Read more from the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag and see 5 Kicks for Inside and Outside of the Studio in mag.
Featured 5 Style
Read more from the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag and see 5 Kicks for Inside and Outside of the Studio in mag.
This month's cover is a 2 X Team USA Olympian, Dagmara Wozniak who won a Bronze Medal in fencing as a member of the Women's Saber team. With the the Olympics a little less than 2 years away, Athleisure Mag is excited to turn our attention to the upcoming summer Olympic games that will take place in Tokyo 2020. Our shoot took place at the Manhattan Fencing Center where she has trained with her coach since 2005, and we talked about her goals for the upcoming season, what drew her to the sport and the importance of bringing positivity to the game.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When we met you at your shoot, you made a great analogy to what fencing is - can you share with our readers?
DAGMARA WOZNIAK: I look at fencing as a sport with three different weapons (Epee, Foil and Saber) and you specialize in one because the tactics and training is so different in an of itself. I compare Saber, the one that I do as the Sprinter of the sport. If you look at the sport like Track & Field you have sprinting, hurdles and marathon, it’s completely different. You may have some athletes that do both, but you’re working on specific techniques for the sport itself which is very similar to fencing. People think it’s one sport and that we just change weapons, but it’s like 3 mini sports within the sport. It differs by target area, differs by tactic, and differs by training, so it’s very specific and different then what most people think.
AM: What drew you to fencing initially and then the discipline of saber?
DW: I actually started off with the original weapon which is Epee when I came first. My dad just took me to a fencing class one day and it was at the Polish Cultural Foundation and I think it was more to keep me busy and to help me practice the language as my coach was Polish. It was an after school program kind of thing and I did it once or twice a week and I just started falling in love with it.
AM: What did you like about it after you started playing in the sport?
DW: I liked how different it was. People laugh, but I was definitely a tomboy, still am and beatng up kids and not getting in trouble was great. I did karate before that and I had a lot of fun with that. I had friends who were in it with me and when I had to go up to get a new belt or whatever, they would say, “don’t hit me too hard.” I was very ready to go all out. There is something on the line, “sorry we’re not friends right now.” The whole aspect of combat sport is just very appealing to me and I liked it a lot and it’s challenging. One of the things that I have grown to like about it is that there’s a lot of unpredictable factors. You might know what someone generally does and let’s say they are having a bad day or they’re fencing much better than they have ever done before, you need to be able to adjust to things like that. So the fact that you’re not sure how someone is going to necessarily compete, you can make a plan, but that’s not what’s going on and you need to adjust or you are going to lose.
So not to take away from swimming or track and field, but the ground is never going to move from you, the water is never going to dip and become a crazy wave. It’s the fact that it’s really a battle against you and yourself. And fencing and combat sports is a battle against you and yourself and you have the variable of someone else who also has a brain and can adapt to situations and make mistakes as well and capitalize on your mistakes. I like the cliché way of explaining fencing that it’s a physical chess game and it’s spot on. I love that about it.
AM: So what was the moment that you went from enjoying this personally to realizing that you could compete professionally and go to an Olympic stage?
DW: It came very late for me I guess! It was only when I qualified as an alternate for the Beijing Olympics that I even thought about it because people said that that would be my next step to go to the games and I would say, “you’re crazy.” But in the end it was like, if I wasn’t gunning for the Olympics then why the hell was I training so hard? For me it was the whole idea of wanting to be the best and doing something that I was good at and I loved it. I was nev-er upset or felt forced that I was going to practice – I was excited. The losses were so personal for me that I would cry for hours and keep telling my mom that it would never happen again, but even though it did – I was just driven to it without having a goal. I just wanted to win and that was the first goal. But then when I was graduating highschool, I had some teachers that were like, “you know what’s next – the Olympics,” and I was like, “no my God, don’t push it.” But shortly after that, my coach was like you should start thinking about it and I thought, “wow I didn’t know that this was possible for me.” Once my coach and I kind of made a plan, it was up from there.
AM: Your first trip to the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008 was as an alternate, how did that affect 2012?
DW: I qualified in 2008 as a replacement athlete and the only way that I was able to compete is if someone from my team got injured. That didn’t happen and they got the Bronze medal and because I never set foot on the actual playing field, I went home with nothing. I remember a lot of people were saying that that was as far as where I could potentially reach and what was I expecting and why I was so upset. They kind of wrote me off from ever being an actual Olympic athlete and I told my mom, "I was there for the experience and I saw how it was and these next 4 years it will be different.” I made sure that I made a plan that was going to get me there as an actual competing athlete. So qualifying for the team for the Olympic Games in London 2012 was a highlight and so much more meaningful because of the people that said I couldn’t do it.
AM: We know that you have a 4 year gap between each Summer Games. There are a number of championships and tournaments that you do in a given period of time to get onto the team for your sport (the process is different for each of the Olympic sports). What is that snapshot like for you in terms of qualifying when you are getting into the next Team USA as we’re looking for The Road to Tokyo 2020?
DW: Right so there are many sports that just went to one competition closer to Rio and it could be as soon as just a month out! But that’s just what they are used to and it’s a completely different stressful situation. For us, it’s a year long process so when we start the actual Olympic year, we go to about 10 International competitions where we compete and we get points based off of that. Because now, all the team events are allotted under one big medal, before in 2012, our team event was rotated out so the IOC didn’t allow all of the events to compete at the Olympics so 2 of the team events – all of the individual team events were there so that’s 6 events and then we only received 4 team events the - relay. So in 2012, Women’s Saber got rotated out and we only got to qualify individually. In 2016, we had the opportunity to qualify as a team and we did. It’s a different qualification process, but now we have team events for everyone which is amazing and everyone has the opportunity which is more chances for Team USA as we’re doing well right now and we can bring more medals home, and it’s great for fencing, the sport and the development.
The qualification process is different. We go to competitions, we get points based on how high we rank and it’s the first 4 teams that qualify automatically and then to finish the bracket it goes by zone!
AM: So your Olympic year would start summer of next year. But yet, you are still doing championships and competitions leading into that.
DW: Yes.
AM: You’re having a well deserved rest.
