NYFW SS27 EDIT

It’s that time of year again where fashion descends on various cities for fashion shows, presentations, pop-ups and more. As we looked ahead to SS27 trends and designs, it was another great season. We started off with New York Men’s Day to look at items that should be in our closets.

NYFW SS27 NYMD SESSION 1

Each season, New York Mens Day shares a number of designers that we should keep our eye on. This season, the first session had Avon Anglers, Ouila, Clara Son, and Alienant presenting their upcoming collection via standing presentations and rotating runway shows at Mercedes Benz Manhattan.

Of the 4 shows that presented their collections, we enjoyed seeing Clara Son which we have seen a number of seasons. We also enjoyed Alienant who was on Project Runway S21 with it’s Founder and designer, Yuchen Han. The collection had a number of streetwear looks. In attendance at his show was Project Runway S21 winner Veejay Floresca as well as S22 contestant, Bi Pham.

IG @newyorkmensday

@avonanglers

@ouilaworld

@clarasonstudio

@alienant_temple

NYFW SS27 MANKIND ON STAGE

We left that show to make our way to Jack Studios to see Mankind on Stage Presentation. This collection included an array of looks for men and women that were in white and black. Pieces included items that could be worn as evening wear as well as bridal looks. In addition, there were elevated looks for brunch and other special occassions.

IG @mankind_on_stage

NYFW SS27 RYNSHU

A few SS seasons ago, we had the pleasure of attending Rynshu’s fashion show. At this year’s show, we found ourselves at Virgin Hotels NYC in NoMad at their beach club where men’s and women’s streetwear was shown by a number of models including noted entertainer, Billy Porter (Kinky Boots, Pose, American Horror Story: Apocalypse).

IG @rynshu

NYFW SS27 NYMD SESSION 2

The second session of NYMD brought us back to Mercedes Benz Manhattan with collections from Ethan Lewy, Science Project Company, and Big Ocean X Andy Yu.

IG @ethanlewy

@scienceprojectcompany

@big_ocean.official

@49andrewyu

NYFW SS27 MODEST NOW THE SHOWS

As we continued through NYFW, we made our way to Rockefeller Center’s Radio Park to see Modest Now The Shows runway show while we enjoyed a pleasantly warm day. A number of the looks showcased elegant modesty fashion all in white from dresses outerwear and more.

IG @modestnow.theshows

NYFW SS27 CUSTO BARCELONA

Custo Barcelona is known for vibrant designs that have you vacation ready. So we were excited to go to Radio Park to see their SS27 collection which had vibrant garments that make you think of epic getaways by the beach and enjoying disco parties into the night! Cut outs, retro styles, and a bit of glam was on display during this show with NYC as its background.

IG @custobarcelona

NYFW SS27 Frederick Anderson

AS NYFW drew to a close, it was time to see the SS27 Frederick Anderson show at Nebula whose theme was My Garden Party. The runway show opened with a perfomance by Grammy Award and 3X Juno Award winner, Allison Russell. She also closed the show as well.

The show had models carrying stunning florals and wore looks of white, neutrals, lilacs, and more. Whether it was pantsuits, dresses, or separates the collection took you an array of parties, midday galas, and more.

IG @frederickanderson_designer

NYFW SS27 Valerian Hughes

Our final show of this year’s SS27 collection was at an art gallery space in Chelsea to see Valerian Hughes. The collection included dresses, suiting, and more for men and women that had a bit of island vibes woven throughout. The tailoring, accessories, and vibe of this show was a great way to end this season.

IG @valerianhughesparis

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 147 Max Bernetz | PG 148 + 149 PHOTOS COURTESY Ethan Lewy | PG 150 + 151 Alex Korolkovas | PG 152 + 153 PHOTOS COURTESY Modest Now | PG 154 - 156 David Warren

Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see NYFW SS27 EDIT in mag.

NYFW COACH SS27 + TANQUERAY GIN

NYFW kicked off its SS27 with a number of shows including Coach which took place on Sep 10th. They celebrated the 85th anniversary by presenting a collection of of slim and straight silhouettes. In addition the line includes loveworn materials and refined tailoring as well as inside-out construction. Of course, leatherwork is also an essential element of the collection and the brand. Creative Director, Stuart Vevers shared that, “for Coach’s 85th anniversary, I was thinking about memory and the way familiar things change as we live with them. I didn’t want to make a retrospective. We turned familiar Coach ideas inside out, exposed their construction, softened them and left traces of celebration on them. Having 85 years behind us gives us the confidence to look forward.” Attendees say archetypes that illustrate Vevers’ vision for Coach - trench coats, leather jackets, tuxedos, bias-cut dresses, and Western boots.

Prior to guests watching the runway show, they were able to read the collection notes as they sipped on Coach 85 (Inspired by Coach’s 85th anniversary, the COACH 85 is a vibrant, effortlessly polished serve that feels like the cocktail equivalent of a new-season runway look. Fresh pink grapefruit and lemon bring a bold pop of color, Tanqueray London Dry Gin adds an elegant finish. Bright, sophisticated and just unexpected enough, it’s the perfect accessory for taking you from front row to afterparty), an anniversary cocktail made with Tanqueray Gin. Post the presentation, guests were able to enjoy a continued party for Coach Club 85. Tanqueray Gin partnered with Coach as the official sponsor of the runway show and afterparty.

You can see the runway show here as well as to read the collection notes. You can also make these cocktails at home!

Tanqueray Coach Dirty Martini

*Makes one serving

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Tanqueray London Dry Gin

• 0.75 oz Olive Brine

• 0.25 oz Extra Dry Vermouth

Garnish: 1 skewered olive

Glassware: Martini Glass

Method: Add all ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass, garnish with skewered olive.

Coach 85

*Makes one serving

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Tanqueary London dry gin

• 2 oz freshly squeezed pink or red grapefruit juice

• 2 oz French Aperitif Wine

• .5 oz elderflower liqueur

• .5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice plus 1 inch lemon peel OR 3 dashes lemon bitters

Garnish: Long grapefruit twist, to garnish

Glassware: Coupe

Method: Add all ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake. Strain into a coupe glass, garnish with a long grapefruit twist.

PHOTO CREDIT | Tanqueray Gin

NYFW FW26 EDIT

The month of Feb is beyond busy but this year with the addition of the Winter Games 2026, Super Bowl, Grammys and of course, NYFW it’s a lot of activity! NYFW FW26 took place from Feb 11th - 16th and this season, we attended an array of runway shows and presentations as well as backstage coverage. As we do each season, we go over some of the shows that stuck out with us as well as interviews that took place along the way.

LOVESHACKFANCY NYFW FW26

We kicked off this season of NYFW heading backstage to NY based LOVESHACKFANCY which is known for their whimsical collections. Founder and Creative Director Rebecca Hessel Cohen held this runway show at Cooper Hewitt’s Gilded Age mansion and transformed the historic landmark into a sanctuary of romantic vibes. By using history as her guide as well as the social codes of Gossip Girl, she shared that her muse, “is feminine yet opinionated, romantic yet ironic, a little dramatic and fully self-aware. When you’re looking at her, it’s as if she’s been dancing through the halls of Versaille, yet also entirely of the moment.” This upcoming season’s collection is filled with pastels that are grounded in espresso, soft florals that are precisely tailored, and beaded mesh corsetry. With tones of blush, powder blue, deep bordeaux, choclate, gunmetal and more.

Courtesy of Goody, Wet Brush, and Bio Ionic, we watched the hair look and its inspiration come together with Brent Lawler, Celebrity Hairstylist and Lead Hairstylist for this show who talked with us about how he created the look and he even provided a 9 step process on how we can create the look.

He shared that the look was focused on an undone-yet-polished look. “We wanted the hair to feel very chic, but relaxed - a heritage reinterpreted. I wanted a concept that is clear and cohesive. I love a bow and bows are part of the DNA of the brand. I wanted to give a look that is more lived in, more casual, more wintry, and natural. It’s the girl that loves to party but also loves poetry. so if she wakes up in the morning with the bow still in her hair, she just throws on her ballet flat and heads out the door for coffee.”

This look of being undone is one that definitely can be worn to the office, heading to the studio for your workout, and of course to grab cocktails and a meal later!

Because we loved this look and hearing the inspiration behind it, Brent shared with Athleisure Mag how you can create this look in 9 easy steps to bring it from the runway to your every day!

9 STEP HAIRSTYLE

• Step 1: Brush out tangles & negate frizz with the Wet Brush Frizz Free Detangler.

• Step 2: Put a little mousse at the roots for texture and volume.

• Step 3: Use Bio Ionic Smart X Hair Dryer on high heat fast speed to quickly get out any moisture.

• Step 4: Section the hair with Goody Luxe Claw Clips.

• Step 5: Use Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron in 1.5 inch to create loose waves with natural bends.

• Step 6: Use Batiste Powder Dry Shampoo and Batiste Original Dry Shampoo along the roots for increased volume and texture (which builds the texture and creates airy volume).

• Step 7: Grab pieces of hair and pull back into a Goody Comfortflex thin hair tie, or Goody Clear Elastics, then pull the hair tie down to create a looser look. It allows it to hold the low ponies that were shown in the show.

• Step 8: Go into the ends of and push the Batiste powder into the hair to create more volume and texture.

• Step 9: Add a bow on top of the Goody hair tie.

IG @loveshackfancy

@brentlawler

@goodyhair

@thewetbrush

@bioionic

NEW YORK MEN’S DAY SESSION I FW26

New York Men’s Day is always a great day to see runway shows and presentations that focus on menswear. Held at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, we were able to connect with collections from brands we enjoy seeing each season as well as those that are new to us.

AVON ANGLERS

NY based Avon Anglers is founded by designer Patrik Rzepski in 2021 and made it’s NYMD debut this season. This collection was filled with wardrobe staples through elevated materials, precise construction, and a restrained point of view. The brand is focused on maintaining and preserving the craft of sewing, maintaining relationships with local makeries and factories as well as being focused on reducing excess by making less, but better.

A.POTTS

A.Potts is a staple of NYMD and is known for clothing that is easy and makes a statement. This season we enjoyed seeing neutral pieces from the collection that also has great visual texture through garments that moved as it hit the runway.

CHELSEA GRAYS

Chelsea Grays theme known as DROWNING presented a luxury streetwear 14-look collection that blends oversized tweed, navy ombré nubby wools, and technical materials with cargo shorts.

PEAK LAPEL

For the past few seasons, we have enjoyed seeing Peak Lapel’s presentation. This season, their theme, Breaking Home Ties focused on a modern, rugged, and refined take on workwear and preppy, traditional codes. Key pieces included standout tailored outerwear, prep styles, and a blend of polished, and functional pieces.

PROJECT BY INFORMA LAS VEGAS PREVIEW

Pieces that showed within this presentation from the morning session as well as the afternoon one were previews of brands that you could see ahead of PROJECT by Informa Las Vegas which took place Feb 17th - 19th. Guests were able to see Devereaux Golf, Goat by James King, GWOP Meet,

KNOTWTR, Lost My Accent, Monadic, Moshe Yossel, Psycho Bunny, Public Drip, RTA, and Ryoko Rain.

IG @newyorkmensday

@avonanglers

@a___potts

@__chelsea.g

@peaklapelnyc

@projectbyinforma

@devereauxgolf

@goatbyjamesking

@gwopmeet

@knotwtr

@lostmyaccent

@monadicclothing

@mosheyossel

@psychobunny

@publicdripbrand

@rtabrand

@ryokorain

FREDERICK ANDERSON FW26

We always enjoy attending Frederick Anderson’s runway shows as it always has drama and great silhouettes. This year, Tony Award nominee Amber Iman (Soul Doctor, Shuffle Along, Hamilton), kicked off the show singing Nina Simone’s Feeling Good. As 34 looks hit the runway, attendees enjoyed hearing bluesy songs from Amy Winehouse and Nina Simone. The looks were a mix of separates and one pieces that pulled from fabrications that included: Chantilly lace, wool tweeds, tulle, chiffon and metallic laser-cut vegan leather. Frederick shared that he, “wanted to write a story about finding strength in all the blackness. We’re in a black time, and you can find an inner strength in that. Throughout the collection, there’s all these layers and different fabrications that layer on top. It’s all in the details and it’s all for the woman to enjoy. It isn’t for everyone.”

IG @frederickanderson_designer

NEW YORK MEN’S DAY SESSION II FW26

CHRISTOPHER LOWMAN FW26

For the second session of NYMD, we enjoyed seeing another round of great looks. This portion of NYMD included designers who made their debut this season.

SKI TRIP was the theme of Christopher Lowman’s FW26 collection which merged alpine sport with downtown ease. The performance fabrics used in the line included neoprene, gabardine, double-sided fleece, and boiled wool that was finely tailored into exaggerated silhouettes with a palette that embraced all that is winter oriented.

MONDAY BLUES, STUDIO FW26

One of the most interesting brands that showed at this platform was Monday Blues, Studio. This brand is rooted in sustainability. What really struck out was garments that reimagined discarded burlap coffee bags into one-of-a-kind, made-to-order couture garments.

WANGDA FW26

A new to us designer was Wangda that created strong menswear pieces that showcase how you can look dapper while having an elegance that makes you think of Old Hollywood brought forward as well as east meets west sensibility. By blending in America, British and Japanese aesthetics, something completely new was presented within this collection of warm tones and deep eggplant hued suiting.

SCIENCE PROJECT COMPANY FW26

Our favorite designer that shows all day at NYMD was Science Project Company hands down. Seeing a runway show that also featured a presentation was a great way to enjoy this line of menswear apparel along with bags that you could imagine in any of your tunnel fashion views from your sport of choice!

The collection reflects the man on the go who is navigating between a number of activities that tru;y tale him from day to night. Standouts included outerwear, multi-pocketed pants, and a very large weekender bag that we continue to think about.

IG @christopherlowman

@mondaybluesstudio

@wangda_official

@scienceprojectcompany

MODEST NOW X MUSLIMI

During the Modest Now X MUSLIMI runway show, we were able to see 2 lines that showcased their designs. In womenswear, Amariah had luxe elegant pieces that literally floated down the runway whether they were separates or dresses in tulle, lace and a number of fabrications across hues.

For menswear, we were treated to Athari Wear that really showcased a lifestyle collection of looks from what one would wear to work out, run errands, and to go out for a nice meal. In addition, a number of accessories and sneakers from the brand really rounded out this line.

Both shows were a great way to showcase modest dressing and it was easy to see how these items could be seen on the street or in your favorite show.

IG @modestnow.theshows

@muslimi.official

@amariah

@athariwear

LAQUAN SMITH FW26

Going backstage is a great way to see the looks come together where beauty and fashion truly support one another. We were invited to go backstage at LaQuan Smith via KISS and we had the opportunity to chat with Celebrity Nail Artist/Manicurist Gina Edwards to find out about the inspiration behind the nail look and how it tied into the overall vision of this FW26 show which included structured silhouettes, sharp tailoring and Bond Girl vibes.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We always enjoy when we see you backstage at iconic fashion shows. The last time we were with you, it was at Prabal Garung’s FW24 and we’re here with you today for LaQuann Smith’s FW26. What can you tell us about the direction of the nails that we will see today?

GINA EDWARDS: These are the nail looks for the show. What we did with LaQuann is that he is all about edgy, tailoring to a tee and this season’s inspo is the James Bond Girl.

The Bond Girl is a structural and intentional woman! With that, we did the KISS (their new branding) with their core collection which comes in your classic colors, your trends, and your classic French with the Chrome. These are long, and they’re oval, and you want it Stiletto and they are shaped nails like a bullet now. So think about James Bond, he’s always carrying a gun with bullets. Some of the models are wearing the more classic French out of the box. Others are wearing the Chrome finish. With the French, we’re just shaping them out to a Stiletto which is Fascinating - that’s the name of those.

