Circa 2013, activewear changed from being a fashion faux pas to an everyday staple. Yoga pants suddenly became a common sight on the street and sporty gear graced the runways of major fashion houses. Nowadays, trendy athleisure brands take you from the gym to the street with luxe designs that help you smash your fitness goals in style. Nowhere is this more evident than fitness-obsessed Australia, home to a slew of new activewear brands. From feminine pastels to bold streetwear looks, these are the Australian labels transforming the luxury athleisure space.
P.E Nation
Loud, bold and brash, P.E Nation brings the streetwear aesthetic into the fitness studio. Worn by the likes of fashion icon Elle Macpherson and the Kardashian clan’s Khloe, Kourtney and Kylie, P.E Nation is quickly becoming a household name in the fitness fashion world.
The Sydney-based label was established by best friend dream team Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning in 2016 and blurs the line between functional activewear and everyday style. Its ever-expanding range encompasses activewear, streetwear, snow gear, footwear and accessories. P.E Nation’s latest collection, ‘Bring it Home’, is a retro dream inspired by the colourful workout looks of the 70s and 80s.
Forget boring black, the collection doesn’t shy away from eye-catching shades of fluorescent blue, yellow and orange, crafting daring urban styles for the modern tomboy.
First Base
Born in Bondi, First Base echoes the suburb’s beachy urban vibes with its activewear and swim collections, relying heavily on blacks and blues. Founder Alison Cotton says the brand’s mission statement is about getting back to basics. It’s in the name of the label – simplicity is key.
This attitude is reflected in the sleek designs, utilising colour block prints and the brand’s minimalistic X-shaped logo. Forgoing short-lived trends for meaningful designs, First Base’s sportswear basics should be a staple in every fitness junkie’s wardrobe. And for the ethically-conscious consumer, rest assured that the range is ethically produced and sustainable, constructed from organic and recycled materials.
The Upside
This fast-growing brand at the forefront of the activewear scene aims to promote an active lifestyle for busy people with its fashion-forward range of fitness clothing and swimwear. Founder and former model Jodhi Meares creates premium pieces for men and women featuring classic prints in colourful renditions and logo-emblazoned outerwear.
With stores in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and an international following, the label has attracted a handful of high-profile customers, including Karlie Kloss, Kim Kardashian and Hailey Baldwin. It’s easy to see why; the pieces are luxurious and unique, unmistakably identifiable as The Upside’s designs. This distinctive style has reinforced The Upside’s status as a beloved fitness brand worldwide.
L’Urv
For the feminine fashionista, Melburnian trendsetter L’Urv is the go-to sports luxe label. Its name, a portmanteau of ‘love’ and ‘curve’, sets the tone for the brand’s body-positive philosophy and cheerful vibes. Its romantic, limited-edition looks, designed by Libby Pettit, are inspired by colour and nature.
Dancers, yoga enthusiasts and gym buffs will love both the quality and chicness of the hyper-feminine outfits. Find monochrome sets, ladylike ruffles, floral prints and pastel pinks amongst the latest collections.
By Jennifer Luu