L.A. brands have an inside track on sports clothing
Given the sunny, body-conscious atmosphere of Los Angeles, it’s no surprise to find a thriving field of locally based fitness-wear brands; many of the companies design and produce their lines from start to finish in the city. These new or growing collections, fashionable enough to work over time, range from high performance to high style, geared to lower-intensity, California-centric pastimes such as hiking, beach cycling and yoga.
Splits 59
From paint-splattered leggings inspired by artist Jackson Pollock to jackets inset with glossy printed python fabric, the latest collection by Marina del Rey-based Splits 59 is on track with looks from spring fashion runways. Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian and Miranda Kerr are all fans of the label, named for that last second on the stopwatch. It was co-founded in 2008 by Jonathan Schwartz, an Ironman athlete whose father founded Calvin Klein Inc., and Keith Peterson, formerly in public relations for Tommy Hilfiger and Dolce & Gabbana. With a blend of quick-dry performance fabrics and plush materials, such as terry, fleece and supima cotton, the pieces are designed to layer from gym to street. Out later this month are two styles targeted for Spin cycling in UV-protective, temperature-control stretch knit fabric with mesh detailing, reflective accents and chafe-resistant seaming. This fall, the company will debut a higher-end collection featuring more intricate details and priced 20% higher than the current line.
From $45 to $158 at www.splits59.com; see website for local retailers.
Trina Turk Recreation
Los Angeles-based designer Trina Turk, known for her eponymous brand’s upbeat, Modernist prints and relaxed styles that capture the classic Palm Springs look, brings her signature aesthetic to activewear with last month’s debut of Trina Turk Recreation. The line is made in Alhambra by Manhattan Beachwear, which also produces the Trina Turk Swim & Spa collection. The pieces mix readily with the label’s resort-ready apparel and swimwear that includes sporty rash guard tops. Of course, cheerful prints are the centerpiece, even showing up unexpectedly on the back of bra tops. Key details include mesh insets and a textural jacquard pattern, and all styles boast high Lycra content, reinforced seams and inner construction. Look for the spring collection to land early this month.
From $58 to $154 at www.trinaturk.com and Trina Turk boutiques in Los Angeles, Newport Beach and Palm Springs.
Koral Activewear
Koral Activewear, backed by Peter Koral, who launched premium denim line Koral Los Angeles in 2012, just hit shelves this month. The collection, made in downtown Los Angeles, is designed by Brazilian-born creative director Ilana Kugel with an emphasis on high-tech materials, such as Evanesce by Koral, a compression fabric designed to reduce odor and wick away moisture, and Infinity by Koral, an Xtra Life Lycra® blend developed to “resist chlorine 10 times more than conventional fabrics,” according to the company. The line blends traditional performance-wear with lounge pieces, such as French terry hoodies, jersey tanks and striped cardigans. Style signatures include strappy back detailing, braided trim and mesh insets.
From $58 to $244 at www.carbon38.com, www.nordstrom.com and www.shopbop.com; more information at activewear.koral.com
Beyond Yoga
Founded in 2006 by Jodi Guber Brufsky, daughter of Hollywood producer and Mandalay Entertainment Group Chief Executive Peter Guber, it’s no surprise that the Beyond Yoga activewear line has an impressive star following that includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Blake Lively, Reese Witherspoon, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Aniston and Julianne Moore. What’s different is the brand’s commitment to offering figure-flattering pieces for every body type in sizes XXS to XL, plus maternity styles; each new style is fitted on bodies sized 0 to 16, rather than on just one fit model. The line, made in Los Angeles, features soft, stretch fabrics, many with quick-dry and moisture-wicking properties, and comfortable, contoured nonelastic waistbands. Fashion elements include a range of colors and details, such as mesh insets. In January, the brand collaborated with Paltrow’s e-commerce company, Goop (www.goop.com), on a second capsule collection that includes two exclusive designs. And this month, the brand launches a “Be Body Proud” campaign, building on its efforts to support a healthy body image for women.
From $58 to $176 at www.beyondyoga.com; see website for local retailers.
Onzie
Another brand made entirely in Los Angeles, from fabric dyeing and sewing to marketing and distribution, is yoga-inspired line Onzie, launched in 2009 and known for its vibrant prints and affordable prices. Lady Gaga has been spotted in a bandeau top by the Venice-based brand, and celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson has featured styles from the line in her workout videos. The spring collection adds 15 new prints to the mix and tuxedo-style leggings in unique patterns, bustier tops in mixed prints, vibrant color blocking and drawstring detailing. The brand promotes its “free flow” quick-dry spandex fabric for everything from hot yoga and pilates to swimming and surfing.
From $34 to $69 at www.onzie.com.
Solow
Solow’s performance and gym-to-street styles are sported by the likes of Theron, Kate Bosworth, Emma Roberts and Lindsay Lohan. Made in California, the collections feature locally sourced and eco-friendly “bluesign”-certified sustainable fabrics, including the brand’s signature stretchy, moisture-wicking Eclon jersey. Standout details include color blocking, colorful lacing, mesh insets, quilted texture and strategic shirring. In 2012, Solow and creative director Rebecca Rich teamed up with Free People to create the FP Movement line of fashionable yoga-inspired apparel, sold at Free People stores and www.freepeople.com. Mike Bastegian, owner and president of Solow, says he expects a 100% sales increase this year, noting that the brand has expanded styles in the gym-to-street category.
From $31 to $154 at www.solowstyle.com and nordstrom.com; see website for local retailers.
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