With the Chrome, we customized a mixed chrome finish to give it more like a gunmetal.

AM: Right.

GE: To make it that bullet, you see it here. I mean, we have seen Chrome over and over again, but the fact that when you could in terms of relate it to the collection and how it is all cohesive, it kind of really is amazing.

AM: How long did it take for you to come up with this concept as we know that, like, you go through the files!

GE: So, I can’t speak for him, but I know that he had this woman in mind. He envisioned that she had this strong, powerful edginess, and we wanted to take that and put into context and put that onto the nail right. Thinking back to James Bond, you have this fierce sensibility with guns.

He wanted that type of woman to show on the nails. And I think KISS nailed it again – the whole team. We just came up with an idea of just having this gunmetal finish to match with a lot of what you’re going to see in his pieces/ The shoes, the hair it was all how to tie that all into what he envisions on a nail for this collection.

AM: So the classic French can be purchased and is ready to go out of the box.

GE: Yes, right out of the box, you could purchase the French, the French classic. It’s called Fascinating and is part of the collection by KISS which is a staple in their line.

AM: Now, if you wanted to recreate the Chrome one at home, how can we do that as we know that this was done custom for this NYFW FW26 runway show?

GE: Yeah, so it’s a little tricky because I did mix the chrome to get this finish. It’s a DIY you can do on your own. You can pick out a chrome finish and maybe add a little black to it to kind of give it a little deepness, and then you go from there you add your gel and then you buff it down, you know? It’s like 20 different steps, but we do have the how-to guide for those people that want to do it!

AM: For our gel people out there who go in get their nails done and then on their next visit, they get it removed and get another gel, how can they keep the skin on their hands looking amazing? Right now we’re navigating the Winter here in NYC which is very tough on the skin and drying!

GE: The first thing I would say is to carry cuticle oil with you at all times! Your skin needs to stay moisturized especially at night! Just like your face has day cream and night cream! Having this for your hands will keep them moisturized and it’s also about building up your fats internally. You know, make sure you’re eating avocados and nutrients that create those fats which helps your skin. and out of oil, you know, it’s really fat. You want to make sure that you are getting the most natural oils that are good for you from the inside out!

If you’re interested in achieving the Chrome look at home that Gina customized for this show, she tells us how we can do this in 3 simple ways.

• Step 1: Select and size KISS CORE Collection nail in Fascinating and customize shape into a sharp stiletto.

• Step 2: Apply nail glue to the artificial nail and the natural nail, then press down gently, repeat on all ten nails.

• Step 3: Leave as is for the classic French tip look, or layer on your favorite bullet chrome on top for the dark silver finish.

IG @laquan_smith

@ginaedwards_

@kissnails

VEEJAY FLORESCA FW26

For our final NYFW show, we made our way to the Ritz Carlton NoMad to see the latest Project Runway S21 winner Veejay Floresca where she showcased her FW26 Collection Presentation. During her season we enjoyed how she attacked each of the challenges creating stunning looks. So we knew that her show was going to be one that we had to see.

Veejay’s collection was filled with modern glamour, designed to evoke confidence, sensuality, and individuality. Her inspiration for this season came from Willem de Kooning’s abstract expressionist paintings. She wove in bold, gestural color and layered textures into tactile fabrics, heavy knits, and sculptural finishes that create movement and depth. Oversized, fluid silhouettes balance spontaneity and control, resulting in pieces that feel both striking and wearable. As she is known as an eveningwear and special occasion designer, she explored color, texture, and form through an elevated yet effortless lens. In attendance were a number of designers from her season as well as Christian Sriano.

IG @projectrunway

@veejayfloresca

PHOTOGRAPHY | PG 129 LoveShackFancy | PG 130 Peak Lapel NYC | PG 133 Estelle Sweeney | PG 134 Ben Hider | PG 137 Michael Pagara |

Read the FEB ISSUE #122 of Athleisure Mag and see NYFW FW26 EDIT in mag.

THE RIGHT STEP | KAY SIDES

We took some time to sit down with Kay Sides, Founder of HATCh and R0AM in LA. We wanted to catch up with her to find out how she got into the fashion industry, her showroom, the iconic brands that she has been involved in, and her lifestyle brand that she launched a few years ago that are essentials as well as being coveted by some of your favorite celebs.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’ve enjoyed R0AM as you sent the flip flops during the Summer and have worn them so many times (such a lifesaver during NYFW) and then I we recently were sent the Shearling Clogs which were so cozy after running around the Food Network NYC Wine Food Festival as we had a staycation in BK and I loved wearing them around the hotel and out to the bodega when we weren’t covering the event. Of course, I have been a fan of yours as we had the pleasure of working together years ago! For those who may not be familiar, tell me a bit about your background and how you came into the fashion industry?

KAY SIDES: Thank you so much :)

I’ve been incredibly fortunate throughout my professional journey. I started at Chanel while still in college and quickly became an integral part of the accessories team - managing wholesale accounts across accessories and RTW, conducting store trainings, maintaining merchandising standards, and helping open new doors. From there, I became Creative Director and Buyer at Maxfield, then went on to found HATCh, one of the largest multi-brand agencies in the U.S. We’ve had the honor of helping build some of the most iconic contemporary and young designer brands for both the U.S. and global markets. R0AM came about very organically about seven years ago.

AM: Tell us about HATCh, why you created it, what does this showroom do, and who are you repping now?

KS: Yes, we were so lucky to be brought into that project! Our role was to help launch women’s Lacoste and make it feel fresh and relevant for the U.S. market. It was a pivotal time that introduced the brand to top luxury and specialty contemporary retailers nationwide. HATCh has always been known for its dynamic designer-meets-contemporary mix - at the time we represented Lacoste, Katayone Adeli, Rick Owens, James Perse, Henry Duarte, and Lena Wald, among others.

Over the years, we’ve launched and represented brands like Alexander McQueen McQ, Yohji Yamamoto (coming soon), Aviator Nation, Taschen Books, Banjanan, Zadig & Voltaire, Stance, and Lana Bilzerian, to name a few. We work incredibly strategically - creating integrated sales, marketing, and distribution strategies for every brand partner, and managing all aspects of wholesale and brand positioning.

AM: How did you go from having this successful showroom to deciding that you were going to launch what started as a shoe brand in 2018?

KS: Thank you so much! R0AM truly grew out of an organic need. I couldn’t find shoes that were both cool and comfortable - stylish, versatile options for women who lead dimensional lives (which is to say, all women!). Something that could carry you from school drop-off to meetings, to Pilates, to walking your dog or cooking dinner - without ever needing to change shoes.

I loved so many of the luxury collaborations out there, but to be honest, they weren’t comfortable for me, and they were always $600–$700. I wanted to create something attainable and designed for real life - shoes that feel good, look good, and fit seamlessly into every part of your day.

AM: What is the meaning behind the brand’s name?

KS: I’ve been an adventure and outdoor sports enthusiast my entire life, so the name R0AM resonated deeply - it embodies movement, freedom, and exploration. It implies action and comfort, while visually feeling modern and stylish. Growing up in Hawai‘i and spending so much of my life in nature, I knew the brand also had to be built with consciousness and care at its core. That’s something I’m deeply proud of.

AM: What are the different roles that you have in R0AM and what do you love the most?

KS: Honestly, I’m involved in everything. I oversee design, fit, comfort, sustainability, and creative direction - from photo shoots and campaigns to every ad and communication touchpoint. I’m lucky to have an incredible team that manages the technical side of production, fit, wholesale, and retail operations, and I work closely with each of them, every day.

Even our warehouse manager and I talk daily! I love every aspect of it. When I started, I didn’t know anything about designing footwear, and I still learn something new all the time. I thrive on that challenge. It’s such a gift to collaborate with such bright, creative, and committed individuals.

AM: From a sustainability perspective, what can you tell us about your approach to the design of the shoe?

KS: It’s a non-negotiable for us. From day one, we’ve been entirely vegan - no harm to animals. We use in-market luxury materials, certifiable bio-EVA outsoles made from sugarcane, recycled tread, and compostable, recycled packaging. We recently launched The Slip, made from certified BLOOM technology (algae). For a small, independent brand, we’re proud to be doing our part to minimize harm and protect this beautiful planet.

AM: When did you launch apparel and what kind of pieces can customers expect in this assortment?

KS: We launched apparel a couple of years ago, and it’s grown steadily ever since. The collection mirrors the qualities people love about our footwear - insane comfort and elevated design. Even our most casual styles are luxurious, made from sumptuous jersey, often lined with the softest inner jersey, featuring padded hoods and subtly structured bodies.

The silhouettes are incredibly flattering thanks to thoughtful seaming, and our Tux Jogger - technically a sweatpant - feels elevated, polished, and flattering on every body type.

AM: Since you juggle HATCh and R0AM, how do you take time for yourself to give yourself the proper self-care that you need?

KS: Self-care is everything. I make time to work out, meditate, do contrast therapy, and practice silence - all of which help me stay centered so I can show up fully for my team. It keeps me grounded, grateful, and ready to give 100 percent every day.

AM: We always like asking about our faves fitness routines - are there 3 favorite workouts you enjoy doing or studio fitness that you do?

KS: Each week, I strength train, run, and do Pilates. I mix in hiking, surfing, and boxing whenever I can. Movement is truly my therapy.

AM: From the shoe portion of the brand, what are 3 must-haves that we should have as essential items to wear from R0AM?

KS: The three must-haves from R0AM’s footwear collection would have to be a cozy clog, a statement platform, and our signature moto boot.

Definitely start with a cozy clog - we have so many options, from cush-lined to unlined, platform to non-platform. Our new brushed terry styles are a dream, and whether you go for the glam hardware versions or the classic fuzzy OG R0AM look, these are styles we truly dominate in. They’re unbelievably comfortable and perfect year-round.

Next, you can’t go wrong with a platform. No one does stacks like we do - our custom-molded platform is designed to be insanely lightweight and ultra-flattering. I’m currently obsessed with the Knotty Stack in Oyster and the Fuzzy Stripe Stack in Taupe and Beige.

And finally, the Moto Boot - it’s so sexy and versatile. The perfect low-cut silhouette that instantly elevates a simple leggings-and-jacket combo. It transitions effortlessly from festival style (paired with shorts or jorts) to a boho moment with a flowy dress. It’s one of those pieces that transforms any look with ease.

IG @roamwears

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Kay Sides

Read the OCT ISSUE #118 of Athleisure Mag and see THE RIGHT STEP | Kay Sides in mag.

NYFW SS26 EDIT

As we look to other cities around the globe that will continue to showcase SS26 fashion in menswear and womenswear, this month, we’re sharing a recap of some of the shows that we attended and what stood out during this season’s NYFW.

JANET MANDELL NYFW SS26

We kicked off our first day of NYFW at the Janet Mandell show which took place in the LES at The DL. Her show was A Tribute to Vintage: Janet Mandell’s Archival Runway. Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of attending her showroom here in NY (she also has them in Chicago and Los Angeles) which is home to rare vintage who has dresses the Kardashians, Rachel Zoe, Mindy Kaling, and more.

To see these pieces on the runway with a candlelit backdrop on a rooftop, we loved seeing some of the most coveted looks in luxury rental fashion! This show showcased rare looks from the 90s and early 2000s with designs by Roberto Cavalli, Christian Dior by John Galliano, Gucci by Tom Ford and Gianni Versace.

At the conclusion of this show, which left a number of the guests in a dream to see these pieces all in one place, we enjoyed champagne after the event as a means to get ready for a busy season ahead!

IG @janetmandell

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 122 - 123 Janet Mandell |

MORPHEW FLAGSHIP LAUNCH

Interestingly enough, upon leaving The DL, we made our way around the block to Morphew who had a lovely get together to launch their new location of their vintage luxury fashion and art. Their collection includes ready-to-wear, rare luxury vintage, and atelier pieces.

IG @morphew_world

NEW YORK MEN’S DAY MORNING SESSION NYFW SS26

Although we had attended functions the night before, NYMD took place on the first official day of NYFW. This event is one that we enjoy due to the fact that over the course of the morning and the afternoon, you see a curated group of designers.

Both sessions took place at the Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan, which is a large showroom. This season’s presenting sponsors were PROJECT (represents what’s new, now, and next in men’s contemporary apparel, footwearm and accessories) and COTERIE (is the premier women’s contemporary to advanced apparel, footwear, and accessories platform).

The venue host was at the Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan showroom, which allowed attendees to see all the shows, while also being immersed in a luxury space showcasing this brand and partnerships.

In this first group of shows, 4 brands presented their collection to attendees. archie was part of NYMD for the first time. They shared their line with their models rotating on a playground spinner with neutral tones. It was a great way to see the movement of the collection as well as to see everything together.

Peak Lapel was back for another season and had a number of tipped blazers in primary colors with a nod to preppy style. As opposed to being in motion, this presentation of this collection allowed attendees to see them playing chess and had a feeling of sitting in the park as opposed to being in a luxury showroom with G Wagons nearby.

Clara Son is a menswear brand that was back for another season. This collection had a playful take on menswear while incorporating suiting and great separates. There were pops of colors as well as neutrals. It’s always a line that has a distinct point of view.

The last designer to be part of NYMD for the morning session was Oxblood Zebra that returned for another season. This collection has signature pieces that reminded us of items that your favorite artist or athlete would wear.

IG @newyorkmensday

@coterie_show

@archie__usa

@peaklapelnyc

@clarasonstudio

@theoxbloodzebra

@mercedesbenzmanhattan

PHOTO CREDITS | PG 124 Oxblood Zebra/Angel Flores | PG 125 Max Esmail |

RYNSHU NYFW SS26

Rynshu’s box style show allowed every attendee to see the looks that hit the runway at all angles. Although this brand was new to us, we loved the flowing silhouettes, sequins, and a clean palette.

IG @rynshu

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 127 Rynshu |

NEW YORK MEN’S DAY AFTERNOON SESSION NYFW SS26

We made our way back to the Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan showroom to see the afternoon shows, which included 4 additional designers.

For the first time, FIT MW25 Collective shared a curated group of designs! It’s always nice to see what the next generation of creatives and designers are looking to do to put their fingerprint on this industry!

Bryan Jimenez introduced their menswear collection for the first time at NYMD this season! We found that this collection has great core essentials that could be worn dressed up or even casually. It also had such an easy sensibility that we can’t wait to continue to see more from this designer and how it will evolve from season to season.

The first time that we had seen Joseph McRae, it was at another season of NYMD. If you have been watching the current season of Freeform’s Project Runway, you know that he was a contestant and he brought the drama in a number of the challenges. We’re not doing a spoiler alert in case you have yet to see it. As usual, he likes to play with proportion, he’s phenomenal when it comes to dramatic pieces that make a statement.

Max Esmail returned with suiting and outerwear in menswear. The fact that we were at the Mercedes-Benz showroom, it was a great backdrop for this Miami Vice gotham style look.

IG @fitnyc

@bryanjimeneznyc

@joseph_mcrae

@max.esmail

PHOTO CREDITS | PG 125 Max Esmail |

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO, MACY’S I.N.C X CHRISTIAN SIRIANO + RECEPTION NYFW SS26

A Christian Siriano is an event not to be missed, from star studded attendees, to fashion that is always next level, we were excited to see his NYFW SS26 runway show that took place at Macy’s. Transformed into a golden draped space his muse, Coco Rocha opened and closed this phenomenal show which was filled with dramatic pieces.

Once this show completed, we made our way to the executive floor of this iconic heritage department store, where they had a gallery of curated looks by the designer who also serves as Creative Director of Macy’s I.N.C.

The selection of blazers that were embellished with details was nice to see as we made our way to the roofdeck to enjoy a cocktail reception. In addition to Christian coming to celebrate the 40th year of Macy’s I.N.C. he mingled with guests along with Coco Rocha herself.