DW: Right. Our season typically started in Oct and then we have 1 competition every month. It was ok, but then I felt like it never gave me an opportunity to necessarily peak. Now, they're giving us quite a bit of an off season which is going to let us have more competitions condensed together, but right now there is an opportunity to kind of change the training style, to change the schedule and to be able to capitalize physically and mentally and then just to ride out how much work you have put in through the season. You won't feel the need to play catch up and your peeked and you're ready to go.
AM: What is your training like when you’re preparing for a typical tournament, an Olympic one and then just maintaining in general?
DW: I don’t necessarily treat the Olympics any different then any other competition. I just think that you can’t treat it differently because of the environment because that is when you are going to put the pressure on yourself and I know that there are differences as there are more people, there’s more press and more points – everything that’s for sure. That’s why going into the Olympics for London 2012 which was my first time competing, I told myself that I wasn’t going to do a lot of interviews because we don’t usually get a lot of that stuff usually during the competition and I know that that’s at least how I work as an athlete as I would get distracted by trying to give everyone a story and all of that. I felt that if the result was going to be there, then people would want to talk to me after.
I focus on preparing just like I would for any other competition. I know that a lot of people function better when they are exposed to something for the first time. I’m not going to say beginner’s luck as they go in with no expectation and for me, it’s the opposite I put more expectation in when I am doing something for the first time. Now if I qualify for Tokyo which I am very confident that I will and that it’s going that way.
I feel more confident the more times that I have been on the Olympic stage. Through loss, through heartbreak, through everything all together it’s learning experiences that make me stronger.
AM: What does your workout look like?
DW: Right now, I’m not fencing so I am taking a small break from that, but I am working with my trainer on capitalizing on endurance. Fencing during competitions lasts throughout a whole day. There is a lot of stop and go! You compete and sit around for an hour and a half, then compete and sit around for another hour and a half. Not necessarily until you get into the finals you win and keep going and you have about an hour and a half and maybe even 2-3 hours before the next match. So it gets tedious in terms of keeping up the endurance, the stamina and the focus. What we have been doing right now as you can’t really simulate an actual competition, but we have been training really early in the morning, I have been doing a lot of crossfit lately and catering more to fencing specific stuff. I’m not going really crazy with the weight, but focusing on building short muscle and fast push muscle – going down and up. I am driving really fast up and again focusing specifically on what will benefit me and my sport, but at the same time, having the intensity of the class and the timer. The repetitiveness is all there and that benefits me. I like to change things up when I feel that I am pushing myself a little too hard. There was a good portion of the time that I was doing pilates with the reformer and some mat work. What’s great about fencing and in fitness in general. Your body is always changing whether you’re in your 20’s, 30’s, a women, a male, come down with a sickness etc – there are so many things that are constantly changing. I never really like to stick to something all the time and kind of plateau. Keeping the body not in a rhythm in terms of a workout which is why I like crossfit so much as there is always a way to challenge yourself. It’s not more weight in terms of taking more time if there is a 12 minute gap, so maybe you get less rounds in or you put less weight and you gauge how many rounds you get in and next time you can keep the same weight and just try to push how many things you can do to fit in the time frame.
I like pilates, I was spinning for awhile but it’s about more sport specific stuff. Making sure that the right muscles are firing.
AM: What are three go to foods for the gym and what are your splurges?
DW: You say splurge foods and it’s the first thing that comes to my mind! I love donuts – I have loved donuts forever and if you give me one, I can’t resist. The homemade ones are amazing. I love how pretty they are and how creative they can be. I’m not a fan of cupcakes or cake, but donuts – yes donuts are my thing. It’s first, second and third. I can’t choose ha!
My go-to in terms of what I’m eating when training. I like protein shakes. They are something that I definitely include post workout as a meal replacement. There is a company I like, Athletic Greens and they are safe for athletes to use and they have dehydrated greens that you can throw in your smoothie as well or in your shakes and it’s easy on your stomach and doesn’t have a metallic aftertaste like most of them do. I’m all about safety and a clean sport. Having a trusted product like that makes me feel great and since I started using that which has been awhile now – maybe a year. I have really decreased how much coffee I have been drinking. I love the taste of coffee but sometimes I forget when the last time was that I had it because the proteins and the greens give me so much energy. Thats what I'm about.
Clean food yes – I think I’d have to say that I am a Paleo/Ketogenic diet – obviously not Keto like what people are doing out there limiting carbs etc., as I think after what I have read a lot about as athletes, it's not the best things especially for women. But keeping high protein and high fat and carbs is something that I have found has given me the optimal training and recovery.
AM: We enjoyed shooting at the Manhattan Fencing Center. How long have you trained here and do you have responsibilities there as well?
DW: There aren’t necessarily responsibilities, but I do think of it as a helping hand in terms of talking to my coach about athletes and my opinion. I am more of a mentor. My fencing gym is my second home. I’m a big stickler for organization, cleaning up after or organizing the lost and found and even small tasks. I love to be respectful of it and take care of it. I hope that others do the same.
I’ve been with my coach since 2005!
AM: Beyond your sport, what else are you interested in doing?
DW: For me, I feel like I have definitely gotten involved in and interested in clean eating and watching documentaries about processed items that are in our foods and how we are slowly killing ourselves with the items that are in our foods. Like a bunch of fries that are really filling is $1 but healthy vegetables for a little snack pack is $6 or $7. A family that can’t really afford too much will go for McDonald’s and fast food stuff. It breaks my heart that there are all these monsters in our country that are destroying food. So healthy food has been a huge working area for me. I love learning about it and I am very intuitive with my body. The second I eat something, I can feel how upset my stomach is and I know it's not good for me. It sucks because donuts have a lot of sugar, not just in terms of weight gain, but it upsets my gut bacteria and I am in tons of pain. Just seeing that I want to spread the knowledge because even healthy peanut butters are actually not healthy. People think that they always have to work out and work out to do so 2-3 times a day to get to whatever your fitness is, but there is so much that can be achieved through diet and what you put into your body. I’m passionate about that.
