It seems as if Sporty Spice and her stylist were way ahead of us all in the trend stakes, knowing a thing or two more than we did, back in the day. In recent years, the term ‘sports luxe’ has been a familiar and key style in the fashion industry, with designers ditching heels for high tops, if paired with a smarter dress. But that was all just preparation for now: the surge of fashion intertwining with sport.
Previously, harem pants were paired with heels and jersey tops were a common match with midi Bodycon skirts for that ultra sports luxe look. Yet now, there is a significant development in sportswear that is bridging a gap in clothing. Coco Chanel, herself, first introduced sport’s flirtation with fashion through her unique tennis dresses but now this new wave of sportswear is perfect for on and off the court. The neon crop top or sports bra that can be worn during an intense fitness workout can also be teamed with printed pants for ‘après gym’. Finally the athletic tomboy can feel a part of the fash pack; the sportier guy and girl no longer need to feel isolated from this month’s trend.
But don’t get confused; this is no fleeting fashion fad: there will always be a sportswear and a fashion industry and currently, brands are consistently designing collections intended for both purposes. Stella McCartney designing for Adidas and Riccardo Tisci’s collaboration with Nike sees two polar ends of the clothing spectrum join forces to create this style fusion that will suit and be appreciated by many. Love ombré, leopard print and pvc-style clothing? You can now be stylish, as well as sporty, on your weekly trip to the gym. Stella’s collection for Adidas means you don’t have to compromise your look. Since launching the collaboration in 2005, the sportswear superbrand has upped in the style stakes, emulating the ‘sleek cuts’ and ‘feminine tailoring’ of the much-loved designer’s clothes.
Similarly, Givenchy’s front man merged sport and couture. The innovative designer’s collection of Air Force One Nike trainers, in their bold bursts of colour, is celebrated by both athletes and fashionistas. Sweaty Betty is another rising popular brand which focuses on the function of its products but also incorporates style and flattering cuts into their designs. Printed leggings, colour-block crop tops and slogan sweatshirts are all the rage and in high demand.
How to wear it, you might ask? AW14 sees fashionistas give their sports look a retro twist. It’s a nod to the nineties as sportswear goes old school: think long PE socks, Varsity tops, bomber jackets and trainers. Lots of trainers. Satin rucksacks, denim jackets and slogan prints are all there too. Just in case any of you missed school. What is brilliant about this trend is its practicality. Sports bras are not just being worn to the gym, Spanx leggings are replacing skinny jeans. It’s a sports style revolution and you will most definitely want to be on the team.
The popular high-fashion retailer, Net-a-Porter, has also noticed what an investment sportswear is in the fashion industry right now. Launching the ‘Net-a-Sporter’ sports department, this luxe and designer collection of sportswear is quoted to be ‘the ultimate fusion of fashion and function-these are performance labels with style and substance’. The endurance of these pieces is the priority but their attractiveness and the desire to wear them in public? Well that just makes me want to go to the gym. And I don’t go to the gym. Yoga, ballet and running attire is all chic and fitted, ensuring you keep cool and stay classy. Unless you’re an all-black kind of girl, I would invest in a bright colour or crazy design; it’s ‘go big or go home’ with this one, in my opinion. The Mikoh bikinis and Zoe Karssen leggings are on my wish list.
Athletic gear being sold on such a renowned shopping and fashion website is great for smaller designers, such as Aussie-brand, Zimmermann. This eclectic collection of swimwear is ideal for the obvious gym trip; however this is a style revolution: why not use a swimming costume as a body and pair it with some high-waisted shorts or skinny jeans for that alternative and individual night-out outfit? My favourites are the halter bikinis, which can easily double up as your new crop top. The key is to be open-minded and creative; once you stop seeing the products as gym clothes, you’re ready to take the reins on this one.
This evolution in fashionable sportswear has opened up all kinds of possibilities and when the result looks so great, there is no excuse not to grab your chance! Ready, set, go!
mymode101 