IG @csiriano

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 128 - 132 Christian Siriano |

NATALIA FEDNER NYFW SS26

We have been fans of Natalia Fedner ever since we saw her S1 on Project Runway. She is known for creating Stretch Metal which has been created for dresses, tops, skirts, and swimwear. A number of celebs from Lenny Kravitz, Beyonce, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, and more have worn her pieces. In addition, we have even styled her pieces in our cover photoshoot of an NFL Super Bowl Champion winner as well.

We enjoyed seeing her show on Sun night during NYFW for her SS26 collection which had a number of fun pieces in Metal Couture from solids to prints in her iconic 6-way Stretch Metal style.

IG @nataliafedner

PHOTO CREDITS | PG 134 + 135 Natalia Fedner |

FREDERICK ANDERSON NYFW SS26

For the past few seasons, we have enjoyed attending Frederick Anderson’s NYFW shows, and for his SS26 season, he focused on the concept of joy. There were definite beach vibes in his collection that made you think of booking a trip to Bali, Sao Paulo, and Miami. Of course they are perfect for warm nights right here in NYC!

IG @frederickanderson_designer

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 136 + 137 Frederick Anderson |

MOTT50 EDITION + COOLIBAR NYFW SS26

We ended our NYFW shows at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar where Coolibar, a suncare brand for apparel showcased elements of their collection as a standing presentation, a runway show for Coolibar, and another runway show for their luxury portion of the line known as Mott50. Before and after the show, we enjoyed a sunny warm summer night in the golden hour which was paired with cocktails and light bites.

Protecting our skin and wearing products that have UPF 50+ built in is a great way to make sure that you are taking care of yourself. We had the pleasure of interviewing Supermodel and 90s icon, Niki Taylor moments before she made her return to the runway in this show as she opened and closed it!

ATHLEISURE MAG: It is so great to sit with you before you hit the runway! I remember when your first cover for Seventeen Magazine came out and it’s great to see how you have navigated your career. It’s so great to meet you.

When did you realize that you wanted to be a model?

NIKI TAYLOR: Oh my gosh! My mom was a model, she had done a couple magazine covers for Gold Coast back in the early 70s, and then she became a photographer. I think just growing up, I was always taller than everybody else. I think that’s when people were like, “oh, she should get into modeling.”

AM: Exactly!

NT: There were some teen things going on in South Florida, so we looked up modeling agencies in Fort Lauderdale and Irene Marie and Michele Pommier came up and I went to both of them. So my mom and I, we made a little black and white comp card and went to a photographer that took black and white photos. I just remember, that I had the hat and the bob and a couple at my mom’s photos we put on this comp card and we sent it into Irene Marie and they said no. They’re like, “nope, she needs braces - come back when her braces are off.” At that time, I was getting ready to get them. I did. I came back and there was a guy named JJ Cortez at Irene Marie. He was a modeling scout, and he said, “hey, we’re gonna sign you,” and the rest is history!

AM: You’ve had a phenomenal career from covers, hosting, and just so many different things. What do you love about what it is that you do, and did you envision that it would be all of this?

NT: I was a fan first. I would spend my allowance. I would ride my bike to the drugstore, buy a Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, and then put Christy, Naomi, and Linda on my wall!

AM: Exactly.

NT: I would look at that and say, I’m going to do that! I think that the drugstore had Italian Vogue one time – I don’t know how it got there!

AM: But it was like destiny!

NT: It was. It was all of the girls doing fashion shows. I remember I was, like, oh my, gosh, there’s Helena Christensen. There is Christy Turlington, she’s my favorite. Anything that I could find with Steven Meisel that he shot was on my wall.

Irene Marie brought me to New York. I did a modeling competition for Spectrum, and I won that. And then, from there, I signed with them and then I went to, um, my first show which was Thierry Mugler when when I was 14. I just remember being the first model there. So I got to watch them all come in, and all the personalities that arrived! My dad had one of those little throwaway cameras. I remember my dad coming with me.

I sat down and Danilo was doing my hair, and I could see Helena Christensen behind me and smiling at each other. I just feel like I was more a fan and the fact that I am still doing this and I get to do this, I’m very lucky.

AM: Well, we love hearing about people’s fitness routines. So, what are 3 that you do that we should consider incorporate into ours?

NT: Well, this is my husband, Burney.

AM: Hello!

NT: We weight train and see a trainer twice a week. We do a lot of walking. We love riding bikes. Anywhere we go on vacation or from work, we try to find somewhere that has bikes.

AM: That’s so cute!

BURNEY LAMAR: Have you done the Citi Bikes?

AM: No, I have not done the Citi Bikes.

NT: Oh my gosh, you have to!

BL: They’re amazing.

AM: I don’t know, you have the crazy drivers and then you have you on the Citi Bike. Yeah, I don’t know about that.

BL: They have a dedicated lane for them!

NT: Oh yeah they have they green lane.

AM: Oh yes – as long as they adhere to that!!

NT: They definitely look out for that bike lane! Talk about getting around fast!

AM: That part is true!

NT: Especially if you are late for something. It does help having somebody with you.

BL: We were ripping around last night.

NT: We did! We went downtown to the Oculus on our Citibikes. Then he said, “alright, let’s take the train,” so we’ll took it back uptown. Then we took another bike so we’re always moving.

We also do a lot of cardio as well, in addition to trying to lift heavyweight 2X a week. It’s because of him that I do that, because if it’s just me, then I’m going to just want to stretch.

AM: Right, I thought that you were going to say pilates, but you have such a great mix.

NT: I just turned 50 and I’m a grandma, so I have a 9 month old grandbaby. His name is Nico. So, we just have to keep moving and that’s our workout routine pretty much!

AM: Are there things that you do when you’re about to do a photoshoot, campaign, walk the runway etc to get into that mindset?

NT: I just feel like we do something every day. I love food. I’m a good eater and I always have been. You can ask my husband, I go up and I go down. I can tell when things are getting a little tight, right?

AM: Yup!

NT: It’s just portion control and a little bit more cardio! I’ve always been like that, and I have a sweet tooth. I can probably put down dessert more than anybody here. I love my sugar. So I have to workout. To get ready for this, I just try to do something every day, and I’m just trying to bring up my heart rate and sweat a little bit.

AM: How did you get connected to this brand? And you know, how excited are you going to be to be able to be a part of the show today?

NT: I’m not sure you’ve met Luis.

AM: Not yet.

NT: Not yet, okay so he will be speaking a little bit tonight. Him and I, we worked together in Miami, before this company for another clothing company. I just grew up in South Florida. I’ve always been in the sun. I know the importance of protecting your skin, and I just wish I had this clothing back then. We love being outside. I could have used their sun sleeves. They have an amazing bandana. I love their sun hats, too. My daughter, Ciel and I, we got to do this shoot together, which was fun. And she’s very good about protecting her skin. She doesn’t go in the sun at all.

My dad struggled a little bit towards the end of his life and had squamous (Editor’s Note: A common type of skin cancer that develops in the flat, thin cells – squamous cells – of the skin’s outer layer). So they were cutting off little pieces of his shoulders – he would mow the lawn without his shirt on. He would run and he had no sunscreen and back then, we didn’t wear sunscreen!

AM: Back then it wasn’t something that we think about as much as we do not. And sunscreen is for everyone across skin tones, hues, shades and whether the sun is out or not – regardless of the time of year!

NT: Yes!

AM: If you are breathing, you need to wear and use it!

NT: Oh yeah and think about the areas you don’t think about like your ears and there are so many areas that just get avoided.

AM: Especially your neck when you’re hair is pulled up and you’re not thinking about it.

NT: I wish this clothing brand was out there back in the 90s, it would have been nice. But this brand is UPF 50+ protection from UVA, UVB, and It’s 98 protection. It was founded in 2001 it’s the first brand that earned the Skin Cancer Foundation recommendation.

AM: That’s huge.

NT: I just love that you’re protected and it does not wash out. It’s in the clothing.

AM: The lookbook was amazing and it will be nice to see the collection when it hits the runway! The pieces are just so modern, very stylish and flowy, and I just appreciate you taking the time.

IG @nikilovesu

@coolibar

@mott50

PHOTO CREDITS | PG 138 - 143 Coolibar |

Read the SEP ISSUE #117 of Athleisure Mag and see NYFW SS26 EDIT in mag.

NYFW FW25

This month, we got our fashion fix as well as to see what will hit retail stores and our favorite online shops with this season's NYFW FW25 which ran from Feb 6 - 11th. Each season it's great to connect with the fashion and creative community as well as to interact with designers that are launching their collections, those that are new to us, and of course our favorites. This period of times includes an array of events from runway shows, presentations, previews, and so much more! This month, we want to share a bit of what we saw this season!

NEW YORK MEN'S DAY FW25

A.POTTS

NYMD is a curated group of menswear brands (depending on the designer, they may include womenswear as well) that showcase in Hudson Yards. It allows you to come during the morning for a series of designers and activations and then to come back later in the day for a new crop of designers. The shows tend to showcase the collections presentation style although some will have a runway show that continues on loop during the timeslot of the day part.

This season we saw A.Potts, a Brooklyn based brand designed by Aaron Potts. He has shown a total of 10 times during NYMD. This season's collection is inspired by Black Panthers and leopards and the collection has a number of grey and black textures in its modernist aesthetic.

IG @nyfw

@newyorkmensday

@a___potts

SIVAN

Sivan has been a brand that we have always enjoyed seeing each season as they always presented structured pieces for men and women and there is always a theme that ties everything together. For this Fall/WInter season, the focus was Sivan Hotel! This Brooklyn based brand started in 2021 and this is the 3rd season that they have shown their collection. Their fabrication and the impeccable styling is always something that we enjoy seeing regardless of the season that is being presented.

IG @sivanapparel

JOSEPH MCRAE

Joseph McRae made it's debut at this year's NYMD. We enjoyed seeing this line that included an array of luxe exaggerated puffers, dresses, and separates. Each piece had fabrictations that were rich in visual texture.

IG @joseph_mcrae

Additional brands that showed at NYMD included Hold NYC, Max Esmail, and Peak Lapel NYC. In addition, Sperry showcased their upcoming FW footwear collection as well as Grimoire NYC allowed attendees of the show to know more about their skincare line.

IG @holdnyc

@max.esmail

@peaklapelnyc

@sperry

@grimoirenyc

JOVANI

In between our shows during NYFW, we swung by Jovani's new showroom in Bryant Park. We were able to see an array of gowns, jumpsuits, and more that will find their way on those competing in the Bachelor/The Bachelorette, red carpets, your favorite Real Housewives and so much more. We always like keeping pieces like this in mind for our next project.

IG @jovanifashions

AUTHENTIC ROZ

We kicked off our next day of shows early by heading to Authentic Roz which made it's NYFW debut. We enjoyed seeing Rayane Alami's collection which had elements of a retro vibe but showcased Moroccan aesthetics, Japanese minimalism, and Italian craftsmanship. This 24 piece collection is infused with sustainable streetwear.

IG @authentic.roz

MICHAEL DEPAULO

Our series of shows continued my making our way to 610 Loft and Garden which overlooks Rockefeller Center as well as St Patrick Cathedral! We were excited to see luxury designer, Michael DePaulo's couture show which showcased an array of stunning gowns! It was great to have such a clear canvas to see the models showcase the dresses, to interact with the creative community as well as enjoying cocktails with good vibes all around.

IG @michaeldepaulo

FILIPINXT

It's always great to attend a collective show where multiple designers showcase their lines together. FILIPINXT celebrated fashion designers and crafstmanship of the Philippines and presented their designers: Bessie Besana (the collection 'Rays of Twilight' showcased bridal wear with chantilly lace, silk, and tulle in serene whites and nudes), Edited Limited + Adante Leyesa (the collaboration between Leo Bartolome or Edited Limited and Adante Leyesa came together in 'Tough Love' illustrating bold streetwear with raw edges with intricate accessories for the perfect accent), Bagoyan (the collection 'Bagoyan Rising' blends an aesthetic of traditional Kalinga culture and modern wearable design), and Tagpi (the collection 'Tahak' merged the worlds of a tropical landscape of the Philippines and the cosmopolitan energy of NYC). Prior to the show, we were welcomed by The Philippine Consulate in New York & Kalye NYC which talked about the designers' heritage, sustainability, innovation, and individuality so that they could take their work and passion to the global stage of NYFW through powerful runway shows.

IG @filipinxt.show

@bessiebesana

@pinagtagpi

@bagoyan_

@edited_limited

@adanteleyesa

CHRIS HABANA

Once again NYFW is always a great way to see and connect with designers and their passions! We have been a fan of Chris Habana for a number of years as his designs have been worn by Tyla (floating bra), Latto (a number of iconic moments), Doechii (a number of iconic moments), Beyoncé (Sir Davis bottle crystalized bag), Shaboozey (pony fur coat for Netflix Christmas Day NFL Halftime Show), and more! During NYFW, we were invited to their studio to see apparel and accessories that he has created as well as to see an outfit that was being made for a project that will be worn by an entertainer. It was great to meet other enthusiasts of his work as well as to take in a few drinks in between seeing his archives!

IG @chrishabana

FREDERICK ANDERSON

We enjoyed closing out our NYFW FW25 experience with Frederick Anderson at Paradise Club at the Edition Hotel in Times Square. The show started with an opera performance by 2X Grammy winner J'Nai Bridges.

41 looks hit the runway that had elements focused on romance and had a bit of a Spanish vibe with sultry tones that could be felt throughout the collection as well as the venue!

IG @frederickanderson_designer

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 72 Ned & Aya | PG 74 + 75 Sivan | PG 77 Michal DePaulo | PG 78 + 79 David Warren |

Read the FEB ISSUE #110 of Athleisure Mag and see NYFW FW25 in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG #110 | FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR.

In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is undefeated boxer and promoter with 15 Major World Champion over 5 weightclass and entrepreneur Floyd Mayweather. We talked with him about his phenomenal career, how he approached his fights, exhibition boxing, his latest projects 1O1 supplements, and his real estate empire.

We sat down with HBO's CELTICS CITY director Lauren Stowell and Producer Gabe Honig to talk about this 9 episode docuseries which will debut on on Mar 3rd. They talk with us on how they approached covering the 75 years of the Boston Celtics as well as being a dynasty with their 18 Championships that they have won.

We also talked with Alex Donnelly, the director of ROKU's United States of Rugby which looks at growing the game in the US and specifically Major League Rugby's Chicago Hounds. We also talked with 2 of the stars from this franchise Noah Brown and Charlie Abel.

S4 of STARZ's Power Book III: Raising Kanan will drop on Mar 7th. We caught up with the cast London Brown, Hailey Kilgore, and Malcolm Mays to find out more about who they play and what we can expect from the upcoming season.

We took some time with HGTV's Married to Real Estate stars and power couple, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson. We talk about how they got into real estate, being an agent, broker, interior design, and construction. They also talk about how they got into TV, upcoming projects, and small businesses.

During NYFW FW25 which took place early Feb, we saw a number of runway shows, presentations, and events that gave us insight to trends and aesthetics that we can look forward to later this month. We share our finds from Frederick Anderson, NYMD, FILIPINXT, and more.

We make our way to Ireland to sit down with Chef Vincent Crepel of Terre to talk about how he got into culinary, where he trained as well as what we can expect when we are coming into his restaurant.

This month's The Art of the Snack takes us to DC with Tapori which recently opened on H Street and has a menu of Indian street food and phenomenal cocktails. We chatted with restaurateur Dante Datta about this new spot.

This month's Athleisure List comes from The Class, created by Taryn Toomey and is located in Tribeca as well as in Santa Monica. In addition, we also have the Gayn Museum in Jaipur, India which has a number of stunning apparel and accessories that can be viewed via private appointment.