In terms of athlete preparation, I would like to be a strength and conditioning coach myself and it has become dear to me. Not necessarily just for fencing. I think being able to compete at the highest level mentally and physically – I may not always do it, but being there and known what it takes, and having that knowledge because of my experience, I would like to take that step and prepare those athletes that want to take it to this level and if not higher.
AM: You travel a lot. What have been your favorite places?
DW: I get that question a lot and people are always surprised at my answer. I have fallen in love with Belgium. I’ve never said that I could retire and live in Europe but it’s the first place I went to when I was like, I could see myself living there in terms of the food, the culture, the people are so nice and the architecture is beautiful. There’s a coffee shop and then there is a castle around the corner, you don’t get that in the United States. It’s very interesting to see that kind of setup. This past summer, we had a training camp in Japan before our World Championships in China and I have to say that Japan is such a cool place. The people are so cool and it's just a different world over there! I enjoyed my time in Japan and you know, my heart is in Cuba and I love that place and it's the top three of where I would love to go to.
AM: Where can we find you eating and shopping?
DW: The things that I love about Jersey City and Hoboken is that there are a lot of boutique places in terms of clothing that you can find great stuff and I'm not into labels, but when I do shop for that, I love All Saints - they're rugged and raw with colors that aren't too bright. I love denim with raw materials in terms of dressing up. So I love jean shorts and a black tank top which is my go to. I'm about comfort while still being able to express myself.
There are a lot of cool cafés here. Recently, my boyfriend and I got interested in some refreshing drinks, cheese and meat platters which I love. There is a place called The Archer which has a great selection of this. Down by Grove there are a lot of cool restaurants. We don’t go out too much because we try to just focus on eating healthy and when we go out, I love outside dining and the gardens. There is a lot of that here and it’s fun to jump around.
AM: Do you do any philanthropy?
DW: I find myself getting involved with the athletes in my club and giving advice. I have worked one on one with girls in my club. The pressure of being a female athlete and it’s interesting as everyone always deals with their problems and I don’t necessarily showcase what is going on with me as I have gone through some troubled times. When they talk to me and say, "how do you seem so calm and confident?" I'm like, "woo you have no idea! That's so far from the truth." I am a thankful that I come across that way and everyone is dealing with their issues and I try to impart some wisdom on the girls and the guys at the club.
I talk to my middle school in Avenel, NJ and I have done a few high school talks in terms of setting goals and how many times that people have come and said I couldn't do something. If you listen to what people say, you're just going to dig your own hole and never crawl out of there. Especially when you're doing well, people seem to have more things to say. I think I did a lot of listening to those people for a long time and at 21, I thought that I had it all figured out, by 26 I thought I knew more and now at 30 I'm like, "damn I'm so far from when I thought I did have it figured out!" Life is a constant learning experience and being able to walk away from people that aren't good for you and are negative – I just get involved with the kids at my club. I have had the harsh talks with other coaches on what I am capable of and am supposed to do but when you follow your own plan, that’s when you can really blossom!
AM: What are your goals for the Summer Games?
DW: I’ve set the goal of coming home with 2 gold medals for individual and the team. It’s that goal or no goal for me. Maybe it’s my last time competing or I go another 4 years, who knows. I’m doing everything I can now and not looking back to say shoulda, coulda, woulda and I have a new game plan now. I don’t have injuries, there are a lot of things that are different then when I was training for Rio than how it is now. I may not be the kid that went to every Olympics and medaled in every one, but I have the opportunity to go out there and do some damage with an individual gold medal and team gold medal - even if it's one time. That's very important to me and that puts the icing on my cake in terms of a career.
Listen to our conversation with Dagmara Wozniak on an upcoming episode of The Road to Tokyo 2020 on Athleisure Studio, our multimedia podcast network.
Read more from the August Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Next Stop, Tokyo with Dagmara Wozniak in mag.
This month, we made our way to an immersive launch of Cafe, A Matte Collection which included a new collection of appliances and finishes that could be customized to truly make your home your own. At this event, two concepts were presented a clean white focused design which reminded us os a french provencial look and a very cool modern copper style that was oh so New York. This concept was created by the Louisville based interior designer, Natalie Officer of Natalie O. Design. We talked with her about how she transitioned from the fashion world to interior design, how she works with her clients to create their vision, her attention to detail and her favorite spots in Louisville.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell Athleisure Mag about your background and how you went from fashion to interiors?
NATALIE OFFICER: Fashion is a tremendous place to cut your teeth. It invites you fully understand textiles, the process of creating, and the actual viability and sustainability of style. Working with large national and international brands and how they dance with the wholesale and retail side of existence was tremendously insightful. In this life, if you are lucky, you eventually strive to create something of your own. Something that reminds you of what you are made of. When I left fashion, my then boyfriend and now husband and I jumped into renovating large greystone homes in Chicago; a very expensive and educational "side hustle". After completing the third large scale project, other builders were approaching me to design their developments and stage their properties. Much has been learned since then - gains, losses, and hard lessons. Coming out on the other side of nearly 15 years of study, and seeing Natalie O Design provide for my family, other creatives, and innovative people has been a dream that is finally being realized.
AM: What is your process when approaching a design process?
NO: As a student in Fashion Design, you learn first to appreciate the "hand" of fabric. Years ago, a Couture German instructor impressed upon me the importance of that tactile sense, as well as the "finish" quality of our work. So, we start with the textiles and then back into the space.
AM: How do you obtain inspiration for creating transformative spaces that speak to your client?
NO: Over time, my process has evolved. It started with images, and visual reference goals, really from the time I was a kid. I would eagerly await magazines to arrive in the mailbox. As time has passed, the use of images and over exposure of certain trends/thoughts has complicated this process and lent to industry "sameness". So, I have returned to the trusted inspiration of hand and textiles, along with a bit of an archeological dig into each clients need, life travels, and personal stories. You can find such environmental inspiration all around you. Travel, touch and a good ear are really the big winners in design.
All the qualities of a quality love story.
AM: Tell us about your firm Natalie O’Design what was the nexus to launching it and what is its design ethos?
NO: We are comprised of four people. We listen. We teach one another. Empathize in the journey, and grow. Inspiring one another and our clients all the while.
This has long been our creed:
To inspire others to be their most authentic selves, in their homes and daily walks.
