Style Savvy Sportswear

 

Have you noticed how healthy, toned and glowy the latest batch of top catwalk models look these days? The chain-smoking, non-eating, all night party girl has been replaced by an altogether healthier model. The trend to lead a better lifestyle has filtered over into fashion. Take face of the moment, Daria Werbowy, her athletic wholesome look has got those top designers queuing up. Her hobbies include beach volleyball, basketball, snowboarding and plans for a spot of around-the-world sailing.

 

Surfing in particular has been spotted as a growing sport with the ladies. Fans include Cameron Diaz, and even on this side of the Atlantic you can find designer Luella Bartley checking out the surf. Noting the growing popularity Topshop have jumped straight in there with a new surf and beachwear collection – Surf by Topshop. Manufactured in Newquay, Cornwall, the range launched at the end of May 05 and fuses fashion with technology to produce a high-spec range. The collection comprises of wetsuits, board shorts and bikinis, and is available from selected Topshop stores, as well as online. 

 

    

 

With this new ultra-healthy mood comes a surge in designer – sports brands collaborations. Let’s face it, many of us find sportswear comfortable and casual for everyday use, it is street fashion that appeals to a wide audience, whether on the move or lounging around.

 

Designer/Sports brands collaborations:

 

 

Stella McCartney – Adidas

 

Back in September 2004 Stella McCartney and Adidas appeared at a New York press conference to announce their long-term collaboration. Taking on the project 100% Stella worked with Adidas and a number of athletes to ensure that her designs delivered just as well on performance as it did on style. Her first collection hit the stores in February 05 and featured her signature straps, ties and detailing. The range included: gym wear, swimwear, running gear and footwear. “The clothes are so detailed, especially for sports performance, that you feel like you are wearing your best clothes to the gym!” commented Stella.

 

 

The Spring/Summer collection has proved to be a great success, selling out in the US and Japan. Adidas and Stella recently presented the Autumn/Winter range in London which will be fully available across Europe and Asia later this year. Within the main categories, the new collection looks into extended outdoor activities such as Trail Running and Climbing. Michael Michalsky, Adidas Global Creative Director: “This range is about taking women seriously – in their individualism and their desire for style as well as performance. We created a Fall/Winter collection that doesn’t restrict women to workout sessions indoors.”

 

 

Eleykishimoto Ellesse

 

Patron Saints of Print – Eley Kishimoto have teamed up with sports brand – Ellesse for a three season partnership. The Autumn/Winter 05 collection previewed at February’s London Fashion Week was the second installment by the design duo. The Eleykishimoto Ellesse debut collection played on the tennis theme, for Autumn/Winter; however, attention was turned to the slopes with some ultra cool ski-wear. Injecting a serious amount of high-fashion quirkiness into a variety of retro-esque skiwear pieces the collection included; salopettes, padded nylon jackets, all-in-ones and skinny ski pants. There was plenty to wear off-piste too, with baby-doll dresses, cropped trousers and knitwear, while Eley-style prints arrived in the form of penguins and snow capped mountain ranges.  

 

 

 

 

Fred Perry and Mrs Jones

 

Fred Perry and Mrs Jones, not two names one would instantly put together but somehow it works. Forget your tennis whites and sportswear basics this collection is bright, brash and fun. Featuring five unique styles for women, take your pick from leopard print blousons, ra-ra miniskirts and tennis ball prints in pop-tastic colours. Available through select Fred Perry stockists the relationship between Fred Perry and Mrs Jones is said to be continuing and evolving.

 

Also in-store at Fred Perry this season is a Comme des Garcons shirt for the boys.

 

 

 

Umbro by Kim Jones

 

Umbro by Kim Jones is now in its forth season. For Autumn/Winter Jones takes inspiration from the terraces and youth culture to produce a street stylish menswear collection. Sweaters, hoodies, tracksuits and footwear use the Umbro logo and feature Jones’ trademark graphics and colour palette.

 

 

 

 

McQueen and Puma

 

Also getting in on that sportswear action Alexander McQueen recently announced that he will be revealing his collaborative efforts with Puma at this September’s London Fashion Week. The line of women’s and men’s footwear will no doubt bring McQueen’s style to a wider audience.

 

Puma has a track record of high fashion collaborations offering ranges from the likes of Christy Turlington, Neil Barret, Alexander van Slobbe and Philippe Starck. Other designers keeping their collective eye on the ball include: Emilio Pucci for Rossignol, Yohji Yamamoto for Adidas and Dirk Bikkembergs for Umbro.

 

 

Images courtesy of Topshop, Adidas, Ellesse, Fred Perry and Umbro.

 

 

By JoJo Iles