This month we have our 9PLAYLIST from NFL Super Bowl Champion Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from Team USA Olympic Gymnast Nastia Liukin (G1,S2,B1). This month's THE 9LIST 9CH3FS comes from Chef Jeffrey Budnechky of Apocalypse BBQ, Chef PJ Calapa of Marea Beverly Hills and our THE 9LIST 9B-L-D comes from Sommelier Belinda Chang as she shares what wines she would pair with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Read the FEB ISSUE #110 of Athleisure Mag.

NYFW SS25 EDIT

As you know, NYFW happens 2 times a year as it looks ahead to the Fall/Winter collections as well as those in the Spring/Summer. It's a time for the fashion community of editors, retailers, buyers, celebs, socialites, and enthusiasts to come together as they navgate a hectic series of days that include presentations, runway shows, previews, lunches, dinners, and after parties. By attending these functions, you get a bird's eye view on what to expect in terms of trends, silhouettes, hues and more. What we see here in NY will mirror or extend into what takes place for the other fashion calendars that occur in London, Milan, and Paris (you'll also see that those shows may also add elements as well). You can see the top colors from NYFW SS25 via our friends at Pantone.

This month, we hit the shows and as we enjoy sharing with you a selection of what we saw in Mens and Womens fashion this season here in NY, we'll highlight these shows. In addition, it's always fun when we cover the Backstage of a show as it allows us to see how the look and creative direction includes other facets of the overall look.

We kicked off NYFW with New York Men's Day which allows you to see a series of designers throughout the day via presentations or hybrid presentation/runway shows that are divided by a morning as well as an afternoon session. In addition to designers that showed (A. POTTS, Clara Son, Earthling VIP, Sivan, The Salting, of—nothing, Sermon Series, STAN, Tarpley, and Terry Singh), we also enjoyed vignettes where sponsors Sperry and Victorinox were also in these studios. The designers that showed their presentations also collaborated with Victorinox on designing cases that were within the vein of their collection for the upcoming season which were on display.

THE SALTING SS25

For the presentation/hybrid runway show of The Salting, we were transported to an Italian seaside complete with a dock that the models stood on for this genderless collection. The weather worn hues of blues, charcoal, olive, neutrals, and carnelian were seen throughout the collection and models. This nautical sensability was amplified with choice accessories that included large intricately knotted brooches, hats, and other details that made this feel like a line that you could wear for a number of moments in your lifestyle. The use of floral prints and seersucker was a visual texture that we found pleasing whether we saw the collection together during the presentation or separately when they did their runway portion.

CFDA designers Michael Ward and Manel Garcia Espejo noted that they were, "celebrating the Italian seaside and Italian life - village life by the sea. We leaned into '60s and '70s Italian film and we studied mostly Luchino Visconti (Death in Venice, Ludwig, The Stranger), Federico Fellini (8 ½, La Dolce Vita, Ginger and Fred) and we pulled a lot from the film Death in Venice - the opulence of it, and we landed with this."

Without a question, this was a collection that we truly enjoyed seeing and dare we say, our favorite.

IG @newyorkmensday

@thesaltingnyc

CLARA SON SS25

This menswear presentation leaned into a dream Clara Son had on her bicycle and the elements of nature that she rode beside which is seen in the color palette of this assortment that gives a nod to the coastal area with mountains, rocks, and flowers for her Reminiscence collection.The lines was enhanced with biker hats, seats, and functional bags.

IG @clarasonstudio

EARTHLING.VIP SS25

Part of enjoying a show is how it is presented to you and as soon as we saw multiple frames in the studio space with models walking in and out of them at various points, we were really excited about seeing the menswear and womenswear that were part of this show that included embellished denim, leather jackets, graphic tees and hardware laden leather weekender bags for a rocker on holiday vibe for this LA based brand.

IG @earthling.vip

STAN SS25

Another show of note to share from NYMD comes from STAN a line that is handcrafted in LA by designer and Co-Founder, Tristan Detwiler who is a, "craftsman by trade. My medium: dirt stained remnant of tattered, worn textiles, ingrained with stries of hand woven fibers. There is history awaiting discovery, buried in the deepest corners of the world. A medium that allows me to peer into faraway culture, ritual, religion, and family heritage. I live in perpetural search for such things. Stories relayed from the past; translated through centuries. The goal of STAN is to re-contextualize long lost memories to live on." He has a passopn for sustainable and meaningful practice in fashion as we continue to navigate those that are mass produced and involved in greenwashing.

This SS25 collection is made from 100% sustainable materials that includes deadstock and recycled fabrics. In terms of his work as a whole, he enjoys upcycling vintage quilts to make a one of a kind garment and has used antique fabrucs, bed linens, and grain sacks. This allows him to search the world for rare materials that then become translated into his beachy assortment of sets, outerwear, and separates.

This season, a robe-style coat was made from Portuguese wool blankets from the early 20th century and striped suits were made from 19th century-style French ticking fabric. This material would traditionally be found in matress covers. Embellished pieces from this collection came from vintage beads and crystals that were sourced from his mother who was a jewelry designer in the '80s.

IG @stanclothing

CHUKS COLLINS SS25

Prior to attending Chuks Collins SS25 presentation that was held at Chelsea Factory, we met him at the South African Consulate General. In addition to being a designer, he is the Co-Founder of The African Fashion Council which was hosting 5 designers who had a compilation show the day after his. During the press conference/mixer, we met the 2024 Jaguar South Africa x #GiveHerACrown designers (Gugu Peteni of Gugubygugu; Tsakani Mashaba of HAMETHOP, Thando Ntuli of MUNKUS, Manthe Ribane of her namesake brand, and Keneilwe Mothoa of Neimil) and listened to an engaging Q+A that was moderated by former Essence Editor in Chief, Constance White. Being able to hear about their brand, how the created, the challenges that they face, and what is on the horizon for them was truly interesting. We also heard from members of the South African Consulate General as well as they were the hosts in partnership with Jaguar South Africa of this mixer which includes wines from the region and esteemed guests of both brands. The importance of introducing South African designers and having their work seen at NYFW was a huge part of the initiative.

Chuks Collins spoke at this event and was excited to share these artists that we would see later in the week. When we arrived at his show, we saw an array of looks that blended African and Western design as well as a mix of tradition and modernity. He noted that he was, "grateful for the opportunity to keep creating and expressing myself through my work. This collection means a lot to me, and the homecoming process has been very healing for me. The collection is deeply inspired by my African and Western roots, reflecting a blend of cultures and experiences. Having grown up in Africa and Europe, and now living in the US, I have been empowered and nurtured by many have been empowered and nurtured by many women, including my grandmother, who taught me how to sew. This cultural tapestry forms the foundation of 'Nné,' infusing each piece with rich narratives and a deep sense of heritage.”

IG @iamchukscollins

FREDERICK ANDERSON SS25

We also attended Frederick Anderson's SS25 show which was held at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music at the Baryshnikov Arts Center. This collection was inspired by his travels through Northern Africa and how he connects to his experiences there. Looks that hit the runway included lightweight garments as well as those that have stunning lace and beaded ensembles. The visual texture that was included on the runway really let you see his cohesive story.

IG @frederickanderson_designer

BACKSTAGE | BRUCEGLEN SS25

We enjoy attending shows, but it's also great to be able to head backstage to see how the look is coming together. We made our way to the Gansevoort Hotel in the Meatpacking District to see BruceGlen's line which is known for vibrant color and is designed by twin brothers! This season, with a theme of Out of the Blue, there was a bit of whimsy and childlike wonder with the looks that were part of this presentation!

We sat down with Celebrity Manicurist, Miss Pop whose work has been in countless NYFW as well as global Fashion Weeks, editorials of a number of magazines, and celebs that have included Gwen Stefani, Janelle Monae, Ariana Grande, and Beanie Feldstein. We wanted to know about how she came to being a Celebrity Nail Artist, why she wanted to be part of this show, how the nails are part of this (as well as telling us about another show that she was excited to talk about the nail direction), and she gave us tips on how we can make our nails looks amazing with tips and tools!

MISS POP: I love this on you! Oh my God, are you wearing Ophelia – is this Zoya Ophelia? That was what I was working with yesterday!

ATHLEISURE MAG: No, it’s not.

MP: It’s literally one of the colors that I was working with yesterday that we did on a man.

AM: This is Sundays Nail Studio gel so I don’t know what they call this shade.

MP: I love that place! Amy and I are friends!

AM: I met her a few years ago right when the salon launched in NoMad. She is so sweet!

MP: She is a wonderful human being, I recommend that people go there all the time. I don’t work at a salon, but I always suggest there.

AM: It’s so clean there and so zen.

MP: Well, it’s because she’s a manicurist. It makes a really big difference when you’re a licensed manicurist. You walk in and you’re like, oh all the laws are followed here. I’ve gotten to know her a little bit and I have been there a couple of times and she is lovely!

AM: I love that! Well we’re in the thick of it right now as BruceGlen’s show will be starting shortly and I always love being backstage to see the look come together. Being able to sit down with you to talk about the direction of the nails for this show will definitely be exciting for our readers to know about. Before I delve into that, when did you realize that you wanted to be a Nail Artist?

MP: Oh wow that is a question! I actually got into nails because I was sick and stuck in bed for a couple of years. I was laid flat out in bed so that really limits your options on things that you can do. You know, I had done nail art as a tween. In middle school, I was told that it was distracting to other kids and they made me stop! It was devastating, but I went to a good school and I moved on with my life and then years and years went by and then almost 15 years went by and I got sick. I was stuck in bed and I always loved having my nails, like, bright cherry, my lipstick red every week. But once I got sick, I realized that I had so much time on my hands. I literally started painting my [nails], that was one of the few things I could do. It also made me feel better because when you're recovering. I mean, you see this? I look like this every day but when you're sick, you can't do your hair right or get in my dress. I couldn't do any of the things. I could, normally done, I had meningitis.

AM: Oh my.

MP: And uh, it was just - people wanted to visit me and I was like, visit what? Yeah, what are you visiting? Like it's like I don't have anything good to talk about. I'm like a shell of myself.

AM: Wow!

MP: I can't even watch TV. I can't even tell you what I'm watching on TV because you can't tilt my head. So I was like, what am I gonna do? And then it occurred to me that I could probably paint my nails like this.

AM: Oh wow.

MP: And so, I started doing it that way and then, by the time I picked it up for four hours, I was enrolled in beauty school. It took me like a year and a half to get there but I did it okay?

AM: Absolutely!

MP: I did it because after doing my nails so much I was like, I just want to know how to do it right. So I went to beauty school for my own entertainment and I was on Tumblr when I was sick posting my nails. And I just became friends with nail artists all around the world like Illustrated Nail and there was like a crew of women online that were just like sharing tips and tricks like all of them right now are big nail artists. And we also sort of, like, became friendly and we were trading tips and it was such a beautiful space and so after I went to beauty school, I just was like, you know what, I actually think that I am done. So I went to NYU and then beauty school which is not the financially intelligent order. But uh, here I am.

AM: So what is your favorite part about creating nail art?

MP: Ok, the thing about nail art is, it's really ephemeral. Like I, I want something different every day. It’s the chance to give yourself what you want.

AM: Right.

MP: Right, literally every day, or every week. Yeah, I'm a nail polish girl and Zoya's nail polish. So I really align with the brand. I like natural nails and I wear natural nails because of when I was sick so I'm very conscious about the products I use and I'm allergic to acrylics. So, um, it's a common allergy actually. So what I like, is the opportunity to change and to give myself exactly what I want in the moment and to, like, celebrate the now and the moment! Like, this, the hair, the makeup, all of this - I do that for you. You're welcome. That's how I'd like the world to see me, but the nails I do for me. It’s what I see of myself. So, for me, it’s just an opportunity to complete what I want and to make myself happy to entertain myself.

AM: I mean, that’s amazing!

What's the inspiration behind the nails that are in the BruceGlen show?

MP: Oh my God. So the reason I really wanted to work with BruceGlen was because they're dopamine dressing.

AM: Yeah.

MP: You're so happy when you’re wearing their clothes!

AM: I came in with them on the elevator and you felt it.

MP: Yeah, you’re in their world. I felt just like the the joy coming off of it! Their clothes spark joy. So I really wanted to work with them because I just thought that that was the fashion I want to be part of. Like I think to be able to bring that out in clothes and to make yourself so happy - I mean, that's part of what I like to do with nails!

AM: Absolutely!

MP: Even when I want to wear black nails!

So today their collection is all about dreams and I took the color we're doing today for Zoya is, we're calling it Dream Blue and I keep joking because the name is Walker. That is like, Sleepwalker Blue.

AM: Oh!

MP: That's something because their show is so dreamy and it’s really something that is part of this season which is about fantasy. The idea of stepping outside of this world and going somewhere far more beautiful. I mean not that this world isn't beautiful, but we might be having a moment that isn't.

AM: Exactly!

MP: We might be going through some things.

AM: Exactly.

MP: So that's why we're doing a dreamy blue and having something that is bright and cheerful.

AM: It's beautiful.

MP: And it's like finest.

AM: That's amazing. And, you know, if we were doing - for those of us that might do our nails at home because we're in between sessions, what are three tools we should always have in our kit?

MP: I mean, I only do my nails at home and I highly encourage it.

AM: I think you are fortunate because you are coordinated and a professional! When I do mine, it's all over the place and I wouldn’t let anyone see that!

MP: A lot of people say that but, it took me six months and if you do your nails every week for six months, you'll figure it out. It's all muscle memory. You have 2 hands with the same things on both sides.

AM: Well, both hands are still different.

MP: Yes, you have a dominant hand and that will be your easier hand and I'd be lying. If you look at my Instagram, I'm always taking photos of my left hand, so I would be lying if I told you that my right hand is equal, but I can get it done. Um and I also think you have to be like patient with yourself. Like it's gonna be hard at first, but anything worth learning or doing - you never do it right the first time! This is also paint. It's not - you're not painting yourself with like a tattoo!

AM: Ok, I hear that.

MP: So this is my number one. This was worth the price of admission to be in beauty school. This is this is you need this. So, what I love about this is that it's a paintbrush. This is a Simply Simmons #4, filbert head, short handle.

AM: Oh wow.

MP: Available at Dick Blick, the art supply store, and even Michael's and all of them. And so what I learned at Beauty School, is you dip that in remover - acetone-based remover, non-acetone base remover, really doesn't matter. And that will get in between and clean it off the skin.

AM: Oh, right!

MP: I've been a professional manicurist now since 2012 and I still get polish on everyone's skin that I do. This is what I use.

AM: Okay.

MP: It's also great for like, you know, when you lay a line down and you're like, oh, that wasn't smooth.

AM: Yeah.

MP: Like it's like a jaggedy little you can see where the brush touched, you just go swoop and now you have like a properly even one.

AM: That’s a great tool!

MP: So okay, I just saved you $2,500 going to beauty school, you're welcome.

The other thing I love is Base Coat. I'm using Zoya Anchor Base Coat. I also love, that Zoya has the Naked Manicure Base Coat and their Naked Manicure Perfectors. I like that you can do pink, you can do buff, you can do nudes. It doesn't matter. But they're enriching for your nails. So it's like using a strengthener but it's also like a little bit of a sheer tint.

AM: Yeah.

MP: So I love that and then I apply the color over it. I either wear it bare like that or I color over it.

So the first thing you want to do when you want to give yourself a manicure, is to cleanse your nail bed.

AM: Yup!

MP: I don't go so far as to use alcohol. Some people do or they, buff their nails. But you don’t have to buff your nails. If you just slightly dehydrate the nail bed, you're gonna basically get the same effect without disrupting that. The top layer of your nail is the most keratin rich to me. You don't want to disrupt that unless it's flaking, or peeling.