AM: We were blown away by the Cafe event. We love the fact that in addition to the design showcased, the Cafe products, the personalized/customized experiences and great food, that Louisville was also showcased. How did you become a part of this event and why did you choose the design angle to creating your vision of a space that included the products and finishes of your “rooms”?
NO: 'Twas really an organic blend, and that always works the best.
Our partnership came organically from the design and development of the customizable Cafe line, developed internally by Maggie Ballinger. What we have expressed in our brand identity was desirable to the concept, and we were honored to be contacted to participate as the designers of the Matte Black Kitchen for Cafe.
The copper hardware was a driver of course, but really we simply took our vibe and parlayed it into "lifestyle" influences. The venue and map of New York City and the Bon Ton tile hand-made in Minnesota gave a wonderful splash of activity in the space. We coupled it with the use of Maharam fabrics and the mix of forged copper, linen, and hand thrown ceramics on the table.
Of course the Lucas Pete lighting made our heart skip a beat.
AM: The space you created was stunning. Can you tell us about the tiles, countertops etc that were in your space as you had so many stories that really brought this to life.
NO: It is part of our brand to utilize small brands, started concepts, and to work with people who still answer the phone. We utilized Caesarstone and the natural deep emerald Nuvalato stone as our countertop surfaces, and built in the copper Rohl sinks, pairing them with the beautiful and attainable faucets from Cincinnati's own Signature Hardware. Each piece and placement from the tile to the table scape, thought through collectively by our team. I spent almost 8 hours piecing together the mural wall, knowing each tile and tone was integral to highlighting the items.
A list of vendors used in the space:
Maharam Fabric
Helen Levi Ceramics
Crate & Barrel
Bon Ton Designs Tile
Signature Hardware
Rohl Home
Haute Living
Lukas Peet Lighting
Williams-Sonoma
Food52
The Shelter Collection
Industry West
Yield Design
Sertodo Copper
AM: Are there any celeb projects or large products that are public that you’d be able to share that you have worked on?
NO: In true creative fashion, we trip over the word celebrity. As we treat each of our clients with very high regard, and are ambitious about making them feel like a true celeb. Recognizable names? Perhaps not. But, our local coffee go to, Please and Thank You, has honored us with design partnerships on two shops. Certainly eye candy for the masses to view. Julie Metzinger, a dream client, is probably our favorite celebrity home featured to date. Our visions resonated so much she ended up joining our team. We are breaking the mold here in Kentucky and humbled by the work coming to us from across the country.
AM: In Louisville, where would we find you grabbing a bite/cocktails, working out and shopping?
NO: The bright and clever cafe Naive, conversing with artists and makers at our Hope Mills studio space, getting pizza at MozzaPi, spinning records and grabbing cookies at Please & Thank You, local vibes at Bean coffee shop, looking through thrifts and antiques at Mellwood (when we’re not driving outside of town to secret locations), celebration dinner and drink at Butchertown Grocery and Lola, Circe + SWAG for gifts for ourselves and others, EP Tom Sawyer State Park for running on local limestone.
AM: As a wife, working mom and a business owner, how do you take time for yourself?
NO: My studio time is my "me time". Loving my work is really something therapeutic to me. Otherwise... sleep.
AM: How do you give of your time from a philanthropic standpoint?
NO: Relationship and community are built through service, and being on the receiving end of kindness and others generosity in our own lives, humbles you to the importance. It is important to our team to work with nonprofits and philanthropic forces. We are excited to be partnering with the local Fund for the Arts for their spring fund raiser, through our design work. Our long time relationship with friend and founder of Hope Scarves, Lara MacGregor, has helped to yield personal growth as well as mission growth in the organization. They are now a major contributor to Metastatic Breast Cancer Research in our local area, and nationally. What is good for the soul is good for others.
Read more from the August Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Art of the Interiors with Natalie Officer in mag.
Our favorite 2 looks from the ICY Presents: Supernova NYFW SS19 show is above and the full show is below.
Check out our latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
Read more from Athleisure Mag's Aug. Issue and see How to Dress | For Labor Day Weekend.
Our issue is covered by Dagmara Wozniak, who competed in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympic games and received the bronze medal in Rio. As she prepares to return to the Team USA team in Tokyo, we shot our cover girl at the Manhattan Fencing Center. We talk about her Olympic journey, how she fell in love with the sport, and where she has enjoyed traveling around the world.
Additional interviews include NASCAR's Ryan Reed and how he manages his diabetes; we sit down with Louisville based interior designer Natalie Officer; the power of olive oil and health is shared by restaurateur and author Chef Seamus Mullen; we talk about yachting with Adventure Chef and star of BRAVO's Below Deck Mediterranean's Chef Adam Glick; composer, guitarist, producer and entertainer Tetsuro Oda shares his love for creating music for anime as well as Rock & Roll; for fans of USA Network's The Sinner - we talk with Ellen Adair about acting, the scene of scenes in the show and how she gives back to a number of great causes; and we chat with Tia Mowry about how she and her family stays organized.
We have a number of features that are in each month's issues including The Art of the Snack - focusing on NYC's City Kitchen, Bingely Books, Bingely Streaming, Something You Should Know, Athleisure List, Athleisure Beauty and more roundups that focus on how to dress for Labor Day Weekend, 5 must have sneakers to wear in and out of the gym.
Read more from the Aug Issue here.
We attended the launch of the BAPE X Wilson Camo Edition Collection launch at the BAPE store right before the US Open. We took some time to talk to Kristina Peterson-Lohman of Wilson to find out how this collaboration came about.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us about the relationships between the heritage of Wilson as a brand and it's relationship to tennis.
KRISTINA PETERSON-LOHMAN: Wilson was founded in 1914 and one of the very first sports it made gear for was tennis. We've been at the heart of the sport since that time.
AM: How did the partnership with BAPE come about and why is this a collaboration that Wilson would want to do?
KPL: We know that people who love tennis are looking for ways to stand out on court - even challenge the status quo of what traditional tennis gear looks like. A few weeks ago, we introduced our new camouflage "CAMO" Edition collection of performance tennis gear. The inspiration for this collection was New York - a youthful, vibrant, bustling city - and home to the only grand slam in Amerca.
