather sports bra, floral onesie and classic hoodie are guaranteed to help you to achieve that gym cred.
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As if her dreamy, kaleidoscopic prints weren’t lust worthy enough in gown form, Mary Katrantzou has also lent her genius to the ever-growing Adidas team, releasing perhaps the prettiest active wear we’ve ever seen. Comprising both athletic gear and footwear, the use of neoprene, mesh and embroidery softens the strong, architectural lines of many of the pieces, and, much like McCartney, finds that sense of femininity that is often lacking in women’s sportswear. Our only concern is not wanting to get these items sweaty – those floral sneakers and high neck dresses would look better on the red carpet rather then an overcrowded pilates session.
With rumours swirling that Rihanna is also on the brink of unleashing the details of her new Puma deal (which includes a cheeky $1 million ban on wearing rival brands), the athleisure market has never been more in-demand. And if that means more opportunities to buy cute crop tops and matching sweatbands, we’ll be running all the way to the shops.
images via: style.com, mtv.com, glamour.com, dressla.com