AM: Right.

MP: So I love Base Coat. So I cleanse my nail bed with a little remover. We're using this Zoya Remove Plus, which is like the greatest. So when you apply using Remove Plus, to first, dehydrate the nail bed. So that when your application goes on, you're starting from a surface that lacks oil, that last debris, it’s a cleansed nailbed. But you know what I also love?

AM: Yeah?

MP: Ok so my other 2 tips I’m going to hit you with. So Cuticle Oil, I know that people are going to think, what does that have to do with my long lasting manicure?

AM: Yup.

MP: It's because it’s not only great for your skin and your hands look good, but your nails getting everything, it needs to stay strong and resilient. And it will make your manicure last a couple extra days if you apply Cuticle Nail Oil every night. The other thing you learn at Beauty School is to seal the free edge. Like every stroke you do, make sure you do it to the rim of your nails and that's a little bit harder, if your nails are below the fingertip. It's still possible and you can always go in with your cleanup brush and get the skin. That’s called Capping the Free Edge.

AM: I love when my manicurist does that!

MP: I like doing it first, not last.

AM: Really, I feel when I have it, it's last.

MP: Because I feel like when you do it last, it gives a little.

AM: Like an edge or a bit of a lift as sometimes I’ve had it where you feel that ridge.

MP: I feel like when you do it at the end it can lay not as smoothly as I want it to.

AM: Yeah, I have had that happen a few times and I find since I wear gels usually, so for 2 weeks it becomes a tactile point that I am constantly touching as it stands out from my nail not visually, but when I am running my finger over it. But I get why you do it in the stage that you do.

MP: Yeah, that’s just me and it’s a personal thing. There are other manicurists that do it the other way. For me, it's just my order of operations, it’s not the standard.

AM: What are the hues for Fall that we should be looking into. For me, regardless of the time of year, I tend to lean towards colors that look like they are black but they are another color. For me Ophelia or the brand I am wearing that look similar to it, although it’s not in that “shade that looks like it could be black”, it’s such a great foggy tone that I love the Brown/Mauvaise of it all. I’m starting to want to play with those deep chocolates as a bit of a switch up.

MP: It’s crazy, because when I saw you, I thought you were wearing Ophelia, which is, what we did yesterday at the THEOPHILIO show yesterday.

AM: I’m so bummed that I missed the backstage and that show, but this season has been hectic and the timing didn’t work. But in looking at the images of the show and the nails, I really loved it!

MP: Do you want me to tell you about those looks because they were so fun!

AM: Yes please!

MP: Ok so first let me talk about the colors of Fall. This is so fun. So for fall right now, we're looking at, I keep calling them, Reality Bites Reds. It's like yeah like what Janeane Garofalo and what Winona Ryder would have worn then circa 1994.

AM: Yup!

MP: It’s all about those Reds and those are gonna change for Spring. We're gonna go right back to Cherry.

AM: Oh yeah.

MP: So get it out in Fall. I also really love, like a chocolate brown, like I've always been a chocolate brown, girl, the nail polish that made me, the shade that changed my life. was Chanel's Vamp.

AM: Same girl, same!

MP: My mom bought it for herself and I took it from her with the matching lipstick and that was it. I was done! My life was made! I was way too young to be wearing lipstick and it didn't matter. I like, okay still to this day, that is the shade.

Now one thing I love about Ophelia this like dark brown is that, people always wonder when they're doing nudes, what nude will match my skin tone, right? That can be a really tricky question to answer. One way to answer that question is to say, well, what color is my hair?

AM: Okay.

MP: You think of your skin as being your neutral, but your hair is a color that's existing in your beauty look. And when you paint your nails, it draws the eye up to your face.

AM: That's true.

MP: Aka, the money maker.

AM: Okay, I’m with you!

MP: So, I love doing nails that are nude or neutral that match my hair color, so I love chocolate brown. And I think that, you know, like if you have jet black hair or jet black nails, it’s a nude neutral that you don’t think of. And it’s a lot easier to match than your skin tone, I think.

AM: That’s really smart and I don’t think that I have heard anyone say that before!

MP: Oh yeah, I was inspired. I put it on Beanie Feldstein (Lady Bird, American Crime Story: Monica Lewinsky, The Humans) that way. Especially when Fall rolls around, it's just the perfect time to get into those chestnut browns, dark chocolate browns, in your case, some deep blue – which is gorgeous!

AM: I love deep blue!

MP: Yeah. You know! It's so fun and the other way I like to eliminate the challenge of how to find the perfect nude for you, because I really do think that that’s hard!

AM: 100%

MP: I never wear a nude because, yeah, I'm just not natural. That's not who I am - natural. That’s s not for me supernatural, now, we're talking. So speaking of supernatural - so yesterday for the show for THEOPHILIO SS25. So we did skin tone, we did Nyssa which is like uh like a caramel and Ophelia which is like a dark chocolate brown. Yeah, honestly I thought you were wearing it. And then over it, we put my favorite Zoya shade Leia which is this sparkly opalescent sheer that turns every shade into opal gorgeous magic! Even if the skin tone and the color you chose isn't perfect, when you add a layer of rainbow over it, you’re catching that opalescence, and it tones it to your skin. Wow. So it's a good cheat and it's also a good trend. Like right now, definitely for Spring you're going to be seeing like even nudes aren't flat.

AM: Right.

MP: We're making them sparkle magic. Like, we're chroming them.

AM: Much like your phone case - love!

MP: Oh, thanks Amazon. Full stop. [Miss Pop is showing behind the scenes images from the show to showcase the nails looks that took place here and here] So here are some shots from yesterday

AM: Yes! That's the color because I said what color is that. It definitely felt like a whimsical edge and it looked beautiful on all of the models!

MP: I know right? So this is what we put, black, um, Willa which is our black. Then over it, we put Apple, which is like a green glitter. This is Carrie, which is a yellow gold, and then this deep purple, which you obviously would love. Um, this is Mimi, and we just use the bottle brush and brush it over the black. So it gave it this like Glam Dimension and then it looked very much like chrome. So like you don't have to go to the salon and get gel, you can with your natural nails, at home, just paint on Zoya in the bottle.

AM: Wow

MP: Look at that. I recommend putting black down first because I think it makes it chromier. It gives you more of that effect. It gives it a dimension. It gives it depth. Like anytime you want to get your glitter dimension like put black down first or dark. It's like it's like the way high contrast works with black and white. Yeah, you're doing that with the glitter.

AM: Wow.

MP: Light and Dark. Black is the absence of light. White is all the colors swirling together and glitter is light catching. So, it's like kind of the same theory.

Now this Is the caramel color I was telling you about and it's an opalescent glitter over it and when you put it on a hand, oh my God. I can't even tell!

AM: I was looking at the pictures and I was stunned!

MP: I’m trying to find you a picture of a woman who had it on her. No, I only had the oh no, it's right here. Like look at that nude. Like that's it. And It is. It's a nude, but it has that Chrome finish. It's like your sunglasses.

AM: I love the effect of these Carrera’s they’re my favorites to wear.

MP: Like I had a minute. So the stylist for that show is Christine Nicholson. And she is brilliant and she's a nail queen like, oh, okay, I've done her nails. Like I've known her for years. I did her nails years ago. She has great nail taste, and she knew exactly what she wanted.

AM: Boom.

MP: So this is the gold glitter and then we actually put it on the men too.

AM: Because I saw that and I said, oh my God, this is amazing. And I'm like, oh!

MP: As you can see, this is Ophelia do you see it and now you know I’m not full of ish? See this color on this guy Thursday. He was delightful. I love his name also.

AM: Her mani looks great.

MP: And the men were so excited to get their nails done. So, I did him and Noah, oh, Moe, I'm sorry. This is Moe. Moe made my Fashion Week.

AM: But even with the leopard print, it looks so good with that.

MP: I was like, is that going to be too much? And then I told myself, no that thought is too much! Do what you want!

AM: It really came together beautifully.

MP: This is Nema and he had the deep purple glitter so it’s subtle. It only catches the light, to me this was more of like a cat eye than a chrome. They were so excited to get their nails done and they were so kind about it. So I told him, you're making my Fashion Week because he was so happy. He was like, “I never get nails.” This is so fun. I love it. Like, look at his hair.

AM: He looks happy.

MP: And then you see the nail. The black is laid down first and then the green is right out of the bottle. This color is called Apple.

Oh that Jawaraw.

AM: I saw him last year at Prabal Gurung’s show.

MP: Yes, the last time we had worked together was actually 2020 February in Milan.

AM: Oh wow.

MP: We did Pucci together. The town shut down and so we were joking about that backstage. I was like, man, glad everyone made it out of Milan.

So doing the men was super fun that I mean that's certainly you know a personality statement for men now too. What else can I tell you with the chrome? I mean I think everything's just going super iridescent rainbow glitter magic, that's what I like to call it, but some people also call it Chrome.

AM: I like glitter magic better.

MP: Unicorns, sprinkles, prancing, rainbows across your nails. That's how I would sell it, but other people just call it chrome and save themselves some words!

IG @bruceglen

@misspopnails

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 121 - 133 Paul Farkas | PG 144 - 139 Lam Lai |

Read the SEP ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag and see NYFW SS25 EDIT in mag.

9LOOKS | RALPH LAUREN

Read the SEP ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LOOKS in mag.

CITI TASTE OF TENNIS 2024

Aug. is always a fun month especially this year with the Summer Games at Paris 2024 giving us all the stories, cheers, and memories on a global stage and then we're able to continue onto US Open - the final Grand Slam of the year that takes place in Queens at Arthur Ashe Stadium. There are a number of events that kick off this tennis tournament and one of our favorites that we enjoy attending each year is Citi Taste of Tennis which took place at Gotham Hall this year. This event combines tennis players that are currently playing as well as veterans, a number of culinary and spirit brands, as well as competitions that take place between the sports and hospitality community. Avid readers got to know more about this event in terms of why it was created, what is involved, and more. You can read this in our JUL ISSUE #103 where we chatted with Penny Lerner of AYS.

We enjoyed seeing Qinwen Zheng (Team China Olympic G1) and Taylor Fritz (Team USA Olympic B1) making dishes with Executive Chef Cedric Tovar of The Palace Lotte Hotel on the main stage with Andre Agassi judging the cooking demo.

In between the action on the stage, we enjoyed tasting a number of dishes from an array of restaurants that included Carmine's Famous Homemade Meatballs from Chef Glenn Rolnick who was a sponsor at the event. We also stopped by Chef Luke Omarzu of Wolfgang Puck's CUT New York's USDA Prime Striploin Sirloin served with Summer Corn Salad, Salsa Verde, Sweet Corn, Cherry Tomatoes, Haricot Vert, Charred Pearl Onions & Parsley Allergens - Onion, Garlic, Anchovy & Dairy. There were a number of savory dishes and sweets that allowed our tastebuds to enjoy the night. In addition, there were siganture cocktails that flowed throughout the event! A true medley of sports meets culinary journeys.

Prior to the start of the event, we had the opportuity to talk with Andre Agassi who is known as the first man to complete both the Career Grand Slam (winning all 4 major titles over the course of a career) and Career Golden Slam (winning all 4 major titles and the Olympic Gold medal over the course of a career). He also has a Career Super Slam (which includes all four major titles, Olympic Gold and the Tour Finals (ATP Tour) over the course of a career).

He has won Grand Slams for the Australian Open 4X, French Open 1X, Wimbledon 1X, US Open 1X, Tour Finals 1X, and he won an Olympic Gold Medal as well. We wanted to know what he thought about this event as he kicked off the first one, what he is looking forward to at this year's US Open, and of course chatting pickleball!

ATHLEISURE MAG: What do you love about being part of this event as we know that you were involved in the inaugural one and have continued to participate over the years!

ANDRE AGASSI: Well, I love being able to be part of something that has grown into what this event has ultimately become! I love what it is does. I love the inspiration of what is behind it. I was here the first year so I mean, it’s crazy! So it’s cool to come back now a handful of years later and to see what it has turned into!

AM: Who are you excited to watch this year at the US Open?

AA: You know, I have been saying that we have 5 Americans now that are basically the top 20 of the world! I’d love to see one of them kind of have a breakthrough. I am a little biased but there is something really cool about having someone from America doing it here for this Grand Slam at the US Open. As it would be for someone in France to do it at Paris for the French Open. England was the same thing! One of the biggest things ever was when Andy Murray (won W 2X, UO 1) did it there! Of course when an Aussie does it in Australia that’s amazing too! I’d love to see an American break through!

AM: We got to see you play Pickleball earlier this year at Lifetime which was amazing!

AA: Oh yes!

AM: How is pickleball going. Any charity tournaments that you will do?

AA: Oh no, I’m not competing anymore!

AM: Simply for fun – not competing; however, you were pretty fierce out there even when it was just for fun!

AA: I know, I know it’s the way that I’m wired when it comes to getting out on the court! I haven’t quite yet decided whether I will enter a tournament, that was part of another part of my life.

IG @agassi

@tasteoftennis

@ayssports

It's always amazing to chat with one of the greats who continues to support the sport while also engaging in new ones such as Pickleball in his case.

We also had the pleasure to talk with Prakash Amritraj who is a former pro tennis player who is the host of Tennis Channel Live at the US Open which kicked off on Aug 26th and will run most mornings of the 2 week competition. The show is a mix of news, highlights, and special reports. It's a great way to stay on the pulse of what is happening.

Prakash was also the host of Citi Taste of Tennis and he kept the energy going throughout the culinary and sport event. We took some time to chat with him about tennis, the event, US Open, and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with tennis?

PRAKASH AMRITRAJ: I was 9½ - years-old in the summer of 1993. I used to travel with my dad at the senior-tour events. I found myself in the No. 1 locker room between Pete Sampras (winner of Australian Open 2X, Wimbledon 7X, US Open 5X, Tour Finals 5X) and Boris Becker (winner of Australian Open 2X, Wimbledon 3X, US Open 1X), and I said this is what I want to do.

AM: What did you enjoy about playing professionally?

PA: Several things: a. the comradery of my fellow athletes going into battle and being able to share that experience; b. the highs and lows of competition; c. overall, the incredible amount of adrenaline, electricity and inspiration that I’ve only found in sports.

AM: You've been Tennis Channel's year-round host of Prakash Worldwide. Can you tell us about these interview segments?

PA: I love it because at our desk I get to treat it more as a talk-show format instead of an on-court interview. I believe that because I’ve been in these players’ shoes we’re able to maintain a state of trust on the show. It allows them to showcase their personalities and what they bring to the game, and we have a lot of diamonds out there playing tennis right now. This ultimately helps to bring more people to our beautiful sport.

AM: We always love this time of year as we get ready to watch our favorites at the US Open. We'll be at Citi Taste of Tennis covering this event which is always a fun way for us to enjoy this time of year. You are the host this year. What are you excited about in terms of this event and what are you looking forward to?

PA: Hosting that event is as high-level as it gets in sports. I get to talk with Hall of Famer Andre Agassi and Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen in the same evening. It combines both of my worlds: tennis and entertainment/film and, again, it helps us to grow this sport.

AM: With the tournament kicking off on Aug 26th and running through Sep 8th, we'll be able to hear your commentary. What is it like preparing to be part of Tennis Channel Live at the US Open?

PA: I probably shouldn’t say this, but none of it ever feels like work with TC. I watch US Open tennis and then the next morning we talk about it. There’s a lot of research that goes into every show, but I like to call my approach, “prepared unprepared.” We have a game plan going in but the more we can just have a conversation, the better it is.

AM: What are you looking forward to this year in terms of Tennis Channel Live at the US Open as well as the action on the court?