The BAPE Wilson collaboration is a next step in our mission to change the game, give our players more vibrant and contemporary choices, and better connect to the lives of our players... both on and off the court. It's a unique partnership between the leader in performance tennis and the leader in premium street-style apparel, shoes and accessories. And in our eyes, there is no other apparel brand that is more synonymous with camouflage, urban, edgy street-style, and premium high end clothing than BAPE.
AM: What items are within this collaboration?
KPL: The BAPE Wilson camo racket will be available a bit later this year in BAPE stores around the world. And we look forward to sharing additional BAPE Wilson products with everyone in the next few months.
AM: In addition to purchasing at the BAPE store, is this racket available at Wilson's pop up store at the US Open?
KPL: The Wilson CAMO Edition collection is available at our retail store on the US Open grounds. The BAPE Wilson racket will be available a bit later this year in BAPE stores in the US and in Japan.
Check out the August Issue of Athleisure Mag
We've been enjoying a number of red carpet looks that showcase Glass Skin which presents perfectly glossy, poreless complexions. This fall, beauty experts are noting that it’s all about Glass Hair: a smooth, ultra-shiny lob made popular by on-trend celebs including The Kardashian-Jenners, Lucy Hale, Vanessa Hudgens, Olivia Culpo and more. Although the name is a perfect companion to Glass Skin, the concept of this hairstyle is better and originally known as The Silk Press (a la Kelly Rowland, Rhianna etc). Regardless of the name or when you have been looped into it, you can get this look with tips from IGK’s co-founder Leo Izquierdo.
1. Cleanse and condition with IGK BAD & BOUGIE Amla Oil Deep Repair Shampoo & Conditioner ($25 each) to revitalize the scalp and add moisture and enhanced shine. The restorative formula contains Amla Oil, Coconut Oil and a Patented Vegetable Protein Complex.
2. Prep your locks with a leave in conditioner, we suggest Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream ($52) mixed with the new Oribe Power Drops Damage Repair Booster ($58). Just a few drops of the powerful elixir improves hair health and combability by smoothing the cuticle to enhance softness and restore elasticity.
3. “For a super sleek, high-shine look spray GOOD BEHAVIOR Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray ($32) in sections on damp hair and blow dry in. The product is heat-activated and uses spirulina and keratin proteins and innovative bonding polymers to mimic the very shiny, smooth look of a keratin treatment.” – Leo Izquierdo, Co-founder of IGK Hair Care
4. “To maximize glassy results, spray again on dry hair (the product has 450*F heat protection) and flat iron in. Do small sections for best results.” – Leo Izquierdo, Co-founder of IGK Hair Care
Prince, an American born leading global racquet sports brand, will be taking New York City in the coming weeks with Team Prince players, John Isner, top 11 ATP player, and Lucas Pouille, top 20 ATP player. Both players will take on the US Open next week using their Prince racquets.
To kick everything off, tomorrow, Sat 25th, both players will hit the courts at the Brookfield Place Tennis Open sponsored by Prince. The players will enjoy a fun public match to kick off the event with a series of contests which include a serve return and a tie break contest. Demonstrations, games and prizes will be made to the public. In addition, throughout the championship, fans should keep an eye out for Prince Ambassadors distributing free gear throughout the city.
John Isner is introducing the Beast Pro 100 LB. This version of the Beast 100 is 27.5" in length and is built to his specs which makes it heavier and longer than the standard Beast 100. It features the second generation of Textreme, a uniquely flexible material that has been updated with Twaron for more dampened feel at impact. Consumers will be allowed to purchase a version of the Beast 100 Pro in the same spec as this Prince athlete.
BROOKFIELD PLACE TENNIS OPEN 08.25.18 1pm - 6pm
Waterfront Plaza
230 Vesey Street
NY, NY 10281
The global denim business is a $100 billion dollar industry and is a staple in our wardrobe. We had the chance to talk with Andrew Olah and his daughter Emily Olah, who are luminaries in their industry. Together with their team, they run a series of businesses that further the denim industy from Olah, Kingpins (which we attended earlier this summer) and Denim Days. We sat down to find out about the upcoming Denim Days taking place this fall.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We enjoyed checking out Kingpins and are looking forward to Denim Days in NYC this fall. We look forward to being media partners this year. Tell us about your backgrounds and how it led to where you are now.
ANDREW OLAH: Well we’re really excited to talk with you about Denim Days! Let me share a little about me first. I’m second generation in the textile sales business so early on I kind of changed it and switched to denim. We’re from Canada and we used to do every kind of fabric.
I grew up in jeans and in the 60’s, jeans weren’t so accessible and they didn’t have any connotation of any kind of social position. In my culture they did, but not in the rest of the world. I couldn’t wear my jeans - some schools wouldn’t allow you to wear them etc. So it’s all I wore and when I got to represent companies that made denim or corduroy I loved it because I knew that I could wear it – how could you not wear what you were selling? Even in the denim industry back in '97 when I was thinking of moving to NYC, I had to think about it because I would have had to wear a suit.
Eventually, we moved the business to fabrics in denim. I worked for the first denim mill ever outside of the United States which was a really lucky job. It was an Italian company – the Italians impacted the denim industry really really early on being the first ones to use denim in non-traditional shapes. In the American history of denim if you look at vintage pictures, it’s all workwear related and very traditional styles.
The Italians were the first ones to say, let’s make a sexy top, a sexy dress etc. I don’t know if you have ever heard of a company called Fiorucci that’s what they did – fashion tops and fashion bottoms in weird shapes. No one had ever heard of that or thought of it in America really. Obviously there were no fabrics in the United States to do that and when people were sourcing they realized it was cheaper for them to make that shirt outside of the US and to do it in Asia so this started to happen there and this started the denim industry in Asia. The Italians impacted the industry because they enlarged what was seen as a jeans industry by the shapes and the sizes and by women's wear.