PA: I always try to find the non-sports elements to the storylines that unfold at these tournaments. There are so many life lessons from all these great players and matches, and there are things that happen at the US Open and other events or even in other sports that you can apply to all aspects of people’s lives. I’m looking forward to unearthing those during the US Open.

IG @prakashamritraj

@tennischannel

We enjoyed chatting with Prakash to get his insights about what is taking place this time of year and we're sure that he will share a lot of great memories that take place during this Grand Slam.

In the tennis world there are a number of personalities that we enjoy seeing and one that is also our favorite are tennis personalities that we see as the tour rolls on. We all enjoy seeing Frances Tiafoe and can't wait to see him during the US Open. Typically, when he is on the court, his girlfriend Ayan Broomfield, who is also a tennis player is also nearby serving looks, being parts of campaigns and this year, she was rocking the Citi Taste of Tennis blue carpet interviewing athletes about the US Open. As we have been fans of hers for years, we wanted to take a moment to find out how she stays on this schedule, maintaining her beauty routines, and why she loves this time of year as well!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have enjoyed following you on IG and enjoy seeing your style, campaigns, and when you’re traveling with Frances Tiafoe as well! As we’re all here for Citi Taste of Tennis, we’d love to chat with you!

AYAN BROOMFIELD: Yeah of course!

AM: What do you love about this time of year?

AB: Oh my gosh, I was just telling my friend that this time of year it’s like our Met Gala! We get to come here and do the events, I get to watch Frances and I get to be around tennis at one of the best tournaments of the year and then we have NYFW! So, it’s just a month straight of tennis and fashion and those are 2 of my favorite things!

AM: Love that!

You’re style is always so on point and your skin is also flawless.

AB: I try my best!

AM: You are everywhere! What are your travel go-to’s that you love having with you since you are always on the go?

AB: Right? No, I mean, when I first started traveling a lot, I realized that every country has different products and you want to make sure especially as an African American woman that you have things that work for you and you don’t want to rely on any type of store in a different country. So when I leave, I make sure that I have my specific skincare routine, that I have my specific haircare routine, and to make sure that I have all of my trinkets, extensions and whatever I need to make sure I have what I need as I am gone for months at a time. I just want to make sure that I have everything that I need and of course clothes. I pack a lot!

AM: Of course you do!

For self-care, what do you do with that? If you’re just looking at your IG we see you all over the world and of course all of that travel seems so luxurious and exotic; however, we know that just navigating that can be a lot.

AB: The traveling is a lot! It becomes a little bit stressful when you don’t have a routine so I want to make sure that anytime I get into a new country, I am always working out, I am always walking and running, and eating as best as I can! It keeps you healthy and it keeps your mental sane. That’s just kind of where I like to be!

IG @ayan.broomfield

PHOTOS COURTESY | PG 165 - 169, 176 + 177 Citi Taste of Tennis/Getty Images | PG 170 - 175 Paul Farkas

Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see CITI TASTE OF TENNIS 2024 in mag.

BEHIND THE SEAMS | WALTER MENDEZ

This month's cover has been someone that we have watched excitedly over the past years. He hit our radar in 2012/2013 and we were immediately struck by his design aesthetic that ensures that you are the conversation starter and statement in whatever room you occupy! From the craftsmanship, the visual texture, and passion of the designer, Walter Mendez and his Walter Mendez Atelier have been worn by celebrities, iconic entertainers, socialites, and more.

When it comes to designing, it's about creating a world and one that continues to evolve from season to season. We wanted to know more about how he got his start, his creative process, his approach to his RTW, couture, bridal and bespoke; his recent The Golden Cage Exhibition held at The Beverly Hills Hotel, what he's working on, and how he takes time for himself.

ATHLEISURE MAG: I have loved your work since 2012/2013 and certainly no later than 2014! So the fact that we’re chatting right now is definitely a moment!

WALTER MENDEZ: Oh wow, you’ve literally seen the journey and I am honored that you have been aware of my brand for that long! I think that everything that I say in terms of what this collection means to me, you’ll be able to understand a little bit more. So that’s really beautiful, so thank you!

AM: Well thank you! I’m the Co-Founder/Creative + Style Dir of Athleisure Mag as well as being a fashion stylist, so I have followed your work on Instagram and those who have worn your pieces. Your design aesthetic, your approach to bodies whether they are male or female is so amazing. I grew up in a family of designers and product designers. My mom was a couture designer and so I have such an appreciation for you and the space. So I know our readers are going to love it, but I want to tell you thank you for creating this and things that I have looked at when I was in an airport on my way to wherever or when I’m scrolling as I go about my day – the pieces truly transport me away to somewhere else and it’s a vibe! So I thank you for what you have done!

WM: Well thank you, it truly is appreciated. There are moments like yesterday when I was posting and last night I was going through photos it made me say wow. I’m genuinely so proud about what I have accomplished, of my craftsmanship, my aesthetic, my voice as a designer and I’m just so proud of what I know and what I feel that I represent. And not just what I represent to my family, but so many other people out there.

AM: When did you fall in love with fashion?

WM: I would have to say that falling in love with fashion really started early on. I remember being probably 4 or 5 and I just remember putting on my favorite jacket and what was so surreal to me in that memory is that feeling of that jacket. I just felt so cool and the minute that I would put that jacket on I felt that I was owning that room. I remember feeling that feeling and I knew that that was the essence that I wanted to capture in my designs. It was the essence that I want my clients to feel because it’s such a beautiful feeling. I’m sure that you can relate. You have an outfit where you can say, “I know I slay.”

AM: Oh yeah!

WM: I know that when I walk into a room, this outfit shows that I mean business. That feeling, that is the essence of my brand and the essence that I want to give every client of mine. That’s priceless. The energy that you’re able to control your entire day – when you feel good, you’re walking and you’re able to walk to the beat of your own drum, people notice. You attract a different experience.

AM: At what point did you realize that you wanted to be a fashion designer and then that you wanted to create your own namesake collection?

WM: I think that I always played with the idea of being a fashion designer and as someone growing up who didn’t have much, I found myself kind of wanting more. Looking back, I see the beauty in it and I always look at the fact that having nothing allowed me to dream of everything.

You know, we all have the things that spark our interest. We all have our things that we gravitate towards on a level of beauty. Because I’m just that type of person who loves that, I thought, “ok, I may not be able to afford it, and I may not be able to go out and get it, so I’m going to create it.” That’s really where my creativity flourished and I found myself being challenged. I remember my first dresses. I honestly barely only had one sewing class.

But I knew I wanted to play with fabrics and I knew I wanted to play with textures and shapes. So how those dresses came together, I don’t know, but they came together and I saw the vision and the look. It was just so beautiful to see my journey evolve.

AM: I love that!

How do you describe or define your design aesthetic?

WM: My design aesthetic in terms of modern day context, I feel that I design for the main character. For me, if I am dressing you, I’m dressing you to be the star. If you are coming to me, you are going to walk into that event and you are going to own the room. If you want to go to an event and kind of be low key -

AM: Then don’t wear your designs!

WM: Ha ha – I want to give you that full fantasy moment from the minute that you walk into the room and for everyone to want to know you, want to talk to you, give you compliments and for them to be in love with your essence. That is what I give my clients because I know the power and the importance of feeling good and looking good. It’s really about learning to get the most out of a special event. That’s really what it is. Everyone that comes to me, it’s for a special event. I know that the level of production, the level of experience that you’re going to – it’s elevated and more than your average day. I know that I can elevate it to another level.

AM: I will say that there are times when I am watching a red carpet or a music video, there is an ethereal quality whether you’ve designed something that is closer to the body or has various dimensions to it, I can tell when it is one of your pieces that I am looking at. I know it before the credit has been rolled or stated. You can just tell.

WM: Yes!

AM: It’s amazing, it’s absolutely stunning.

What was your feeling when you launched your first brick-and-mortar store? What did that feel like as it is such a huge accomplishment.

WM: It was such a beautiful feeling because for me, I felt that it gave me a home. It was such a beautiful feeling to feel that I have something that is mine and I am focusing on a legacy. Even looking back, in this moment now, I look back at that Atelier – it was beautiful. I’m so proud of it.

Despite being in a different situation than I am now with the level of clientele obviously, my world knowledge, my fashion knowledge – I literally have always tried to make the most out of everything that I have. That is always the advice that I have to myself. It’s about being creative and how do I take it to the next level? How do I challenge myself?

AM: How do you get inspired for each season the you create or for that which is bespoke? Where do you start pulling from?

WM: When I design the collections, I always pull from almost a point of my own personal journey of where I am in that time. So, I always have a lot of self reflection. So what’s my outlook in life, what am I excited about, what intrigues me, what fantasy world would I want to go to next? It’s all a form of a little bit of manifestation and a little bit of a form of intrigue/interest. Like for example, prior to the Golden Cage, I did the Odyssey Collection. For me, I looked at it and at that time, I had traveled the world and I had seen so many beautiful places and it was like, what’s next? So it was the idea of playing with a bit of an outer space world evolved. I started being inspired by different stars, three dimensional Saturn rings, the idea evolved from that and I wanted it to feel modern and sleek and sophisticated – but for it to still have this element of wonder.

That led me to The Golden Cage where I felt that I could do an artistic reflection of my journey. I wanted it to be a love letter to the younger me.

AM: Do you ever look at a fabric – sometimes from a stylist perspective, I see a fabric, a handbag etc and that notion gets stuck in my head and I think about how I can style around that idea for a look or series of looks for an editorial. Have you ever had a nagging item that eventually found its way to being part of a beautiful collection?

WM: Yes and that happens very often! It happens all of the time. Sometimes it can be a physical item that I end up using a prop or it can be a particular movie or music or a certain film. Anything that is able to evoke emotion in me can be used as a form of inspiration. For me, it is so important to capture that essence and then it just evolved. It evolves when you put the different pieces together, it evolves into the next level. For me, it’s like how does this go into a movie – let me create the characters – let me create the story of how can I make all of these dresses that are very much so different but are still part of the same story.

I’m often my very own movie producer, casting director, costume designer, and then it all just makes sense in my head.

AM: You have created this brand that is so coveted by so many people. It’s luxury, it’s on the red carpets, in divas’ residencies, it’s on celebrities, socialites – what does it mean to you to have that kind of impact with the people that want to wear your work and want you to be part of their story when it’s their moment?

WM: It’s truly surreal, it’s a blessing, it’s a privilege. I love what I do and I am so proud of what I do, but I am also blessed that the people that believe in me are able to not just want to wear me, but to be part of my story! I understand that every single client when they are coming to me whether it's a red carpet, an event, a gala whatever it is – I know that you are coming to me because it’s a special moment. The fact that you are choosing your special moment to share it with me and my designs, that to me just speaks volumes.

AM: Obviously you’re known for your RTW collections, couture gowns, and bridal. I love that you were quoted saying that, “fashion was meant to be custom made.” I love that and agree it is such a privilege to have something made with me in mind. Tailoring is always key. Why should people understand this and the importance of tailoring, investment pieces as opposed to spending on items that are not constructed with us in mind and in many ways are throw away.

WM: Yeah, it’s important for me to communicate the fact that fashion is meant to be custom. Because I feel like it is almost a fogotten fact. When you think about history, traditionally, royalty – everything was custom made.

Even if you weren’t royalty, you would get custom made because things weren’t mass produced. The challenge with mass production is that we all have different body types. I mean as a person, one arm is different than another. We are custom built as people. We have individual stories and we have individual needs. So even the girls that are the same weight size – one can have a little bit of a shorter torso, one can have a longer torso -

AM: One boob is bigger than the other.

WM: Yeah there are so many details that are just custom to your body. So when something is mass produced, they’re trying to find the middle ground. They’re looking at hopefully the most amount of people that can buy it. So if you’re off slightly by any way, it’s never going to fit. There is nothing more important than a tailored piece for you.

AM: One of the things that I was talking about at the beginning – I’ve always been a fan of your social media. I love how it’s about you, your line, your collection. I love seeing you with Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of Balmain, and your account reflects such a vibe of authenticity, this world of luxury, globetrotting, etc. How important is your social media to your brand to showcase to those that are your clients, potential future clients, friends, or people who are simply conduits that can refer others to you?

WM: I like my social media, because to me it’s more than ever, I want to be a beacon of representation for my people. I love sharing all of these experiences because I want to show other people who maybe are from my same background, same challenges, or just not your perfect typical white picket fence All American life – there are people like us in those spaces. These spaces are for all of us and I always tell my family, especially my cousins, and my friends that my success is your success. I want to prove to you all – people like us that we can be in these spaces as well. I think that some of is is being done for the inner me. I literally grew up thinking that someone like me a POC would be in these spaces.

Growing up for me, every brown person that I knew, they weren’t in a place of status or those positions. So growing up for me, there was a period of time where I wondered, “can I not get there?” Is that not how it works? More than ever, I want to highlight to people that I want to show them that we can get there. You can get there and you can do it wherever you want and you have to believe in yourself. We have to start somewhere.

AM: If you don’t see it, it can be hard to visualize for some people when they don’t have a road map. You do have to start somewhere. You have to put in the work and you can have this lovely life.

WM: Also, besides representation, in addition to my skin color, I also look at all of the queer youth to show people in the LGBTQIA community that there are people in positions of status, in positions of wealth and in environments of wealth. We don’t see that enough and I want to show people that everything that makes you, you can make it into what makes you strongest to what makes your career and to be successful at it is what is truly a blessing!

AM: Tell me about your fashion exhibition at The Beverly Hills Hotel. It looked stunning as I have seen the pictures as well as coverage on this. Why did you want to do this, what was the idea behind it, and how long did it take you to do as it was like a Met Gala Costume Institute’s Exhibition. (Editor’s Note: The Met Gala is the first Monday in May and is the Oscars for fashion. It launched in 1948 and was the brain child of fashion publicist Elanor Lambert who played a key role in launching NYFW. Although it has evolved since it’s inception, it's current iteration includes a red carpet with noted celebs dresses by designers that attend this event in a specific theme. The Met Gala is a charity and fundraiser for The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The Gala has traditionally been timed to mark the opening of its annual fashion exhibition. For 2024, the Met Gala’s dress code was The Garden of Time and the exhibit for this year is Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion and can be seen at the Museum and features 250 rare items from the Costume Institute’s permanent collection. The exhibit spans over 400 years of fashion history and includes Schiaparelli, Dior, Givenchy, etc. This year’s exhibit will include 3 main zones – Land, Sea, and Sky which pays tribute to the natural world).

WM: So the reason why The Beverly Hills Hotel was the place that I wanted to have that moment was that I have always been inspired by the 1957 Cadillac ad that was shot at The Beverly Hills entrance. I’m sure you know what I am talking about based on that reaction.

I have always seen that photo as such a glamorous moment in life. I have always been allured by it. I have always gravitated towards it so when it came to creating and curating an event for my next collection, I felt that I would use that moment of inspiration. I need to give my people that moment in a modern day life. To be able to be someone who looks up to the entire Metropolitan Museum and what they represent, an event like the Met Gala, I needed to make sure that whatever I deliver was up to that level because I know that I can. I know that I can, I know that I deserve it, and I know that my clothing is worthy of it. I know that my clothing is meant to be in those spaces because I see my work as my art and I know that what I can do, nobody else can do. I am truly and authentically me in my essence and in my work. It’s a mixture of me being so proud of my work and me being educated and making sure that what is being presented is not only going to impress me, my family, and my friends, but is also going to impress my clients, my peers, and anyone in the fashion industry. Because to me, it's such an honor to be able to get the feedback from people that know what they are talking about to be like, “wow, I’m impressed.”

AM: It was stunning to see it. What did it feel like to be in the room with everyone from your friends, family, clients, etc. to toast you like that as well as this body of work?

WM: It felt like the different dimensions of my spirit were coming together and being acknowledged. Like I was being celebrated for my creativity while also being comfortable in my skin, in my queerness, in my creativity, in my aura while celebrating my family and being a beacon of light for everyone that has not only paved the way for me to be there but also paved the way for people who will walk after me. To me, I want to be that leading force and to show people, if I can do it, you can do it. You just have to believe in it and you have to work hard. You have to be consistent because this just doesn’t happen overnight.

That’s why I am so appreciative that you love and are aware of my journey because you have seen the elevation of my work, my craft, and my dedication.

AM: And consistency.

WM: Yeah, you have to wake up everyday and give it your best. I always believe that it doesn’t matter how fast you are moving, as long as you never stop moving. As long as you can say that you are better than you were yesterday, that is all that matters.

AM: Absolutely – 100%!

What is the next project that you’re going to be working on that we should keep an eye out for?

WM: That’s a hard one! There is a lot going on, but I do like to be mysterious as I always like to surprise people. Even for this event when I was sending out the invites, it was “you are invited to the Walter Experience.” So many people like my close friends, were asking what it was, what it meant and I told them, it’s a Walter Experience – when you get there, you will know! I wanted it to be an experience and a moment where I could show me and the way that I process things and it’s such a complex way. Even when I was working on the set design with the team and Butterfly Floral, I was like, “it has to be bigger, it has to be grander.” They were trying to process it and asked me if I was sure. They wondered if I wanted things so giant.

AM: Yes!

WM: And I was like, “YES!” It is important for me to have people to be able to look up because that is a moment that for me, reminds me of my childhood. Always feeling like I was looking up and having that sense of wonder and exploration. Because this was a love letter to my inner me, I had to give that perspective.

AM: I’m sure you’re coming to the end on working SS25 in terms of the collection side. Are you going to be showing here in NY, are you going to be showing in LA – what can you tell us about that?

WM: I can definitely tell you that that is what we are in talks on with the team. It’s really amazing to see not just the response here in the States, but also the international response from other fashion capitals of the world. To hear them tell me that they love what I do and that they would like us to show there and to be part of their calendar for Fashion Week. It’s so surreal because every season that I come out, I am so excited to see the Fashion Weeks around the world and to have them now that these companies and production companies now want me to be part of those Fashion Week calendars it’s a blessing! It just makes me so happy because those moments it's so much but in a blessing! It just makes me so happy because those moments it's so much but in those times I come alive! I know that I am meant to do that. Something comes over me and I just get comfortable in those spaces.

The fact that I am able to do what I love and be authentically me and then be able to produce art that is so widely celebrated, it’s such a beautiful feeling.

AM: You have worked on so many dresses so I know this will sound difficult. Are there 3 that stick out in your head? Whether it’s the dresses themselves or a moment that generated making them, or the clients themselves? Are there 3 moments/dresses/looks in your career where you were like, yes this is what I really love?

WM: Yes there are 3 and yes it is very hard to narrow it down to that. I’ll pick 3 that have just felt like full circle moments for me and have just touched me to my core. Because to me, now I am at a position where it’s very important for me to always celebrate that child and celebrate that inner child that dared to dream because that’s literally where it all started.

I would say that one moment that was really special was the first time that I dressed Beyoncé (Mufasa: The Lion King, Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé) as it happened on my birthday. I just remember sitting there thinking that Queen B just redefined my brand! I will forever remember not just my birthday, but the first time that I got to dress her. It was a beautiful moment because the first that that I got to dress her, it was the first reveal post twins. All eyes were on her and everyone was watching. So to be able to design a piece for her that not only made her comfortable but also made her look absolutely stunning, it was a huge moment where all eyes were on her and to be part of that was just amazing and it was a blessing. So that would be one of my absolute favorites.

Another favorite piece that I absolutely loved was working with Mariah Carey (Precious, The Butler, Girls Trip) for her Vegas Residency and to see my gown on all of the billboards all over Vegas and even here in LA the billboards promoting her. That residency in Vegas was such a surreal moment because I had a flashback to the younger me when I was in 7th grade in my ESL class because English is my second language. It hit me because I literally picked Hero by Mariah Carey and that was the song that I chose to translate to present it to the class!

AM: I love that song!

WM: I had completely forgotten about that and then it didn’t hit me until that moment. I went to the opening night of the residency and she closed the night with that song. It was such a beautiful moment for me to get to experience and for me to be able to look back at that little boy and think, wow. The journey to go from that moment in my life to this one! It was just a full circle moment. That was a really special moment.

Then the third one, I have to say that that one is hard. There are so many special moments. I mean there are so many people. I am going in between Selena Gomez (Only Murders in the Building, Selena + Chef, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me), JLo (Enough, Hustlers, Atlas), Paris Hilton (The Simple Life, Paris in Love, This is Paris) – there are so many moments! Even my Oscars moment last season was so special. It’s really tough!

AM: I recognize that as I knew it would be!

WM: There’s also 2 epic Beyoncé moments!

As a whole, I remember growing up as a kid, I had all of these posters of singers. Remember those tabloid magazines like J14? I had all of these posters of these celebrities over my bed. Every celebrity on that wall, I dressed! Like Britney Spears (Kenan & Kell, Will & Grace, Crossroads), working with her was such a beautiful experience for me because my first exposure to American music and the English language – I learned to speak through the voices of beautiful talented artists like Beyoncé, Mariah, Britney and now here I am at a point where they believe in my art.

AM: You have left such a mark on the fashion industry, what do you want your legacy to be?

WM: I think that my legacy is wrapped in the word authenticity. I really push all of my clients that I dress and I do it with the way that I present myself and people really finding their true beauty and authenticity. We all know what we want.

When we’re all going somewhere and we know what we want, we say I want to wear this, I wish I could wear that etc. We know what we want and sometimes it’s a matter of being afraid or not wanting to do too much and some people wonder whether wearing something will get people talking. But you know what you want so if you know what you want, why not?

That is what I want my legacy to be. I want it to be about authenticity. So when people come to me, I tell them to tell me what they’re dreams are. I want to be let in and no limits so I know the vibe, the essence, and who you are as a person. What do you want to show? Forget what people are going to say – it’s about you – what do you want? I try to do that with even the way that I dress. I dress for me and I’m not trying to follow a trend or to be like anyone else. I’m doing me and that lets me radiate on my own terms and on my own level.

AM: As someone who I know your schedule is always packed, when you’re not designing or working on the next project, how do you take time for yourself? Do you find that time because I know when you work for yourself it’s tough to turn it off and we have to figure out ways that we can focus on ourselves so that we are infusing our energy back to us. That way we can be our best selves for everything that we are doing?

WM: I do try to make it a time to give time for myself. I do know that it takes a lot whether I’m meeting with my clients or I am going into fittings. I invest all of my in my work and with people so it’s very draining, but I always make it a point to make sure that I have my me time. My gym is in the mornings, my yoga classes, those are my me times. I try to make any moment that I can with me – even if I am just walking around the city. I put my headphones on and I put a song on that makes me feel good. I am runway walking down the street – that is me! It’s just what brings me joy, it clears my mind, and it sort of allows me to process it. Because despite it being a lot of work and very demanding, and a lot to process and deal with and manage because I have a large team at the Atelier from pattern makers, sewers, hand beaders, and teams of assistants, the PR team, the Social Media team – it’s a lot to drive the energy of my village. It takes a village, but to me, I am in charge of driving that energy and it’s very draining. Now when I say draining, I mean it in the most loving way. To me, draining is not a negative word. It’s sort of like, if you love to run marathons, it’s going to be draining – but you love it! But I always make it fun. This is fun. I live in a fantasy world. Because I love it, I find those me moments in there.

AM: I totally get and feel the same way!

WM: Even talking to you right now! I’m having fun!

AM: That’s the thing! We get to do so many things and to engage with so many people that you may feel tired, but when you love what you’re doing you’re always able to dip into that well. Somehow, you figure out how you can refresh yourself.

In this industry and I know you know of people like this as well, they went out for something that they wanted to do, it didn’t work out and then they either stopped or soured on the experience. Then there are those such as yourself that wanted it, found a way, and they are living exactly what they wanted and I always find that to be amazing and energizing as I love knowing those stories especially when it’s from those that I have admired their work from their beginnings and have been able to see that trajectory over time. It’s such a vibrant community to be part of.

IG @waltercollection

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | FRONT/BACK COVER, PG 16 Chris Martin | PG 19, 20, 23, 24, 28, Alex W Photography | PG 31 - 34 for 9LIST STORI3S Kelly Balchim |

Read the JUN ISSUE #102 of Athleisure Mag and see BEHIND THE SEAMS | Walter Mendez in mag.

INDULGE YOURSELF AND ME TIME | JOSIE NATORI

When we began working in the fashion industry, there are a number of memories that we will never forget that allowed us to see the work of those who have brands that focus on the importance of heritage and artistry. One of our NYFW experiences involved a stunning runway show that showcased dramatic crisp white shirts with architectural collars and accessorized with belts and earrings. We also attended an intimate fragrance launch at her home where she not only played piano for us, but allowed us to see how her brand is truly one that runs seamlessly in your life beyond just what one wears on one's body. Josie Natori is the epitome of refined style, luxury, and the ultimate in self-care.

We sat down with the Founder and Chief Executive of The Natori Co. in her offices in NYC to talk about being a child prodigy in piano, how she climbed the corporate ladder at Merrill Lynch, and how her passion for creativity led to her launching her namesake company which includes a number of coveted labels, and the importance of having brand authenticity and integrity.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It is such a pleasure to see you again! We met many years ago!

JOSIE NATORI: Yes, you were at one of my fragrance launches, I don’t remember which one it was.

AM: Yes it was awhile ago and it was such a beautiful event as I was able to hear you play the piano, and you hosted it at your home. I have been such a fan of the brand for so long so it’s amazing to be here now to talk to you!

When did you realize that you loved fashion and wanted to design?

JN: No, I never said that I wanted to design. I loved fashion, when you grow up in the Philippines, you love clothes. So it was never a dream or an aim or a goal. It was a total accident as it was not something that I would have thought about.

I started out in Wall Street for 9 years and it was a great business to be in. But then I also had this artistic background as a pianist as I had been playing since I was 4 and that creative and artistic aspect as well. I never dreamt of nor wanted to and I don’t like to be called a clothing designer. I’m an artist and a businesswoman. I like beautiful things and I have figured out how to do them.

AM: What do you love about playing the piano?

JN: It’s kind of second nature. You’re born, you dance, you play, you sing, you dance, you act, and my mother, she was also a pianist. So everyone had to play an instrument, you didn’t question it – you just did it. I started playing when I was 4, I performed concerts and at the age of 9, I played solo with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Thank God that I did it and I love to play the piano because it’s a great way for me to express myself through the piano.

AM: That really nice.

You came to the US and attended Manhattanville College with your focus in Economics and you’re such a trailblazer, as you climbed the corporate ladder at Merrill Lynch in the 70s.

JN: Yes, I was the first female VP of Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch.

AM: Well what did it mean to you to have that position especially as a woman?

JN: You know what, when I was on Wall Street, that never really occurred to me. Growing up in Manila, I came from a place with strong matriarchal society where the women were very strong. My mother was an entrepreneur, my grandmother was also a businesswoman. I never questioned that. So when other people would look at what I did and say how unique it was, for me I never had that as an issue, I never confronted it, I didn’t worry about it, I just did it. I know that those looking at me felt that as a woman and a minority, I checked 2 boxes, but I never saw it that way. I think that I was just at the right place at the right time and I think that with my background and my upbringing, I had no fear.

AM: What took place for you to transition from being in finance and doing well, to move on to fashion?

JN: Yes, I got bored after being there for 9 years and I came to the decision that I had no desire to be the President of Merrill Lynch. It’s not that I was given that opportunity, but I knew that that wasn’t something that I wanted. I felt that I had climbed the mountain, and I woke up in the morning and I felt that I didn’t have -

AM: That fire.

JN: Yes. So I always knew that I would have my own business because my grandmother is entrepreneurial, my father started his business and he was a self-made man. It was only a question of what business. Then Ken and I got married and I was thinking of what business we could do. We explored a brokerage firm, but we didn’t have the resources and it wasn’t the right time in the Stock Market. So I started exploring and thinking about other businesses like opening up a McDonald’s and other ideas. But it was just by accident that the business of import/export in the Philippines came up. Not in a million years was I thinking about design, it was about the trade of product. It evolved and I was really fortunate and the left brain and the right brain aligned. That’s what was missing. Wall Street had made me work in one way and there is a lot of creativity in that field that people find exciting, but for me, it was boring. In terms of finance I did enjoy making the deals. But in fashion you’re making deals and also working with product. It was exciting and I have always enjoyed fashion, I’m a shopaholic.

AM: What was your vision initially when you first launched the label?

JN: There was no vision, it was just buying and selling. It was just me seeing items and purchasing it and you just keep going. It was only later on when I brought in an embroidered blouse to a buyer and she felt that it would be great as a sleep shirt and so that was lingerie. At the time, lingerie was either lewd or frumpy. So I was lucky that I was able to get into that area and I was also very persistent and I learned on the job!

AM: It’s the best way to go about it sometimes.

JN: No one taught me.

AM: Looking at your brand today, you have a number of labels. What is your process in deciding what pieces will go with what portion of the label and the corresponding design?

JN: I think that over the years we have been fortunate to be able to have some tiers because you have Josie Natori which is the most luxurious, distinctive, and most expensive label and that’s not for everybody and it’s available at Saks in terms of its distribution. Natori is more everyday and it’s at Dillard's and N Natori at Von Maur. It’s for that day-to-day life. We also have Josie which is a bit dormant right now, but it is for that younger customer. We’re just really fortunate to be able to have that a brand that has different tiers and also includes various categories. I think that we have something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re buying a caftan for $6,000, $900, or $198 you see the difference in materials, but the integrity of the brand is there.

AM: I have had the pleasure to wear some of your caftan dresses from Josie Natori and they are the most stunning and beautiful pieces to wear.

JN: Thank you!

AM: One of the things that I like so much about your lines is that you do have a number of licensees and categories that are within the brand. What is your process in terms of how you decide on including accessories, home goods, candles, fragrances, etc?

JN: Well, I think that it was after 5 years. You know, you’re not really a brand until the customer tells you so. When the customer tells you, that’s when you can look at things differently and Natori really is a state of mind. There is a whole philosophy about it. I thought that the brand is about feeling good and there is a sociological element about the brand and there is also a design element. The brand is about having feel good products and being true to yourself as well as feminine. Then there is the actual aesthetic of the design which is the East-West and the modern aspects of it and you can see it in a number of the pieces that we have. It is about bringing art into life.

But when it comes to products, I’m not going to do pots and pans, that doesn’t relate to the brand. We’re focused on the inside and out as well as head-to-toe. Because you can create that East- West in so many places in the home and under the covers. A feel good brand means you’re going to think about fragrances, fabrics, and what makes you feel good. As a brand, I think that we have a point of view and that’s what makes us distinctive and there is also that psychographic where when you buy Natori, it’s a gift to yourself. It’s about feeling feminine, loving yourself, why not? It’s indulgence.

AM: One of my favorite bras is actually from your line as it’s a T-Shirt style super light and comfortable while feeling luxurious. It’s always easy to wear and I agree with you on how the brand inherently has that feel good nature about it.

In looking at the collections that you have, it allows that woman to go out to for a night on the town, to work, to being casual and to really navigate her life. What would be 3 pieces that are essential across your whole brand or for each individual label?

JN: That’s really hard and you know, my philosophy is that we make clothes that make you feel good, feminine, comfortable, elegant, and stylish. But where you wear it, that’s your decision! I’m not telling you what to do! Some people like to take our slip dress and wear it to sleep in, but someone else is wearing it to go out in. So for me, it’s a range of possibilities and a point of view. It’s a sensibility of how you dress you know? It’s a statement, it’s feminine, and to me, it’s about wearing it wherever you want!