The second job that I got was to work with a Japanese company. Again, the Japanese have a huge impact on the jean industry globally – I’m talking about global business and not just American. So the Japanese recreated vintage. Their emulation of vintage was better than the original vintage. It’s like someone copying a Mustang from ’65 and making it 10 times better than the original one and yet looking the same – that’s kind of what they did. They’re obsessed with the components and application so their obsessions make them uncompetitive. They have their own cache. So the company moved to NY in ’98 and we wanted to meet customers and we already had 20-30 customers but we wanted 70 so we started Kingpins as a tradeshow because we wanted to meet more customers and have them come in, hand out their business cards and say hello. When we first stated in the beginning, we used to do personal introductions to everybody because the shows were small.
Kingpins started in 2004 and we never even charged anyone for it, it was just a party and we did it for 2 or 3 years, until 2007 when the recession hit, and we switched the business model to being for profit and now Kingpins is the largest tradeshow in the industry for supply chain – not to boast and quite accidently. It was never our aspiration but it just happened. Our Amsterdam show is really really huge.
AM: And why Amsterdam?
AO: We picked Amsterdam because the community in Amsterdam loves jeans. The late mayor of Amsterdam was a believer in jeans and he felt it was the business for his city. They did a study and they found that Amsterdam had more jean brands per capita than any other city in the world. Which is easy when you have a population of 700,000 – a little more difficult if you’re a city like Tokyo, Istanbul, Sao Paulo* or LA even. That was their mantra and the fact is the fact that that is their business in Amsterdam. They have a lot of brands there and they made it their business to celebrate that to go with what was working for them and to try to get brands in this vertical to move there because they have an industry. They have the culture there and the population loves it there!
Do you ever notice that when we’re there people wear more denim there then here?
EMILY OLAH: Oh yeah 100%.
AO: It’s kind of weird because we’re jeans people and you go there and everyone is wearing jeans. Even in hotels the people working in the hotels and the restaurants - even the uniforms are jeans or denim! It's kind of weird whe you first see it. When we first went there, we stayed in this brand new boutique hotel and ever since people wore jeans and even their aprons were denim!
But anyway, we decided to do it in Amsterdam and there was also the issue of the House of Denim – have you heard of that?
AM: NO!
AO: Over the course of my career, of 40+ years I was frustrated that there wasn't a school for those in the denim trade. We all got jobs and we had to just learn o the job, but there ws no place to learn outside of that.
I have produced a class on jeans for 14 years at FIT which is known as the Capstone Course and they're preparing for their 5th year anniversary. Recently it was announced that there would be a New Jean School in Milan - so this is the start of a big difference in our industry as we grow up!
Now the House of Denim in Amsterdam started the first jeans school in 2012. They're also planning on putting a laundry in the city so that people can wash their jeans.
So in doing our supply chain tradeshow Kingpins there, they said that they wated to do a festival known as Denim Days which led us to doing it there.
What we didn't realize was how many people all over Europe and Turkey and other countries liked Amsterdam and loved shopping there. They loved going there and being their for inspiration. It was an amazing decision.
AM: So Emily, before we delve into Denim Days, how did you get into the denim industry?
EO: I went to college for biology. I was not a good student so I went and had various jobs. One day I got a phone call from my father and his friend – they were in a taxi. He said I needed to go to Portugal and learn the business with our family friend. I had to get my life together, learn Portuguese in 6 weeks if I was serious. I said yes. I packed up my life, learned Portuguese in 6 weeks (I went to language school 4-5 days a week) and moved there about 6-8 weeks after.
I worked in a garment factory and worked in our friend’s shirt factory. I worked in every department learning each component of it together through it’s complete process. I had to make a garment where the pattern was made by me, sewn by me, finished by me and it had to be approved before I could work from the office.
AO: They wouldn’t let her out of the factory until it was approved.
EO: I was failed like 20 times. I sewed my finger, it was like your sleeve is a centimeter shorter then the other sleeve, try again So I eventually passed my production sewing job and I started
working in the office.
AO: Who were your customers?
EO: My customers were Paper Denim, Burton Snowboards, AG and Marc Jacobs. So I had the American market and the factory that I worked for was a boutique factory so we did small runs. We did all kinds of products and not just shirts – it was shoes, bags, sweaters etc. In Portugal, all of the factories around us did small run production so I would just have to drive in a 50km radius to go to factories that did any kind of production. And then when I was ready to leave from Portugal I had been working with Rogan for awhile and got an internship with them here in NY.
AO: At that time, he was one of the most renowned designers in the industry.
EO: He was growing his business really quickly and there was this small staff of like 6 people when I went there as an intern. They had me running to midtown to check on their garment factory and whether their production was going ok and in 2 weeks they were like, “we have this new brand and we want you to run it.” I was like, “really ok”. They said, “it’s a really big opportunity, we’re going to do jeans and t-shirts. Production is already set you just have to deliver the goods.”
AO: And that was Loomstate.
AM: Oooo we love Loomstate wow!
EO: I did all of the product development and the production. Jared who works here now, also worked there and developed the sales. That’s how I got started in the business.
AM: Wow everyone loved their jeans and the shirts were great! So how did you make your way here?
EO: So I worked for several brands in the premium area on the production side. I eventually moved to LA because a lot of them were there and I wanted to come to NY. I had an opportunity to work for the factory that I stated with and that brought me back to NY and I worked out of the Olah office. That’s sort of the beginning.
AO: A few key things happened that led to her being at the Olah umbrella. We never hired her.
EO: Yeah his business partner hired me.
AO: True, what happened was she was working with AG and Rock and Republic and then she moved back to NY to work with the Portuguese guy that she started with and we paid her salary because they weren’t going to pay her enough so we said there are things to do around the office and she had her own world and it had nothing to do with me so I thought that that was cool. Then he and I had some issues and the relationship got funky and one day when the relationship ended, she had no job, but was in our office. So we tried to see what she could do to justify her being her.
My partner kept telling me that she was really smart and I was glad to hear that, but I didn’t think about it.
EO: And now 11 years later, here I am haha.
AM: So what do you do here?
EO: So our business is segmented into 3 areas and I straddle all 3 in an operational way, but I spend most of my time in the events world like Kingpins and Denim Days.
AM: So how will Denim Days this year be different then Denim Days last year?
AO: One thing that we will do which is different is that we are changing the speaking. We had people speak last time. The day before we did Legends. But this year we will have something everyday on Sat and Sun all day long so the speaker element will be amazing.
EO: Right like speakers and workshops that will be engaging to the consumers that come in and it won’t be on a separate day. Quite honestly, our Legends last year were a bit more B2B. The access to the attendees will be a lot greater this year.
AO: If you come in and feel what’s going on, it will all be in one big room. It’s going to be much better this year!
EO: I think 2019 will be a big evolution because we are going to move Denim Days to be the same week as Kingpins so it allows us to have denim events for 6 days in a row as opposed to being segregated.
AO: Then it will be a proper festival because it will be 6 days in a row with B2B and B2C.
EO: It will be a lot more dynamic that way and will engage a lot more people.
AM: What made you want to introduce Nashville to Denim Days?
AO: They asked us. But they have started the Nashville Fashion Alliance* and the NFA people are nice and their arguments for the fashion industry to move there to me is compelling. They remind me a lot of Amsterdam.
EO: Yeah their local government is very similar to Amsterdam.
AO: Yes you have access to the mayor, the Senate, Senators, the governor – there is a whole level of community. When you have academia, politics and commerce mix, it’s like the perfect moment. It’s like nirvana – it doesn’t happen here, but when it happens, everyone is on the same page. All the people are not competitors you’re doing the same thing and it becomes a community. Amsterdam has nailed it – accidently – but they are in this status and if they don’t screw it up, it’s brilliant. Nashville sees it and is trying to create it and I believe that they will. Then they have the music industry and so when they came to us, we said yes. They said they would help us with the media. Little cities in many ways are the future. So it’s interesting for us.
AM: So what trends are you seeing in denim that we should keep an eye out for fall of this year and more specifically for Spring 19?
EO: It’s about fiber and performance.
AO: The biggest thing – everyone wants something special. In the old days, if you wanted something special it was about having the Jordache name on it and that was something special.
EO: And that was enough.
AO: I remember I had a friend telling one of the Hilfigers at the time that they should just sell their label at the checkout counter because you have all the same jeans. So Polo could be $5 for the label and Tommy could be $6 and this one is $10 and Levi’s could be $3 and you just stick it on because it’s all the same stuff. That’s the history of the jeans business.
Exceptional jeans products right now – I think that everyone makes exceptional jeans products so then the issue is what is the company like. Everlane has done really really well with jeans and they’re not a jeans brand – but they have done well. It’s about the company and what’s
inside it and most of all how it fits and performance. Performance is everything and that means that you have to step out and find new ways of doing things.
EO: I completely agree. People know more about the product and want to know more about it. They have to have a reason for its existence and it just can’t be another piece that’s lined up
on the shelf. Something in it that’s different than something else and that’s outstanding.
AO: Like, when you go to Selfridge’s. The jeans shop is huge and there isn’t one sign but the brand name – what is that? That is like having this table with bananas and then saying, which one do you want? This one is $105, this one is $98, this one is made in LA – I mean really? They’re bananas!
AM: Just so our readers are clear, in addition to having your tradeshow within the supply chain - Kingpins as well as a festival denim show - Denim Days; you also work with brands that want to become denim brands?
AO: Yes, we have 3 actual business models. In addition to the shows, we develop fabric and then we sell the fabric. That division would help small brands that we believe in. Scott Morrison he was doing Paper Denim – we helped him with that. We’re happy to help those that are looking to get into the business - to a point. You can give someone food, but you can’t help them chew it!
PHOTOS COURTESY | Olah Inc.
Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Denim Factor in mag.
Haven Spa's creators are Gabrielle Ophals and Audra Senkus the business-savvy dream team behind Haven Spa and Eve Salon, and have made a name for themselves in the spa industry
among New Yorkers, athletes and celebrities. As local New Yorkers, they started working in the spa industry in New York City at a young age because of their love for making people
feel and look gorgeous in a relaxed luxe environment. They teamed up over twenty years ago to expand and open Haven Spa in 1998.
When it's time to relax, guests can enjoy a number of treatments at Haven Spa which includes waxing, facials, body wraps, massages, nail services, hair blowouts, hair trims and hair treat- ments.
On days when you don't have as much time to enjoy a full service, but you still want to enjoy spa features, they offer - Haven's Mini Escape menu. It still allows you to take a little time for yourself. Haven's Mini Escape treatments focus in on the bottom line and give you the results
you want in the time that you have.
In addition to your selected treatment, guests can enjoy additional ammenities which includes a steam room, lounge area with tea and snacks, rain showers and a full locker room.
There are also plans to expand Haven Spa as well as currently creating new spa treatments and experiences at this spa. In addition, they have a skincare line called, Plum that is sold here as well.
We also suggest that you should try a recent launch, the Mermaid Pedi, which has seaweed products and a Mermaid Life package, which includes their Makizushi Wrap and the Mermaid
Pedicure.
HAVEN SPA
250 Mercer St.
NY, NY 10012
www.HavenSpa.nyc
IG @havenspanyc
Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Haven Spa in mag.
Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see How to Dress | For the Tennis Courts in mag.
Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see 5 Sports Bras Supporting Our Girls in mag.
Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see In Our Bag | A Bit of Disco Shopping in mag.
Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Eight Best in mag.
Each week Athleisure Guide has curated packages that we're giving away. The giveaway starts now and a winner will be selected on Sun, Aug 12th at 11:59pm EST. Please note that eligible entries are those that come from the contingent 48 stated in the US. You will need a US address that is not a P.O. Box.
To enter, you must be subscribed to our newsletter and you need to tweet: I entered @AthleisureMag's #AthleisureGuide to win1 giveaway pack of @revosunglasses @crispygreen @barresoul @jblaudio @victorinox #summerseve #obefitness https://mailchi.mp/c851573d0673/jul-issue-1638213
We're excited to have Revo, Crispy Green, Barre & Soul, JBL, Victorinox, Summer's Eve and obe in this week's Athleisure Guide.
Read more of the July Issue.
It’s true that not everyone is blessed with naturally smooth skin and gorgeous looks. For most of us, we need to spend a lot of time and effort in order to look our best. While SK II products can help in defying skin aging, a whole range of cosmetic and beauty items could cost more than we are willing to spend on our appearances.
For days when natural beauty just won’t cut it, women turn to makeup. Considered to be one of the secret weapons of women from all walks of life, cosmetics can make your skin look better and bright even on days when you lack rest or nutrition. While cosmetic products often allow us to transform into a person we prefer, too much of it will make you look unnatural and fake.
The function of makeup has evolved to suit the modern woman’s needs. Centuries ago, face makeup was intentionally white and colourful to create a distinction that the person was not in his or her bare face. In recent years, people have been looking for ways to blur the line between the bare and made up faces. Korean cosmetic products have coverage yet with enough translucence to look like you’re not wearing any makeup. As time passes, people have been looking for more ways to look makeup-less even when they are wearing cosmetics.
Here are some ways to create a natural look without overspending:
1. Skincare based on your personal needs and preferences.
Everyone is different. This is true not only with appearances but also with physiological needs. Everyone’s skin has different types, problems, and needs, and it’s important that you know what your skin should have. Some people make the mistake of trusting a product or brand based on someone else’s review; and while that may be useful to some extent, it’s important to remember that your skin could be different from theirs.
You can save a lot of money when you buy drugstore cosmetic products that suit your skin, instead of the expensive ones that celebrities endorse.
2. Plan your makeup products.
In order to avoid overspending, just try to buy 1 brand for 1 purpose for the entire year. Most makeup products have an expiry (usually 10-12 months after being opened), so having too many products of the same kind could prove to be problematic since you only have one face and 365 days to finish them all. While lipsticks are usually the exception to the case, you’d be surprised how many makeup products are thrown away because of poor planning.
In order to avoid wasteful spending, always check for the expiration date which can be found at the back of the product before purchase. Also, ask yourself if you’re going to finish the entire bottle in 365 days; if the answer is no then find a product that is suitable for daily use.
3. Buy products based on your skin tone.
You makeup base should be 1 shade lighter than your complexion since cosmetics have the tendency to oxidize when combined with sweat. The concealer should be 2 shades lighter than your complexion because you’re going to blend it with your foundation afterward. A concealer could also serve as a subtle highlighter.
Some people prefer a certain type of product over the rest. If you’re confident about your skin care, opt for lighter coverage products like BB creams, tints, and translucent powders. However, if you have existing skin problems that you want to cover up but still have a bare-faced effect, then go for pigmented products like foundation, cream-type products and the like.
It’s important to take note that having a more pigmented base means that your skin’s pores may get blocked so when you’re choosing thick makeup, make sure that you use at least 2 types of cleansers nightly. Also, having thick makeup doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s no longer a natural look.
4. Accentuate your face’s features instead of going against them.
Women have beauty standards that they like to chase, even if those standards don’t go with their natural and inborn features. When they force their face to look a certain way, it becomes unnatural. Appreciate your own unique features and accentuate them to achieve a natural look.
This month we chatted with the Cabin Crew of Emirates Airlines to find out some tips to keep in mind from packing to being active onboard. Their tips are worth noting when flying first class domestically and internationally.
GET PACKING
Keep a Goodie Bag
No matter where you're headed, there are essentials you will always need. While airlines offer great onboard amenities, keep a ziploc bag at the ready and simply replenish the small bottles as needed. They suggest the recently updated The Urban Travellers collection, which is comprised of different pouches in a variety of sizes, styles and colors.
Assemble a Capsule Collection
Create outfits and pieces that are easily coordinated to create different looks. Think basics: black pants, white jeans, neutral t-shirts, jean jacket. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane to free up space in your luggage and keep you warm during travel.
Don't Forget Statement Jewelry
Bring a pair of statement earrings and bangles to add that pop of color.
Roll or Lay Flat?
The great debate! Roll your clothes to maximize space, or lay them flat to minimize creases. Fill suitcase gaps with socks, belts, intimates and hair tools to create a flat surface before laying down clothing.
Prepare for the Plane
Your brain and body will always thank you for a carefully constructed carry-on.
The Emirates' Cabin Crew recommends a few hydrating tools (lip balm, body lotion and moisture spray) to keep you feeling fresh while you're flying the friendly skies.
STAY ACTIVE ONBOARD
The crew suggests a few exercises that you can do while you're traveling so that you can stay loose.
Feet Circling
Circle your feet at the ankles.
>> 20 times each foot.
Bottom Lifts
Lift one buttock off the seat, tightening the muscles on that side. Hold to the count of 5.
>> Repeat each side 5 times.
Knee Presses
Press the knees and thighs together and tighten buttock muscles. Hold to the count of 5.
>> Repeat 5 times.
Foot Presses
Lift heels and press toes into the floor, then lift your toes and press heels into the floor.
>> Do this 10 times for each foot.
Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | Navigating First Class in mag.
Read more from the July Issue and see The Pick Me Up in mag.
This month's celeb fitness editorial (front and back) is Corey Calliet, Celebrity Fitness Trainer who has A$SAP Rocky, Michael B. Jordan as clients. He also trains a number of actors who are in some of your favorite blockbuster action movies. He has also been a trainer on E!'s Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian. Our editorial focuses on what inspires him, explains the Calliet Way and his approach to training. Our July issue is focused on fitness which includes our day of training (as well as interviewing) along with Celebrity Fitness trainers Harley Pasternak, Gunnar Peterson, Akin Akman, Nicole Winhoffer and Swedish pop duo Icona Pop. We also talked with Hunter "The Sheriff" McIntyre who competed in the Tough Mudder X Championship presented by Kill Cliff.
Within beauty and wellness, we have OB/GYN Dr. Sherry Ross with us sharing Part II of our conversation that we had with her. awareness of a number of issues. We talked with the Co-Founders of Australian cult beauty brand, Bali Body. Our second editorial, Bring it On has tips on how to look stylish from what you're wearing, beauty, hair, drinking and hanging out.
We have a number of features that are in each month's issues including The Art of the Snack - focusing on Kelvin Slush Co, Bingely Books, Bingely Streaming, Something You Should Know with Emirates Airlines, Athleisure List, Athleisure Beauty and more roundups that focus on tennis style, 5 must have sports bras and more.
Read the July Issue