In terms of pieces, you want to have that great foundation, so you want to make sure that your underwear is comfortable. Then you have those options of wearing a caftan, or a lovely kimono or a dress. Of course, there’s accessories and it’s hard to point out just one as there are so many options! To me, the items that are closest to your skin are the most important as opposed to what’s outside.

AM: I couldn’t agree more!

There was a runway show that you did years ago and I know my mom and I attended this show. Most of the looks were dynamic white crisp shirts paired with your accessories. I just remember seeing beautiful collars, elements of Geometria, and belts – it was just stunning.

JN: Oh great!

AM: It was like a Dynasty moment which I am a huge fan of as I love the glamour and drama that came through with the way that the characters were styled on that show.

JN: I am very proud of the artistry that we have created for this brand and the handwork comes from the Philippines. We have been able to bring that craftsmanship to our collections and it’s about bringing the best of the past and to apply it to modern luxury whether it's on your body or your bed. I just think that we deserve it. We work so hard on this Earth!

AM: Where do you see the brand going whether it’s collaborations or big product launches that we should keep an eye out for?

JN: We are fortunate that we have built a following and a customer base and we have never taken that for granted! We need to continue to be relevant to the next generation. We want to continue only do the categories that relate to the brand and we always have to think about who our customer is. Each generation is different and I am always thinking about who we can speak to what they are looking for and what makes sense for who we are. We can’t be stuck. My son is the President of Natori and we’re always looking forward and keeping things fresh.

AM: What does it mean to you to have Natori as a member of the CFDA?

JN: Obviously, it’s a wonderful organization that really showcases and supports its members and it’s great to have a voice and I appreciate that. I don’t really consider myself a designer, but I think it is important to be involved whether it’s hosting a function/event, to mentor as well as to advise and to have that representation.

AM: Absolutely.

What are you the most proud of in terms of what you have done with this Empire?

JN: Well, it’s not an empire number 1.

AM: I think it is a big deal to be around as long as you have with your distribution channels, licenses and being a multi-million dollar brand. To start as a sleepwear/lingerie brand and to have an array of celebs like Lady Gaga, Kate Beckinsale, and Rose Huntingon-Whiteley wearing your labels.

JN: I have to say that we are very proud. There aren’t too many brands, I don’t think that have lasted this long and are independent. So I feel that that is something that my family is very proud of. My son Ken taking over as President, but I’m not retiring anytime soon! I’m getting close to 77, but I don’t feel old you know? It’s really a mindset to me and I think young! When I’m traveling with our team, sometimes they say, “can we rest?” and I say, “what do you mean rest? It’s time to go!” They are more than half my age. So it’s fun and I think that we are just proud that we are able to build this brand and we are proud of the connections to the Philippines because I think that without my Asian heritage, and I am very proud about that, it is what distinguishes me and it is my point of differentiation to bring that heritage and background and to bring the essence of that in an art form into our prints and patterns is great to add and to infuse in our modern way of living. It’s been an exciting journey you know? We’re known for our prints and I think that being able to have that distinctive point of view we are proud of what we have offered and continue to do. We are proud of being a privately held and family owned company. But, there is no sitting on your laurels. It’s a very tough environment and we’re just navigating that is the business climate is different and has its challenges. But it’s exciting when you’re doing this and to see what you have built and will continue to do as you evolve and to present yourself the way that you want to present yourself. There is freedom in being able to do that. I’m proud of that and I think the real test is that I want the brand to live beyond me. It has to keep on going and we can’t bastardize the brand. I’d rather keep the brand like this and to have integrity which is important to me.

AM: You have been such a trailblazer and it has been such an honor to have you talk with us about the brand so that we can share with our fans and readers of Athleisure Mag!

JN: I’ve looked at your magazine and Athleisure doesn’t mean that you’re just wearing the sweats, track suits, or activewear. I think the term and how you present it is redefining it. Natori is a way of dressing. It’s a way of dressing that’s feminine, glamorous, statement, full of color, happy, and it feels good. It’s a mindset of how you want to be whether I’m relaxing and reading the paper on the couch. Athleisure is my time! It’s me time! That’s why Natori is about buying for yourself! You can buy it and afford the pieces that you want and I think it is interesting!

IG @natori

@josienatori

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Natori

Read the APR ISSUE #100 of Athleisure Mag and see INDULGE YOURSELF AND ME TIME | Josie Natori in mag.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK FW2024 EDIT

This month, we attended a number of NYFW FW24 shows which is a great way to see the upcoming collections from an array of designers that are on our radar. We kicked off the season with New York Men's Day - NYMD on Feb 9th that presented its 21st season of 8 designers between the morning and afternoon session at Location05 in Hudson Yards.

NYMD | TERRY SINGH

We started off with Terry Singh's presentation with his namesake collection for his menswear brand that launched in 2014 and is based in NYC. Terry was raised in NYC and began working in the fashion industry in the '70s. He also took some time to go to India where he immersed himself into Indian culture as well as meditation. He returned to the city with his shift in how he approached his life and wanted to take what he learned to bring it to make his mark in fashion.

Terry feels that, "this collection resonated with the narrative of my odyssey, visually manifesting the metamorphosis that defines who I am today."

The collection included a number of pieces that included blazers, outerwear, structured skirts, intricate fabrications and coordinates. It was a rich tapestry that allowed us to see where menswear as well as genderless looks can be elevated for gala and soiree looks.

IG @newyorkmensday

@terrysingh.nyc

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 98 Terry Singh

NYMD | Y.CHROMA

The 4 designers that presented their collection in the morning of NYMD, showcased collections that included suiting and eveningwear. We were also excited to check out Y.Chroma, founded by Max Israel! This brand was founded in 2023 in Lisbon, Portugual.

The collection is focused on male midlife re-invention with a customer base of 40+ and want to wear vibrant hues. The European crafstmanship was evident in seeing this collection and we truly enjoyed the unique textiles that were included in this show and still presented a youthful collection that we could totally see being worn by those that are outside of the intended demographic. We love how they embrace midlife reinvention and the universal appeal of this brand!

IG @y.chroma.apparel

PHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy | PG 101 Y.Chroma

BACKSTAGE PRABAL GURUNG

We left Location05 to pop out to cover Backstage at Prabal Gurung who showed at the Starrett-Lehigh Building. Being backstage allows you to see how the inspiration for the designer's vision comes together for the hair, makeup, and nail teams.

The inspiration behind Prabal Gurung's comes from the loss in his home country of Nepal where he created silhouettes that offered a balance of warmth and melancholy through tactile fabrics that were sculpted and ethereal.

“It was to give into grief,” Gurung said backstage. “That was a new thing for me, but I decided to give in simply because that was the only way that I could go through it, which took me back to my father’s side of the family — which I normally have stayed away from, to be completely honest — and it led to these images and everything. It was just so cathartic and so healing, so I brought this to life because it gave me comfort.”

To merge the gravity of the somberness of the inspiration of the show, there was still a balance with his signature feminine styles by incorporating fringe and drapery. These ethereal elements gave a sense of uplifting ones spirit.

The apparel that hit the runway was supported by a glam team that worked with the models, Super Models such as Precious Lee, and celebs such as Sarita Choudhury (Homeland, Blindspot, And Just Like That...). We had the pleasure to chat with Celebrity Nail Artist, Gina Edwards who is the Kiss Product Inc U.S/Canada Brand Ambassador and Lead Nail Artist for this show. In addition to her role with these products, she has worked with Chanel Beauty on a Valentine's Campaign, she was the manicurist for Nicole Kidman for her Balenciaga Ambassador imagery, and was the manicurist for Vera Wang for her CFDA Award to name a few.

We wanted to find out how she extended Prabal's vision into the nails that worn by the models who were part of the runway show.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We always love going backstage to see the magic come together and we've been watching the models as they're in prep to hit the runway. We know that you used acrylic nails to create this look. Can you tell us more about this?

GINA EDWARDS: For the show, we used these acrylics in nude in XXL and we stiletto’d it out to be coffin shaped. We just created the color over it to give it that exclusivity that is the theme of this show. The look whether it’s the red or the silver is a bit of a moonstone/cat eye effect. When you look at it one way, it has one color and then another, you see the other one. It’s a bit of a haunting effect and that ties into the makeup that has that smokey and sultry look to it. So the nails really add to that vibe. It’s amazing to see how everything comes together. The designer has a vision and he explained it to the glam team of hair, makeup, and nails. So we came up with this idea and everyone loves it and along the way, you tweak it to get it to where you see it today.

AM: How long did it take for you to arrive to what we’re seeing on the runway for tonight’s show as it’s a collaboration between Prabal's vision of where he sees it and how you’re interpreting the theme?

GE: Well, there was about 2 weeks when you’re having the conversations and when you land on what you think will work and then you get the products in and to be able to create what has been decided on. Once you select the teams that will actually execute it, I would say it’s about 5 days.

The elusive nail which was the theme for the show was inspired by the experimental use of fabrics in Prabal's collection. The magnetic, cat-eye finish on the KISS nails really merge that eccentric and elusive element together to create that haunting look which is in keeping with this collection which is known as, Fragmented Memories.

AM: Oh wow and there’s so much work to build the nails!

GE: Oh yeah, I mean, shaping takes the most time! I mean shape is everything when it comes to the nail. You have to shape the nail, look at, then look at it from the birds eye view. It looks one way when you see it from one standpoint and then another and then, this nail isn’t on you so it’s a lot of work to really articulate the nail.

You can get The Magnetic Effect Manicure at home which is one of the hottest trends from the runway. Using KISS Gel Fantasy Magnetic collection in style Ruler or imPRESS Color Press-On Manicure in style Red Velvet you too can rock these stunning nails from Prabal’s show in minutes. These ready-to-wear styles are easy to apply and last up to a week.

HOW GINA EDWARDS CREATED THE CUSTOM-DESIGNED RUNWAY LOOK:

• Step 1: Select and size KISS Salon Acrylic Natural Nails in style Crystal and shape to stiletto

Natural Nails in style Crystal and shape to stiletto

• Step 2: Apply nail glue to belly of the nail and natural nail, then press down gently, repeat x10 nails

• Step 3: Apply a coat of your favorite magnetic color and use magnet on both sides parallel to the nail. Cure each finger for 90 seconds

• Step 4: Apply second coat and use the magnet again to see the glass like effect on the nails. Cure for 90 seconds.

• Step 5: Add top gel coat and cure for 60 seconds.

IG @prabalgurung

@ginaedwards_

@kissproducts

PHOTOGRAPHY | PG 102 + 103 Go Runway.com

After spending a few hours at Prabal Gurung's backstage courtesy of Gina Edwards and the KISS Products team, we made our way back to Location05 for the second session of NYMD and the designers that were showing during this presentation.

NYMD | THE SALTING

Designers Michael Ward & Manel Garcia Espejo founded The Salting, a menswear/womenswear brand in 2018 and is based in NYC. With their second presentation at NYMD as well as being recently inducted into the CFDA as interim members, they are carried in approximately 20 locations in the US and Canada including Bergdorf Goodman.

They're fabrications are globally sourced with sustainable mills and all of their tailoring is done in the US. This design duo has an extensive background in fashion design in the luxury space.

This season's collection's inspiration is On The Waterfront and has an aesthetic that honors longshoremen and dockworkers with its use of buffalo checks, plaid, tweeds, chalk stripes and more. Even their sportswear showcases their tailored DNA and we enjoyed their classic pea coats and other structured pieces.

IG @thesaltingnyc

PAS UNE MARQUE

In 2018, Sean Coutts founded menswear label, Pas Une Marque in Paris. The brand's entire manufacturing takes place in Peru. Within each of their collections, they work with a number of artists to tell their brand story. Printemps, the first department store in Paris, carries the brand. We loved the outerwear that was included in this show and can't wait to see more from this brand.

IG @pasunemarque

We had a bit of snow that hit NYC, but with 2 shows that we had been looking forward to from 2 Project Runway alums, we were ready to be dazzled by their NYFW FW24 collections.

BISHME CROMARTIE

The afternoon of Feb 13th, we made our way to The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad to see Bishme Cromartie's NYFW FW24 presentation. We first learned about Bishme when he competed on Season 17 of Project Runway where he came in 4th. For Season 20 of Project Runway All-Stars, he came back and won! It was amazing to see a number of our favorite designers across the season on this show and the ability to see Bishme push the boundaries of Avante Garde to his self-proclaimed, Street Garde, has been a great evolution.

His brand has been worn on a number of red carpets by Michelle Williams (American Soul, Wrath: A Seven Deadly Sins Story, Kingdom Business) of Destiny's Child, Chloe Bailey (Grown-ish, Swarm, Praise This), and Jennifer Hudson (Cats, The Jennifer Hudson Show, Respect), to name a few.

This presentation had a palette of red, white, and black and spanned from elevated streetwear all the way to red carpet looks during Awards Season.

When asked about where the inspiration from his show came from, he shared, "I further explored my obsession of mixing Streetwear with Avant Garde designs. Striking, feminine and bold shapes paired with a variety of coats, edgy tops, form fitting and dramatic gowns. I continued to define what “Street Garde'' is by staying true to my aesthetic and testing new ideas. I wanted the collection to feel strong, effortlessly sexy, masculine, and feminine at the same time. The collection showcases the Bishme Cromartie woman who is ready for change, constantly on the go and loves to stand out, no matter where she is. This season we are entering the Batrix."

IG @bishme_cromartie

PHOTOGRAPHY | PG 104 - 108 Paul Farkas |

LAURENCE BASSE

We ended our NYFW FW24 shows the evening of Feb 13th with Project Runway alum, Laurence Basse who was a finalist in both Season 15 as well Season 20 for Project Runway All-Stars. We have been a long time fan of her mastery of leatherwork and in seeing her first solo show at The Paramount Building in Times Square, we were thrilled to be able to talk to her in detail about how she got into the industry, her namesake line, her NYFW show, and what we can expect from her as she continues to push the envelope of her brand.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It is such a pleasure to be able to talk with you as I’ve been a fan of your work and aesthetic!

LAURENCE BASSE: Thank you so much, thank you! I really appreciate you having me.

AM: Of course! I have been a fan of yours since I first saw you on Season 15 of Project Runway, and just your artistry, the way you work with leather, your style, and attitude – everything about you is definitely Black Girl Magic.

LB: Oh I’m trying, I’m trying.

AM: Oh no, you are not trying, you are doing!

So you got your start in the industry as a model. You have modeled with BENNETTON, Jean Paul Gautier, and you have been in French Elle as well as Cosmopolitan. You did this for 15 years, what was the moment that you realized you wanted to be a fashion designer.

LB: Well I mean, this is the narrative in the streets, but really, I went to fashion school in Paris before I was even modeling. I started fashion school when I was 17 years old. So from 17 – 22, I was in fashion school and I started modeling when I was in Paris I think 3 years into fashion school. It was just there and I thought, “why not?” I used that to then move to the US and it became a 15 year off and on.

AM: Where did you go to school?

LB: I went to school, my first one was in Normandy called Elisa Lemonnier and then I went to another school in Paris, an art school by the same name at the 12 Arrondissement.

AM: When I first saw you in Season 15 of Project Runway, I was just blown away by what you did throughout that season. What drew you to compete on the show?

LB: You know, let’s just say that I never casted for the show. I never did. I quit modeling, I was in LA, I was bartending, and I had my studio, but I was like, ok, since I didn’t do the designing the way that they are saying which is you get out of school and you go work for a brand, and I didn’t do that. I was modeling, traveling, and living my best life.

So at this point, I was 35, I had started this thing, but how do I go from zero to 50 at least? I had a friend of mine that was a Super Model back in the days in France and she actually reached out to me a year before my season to do the French version of Project Runway in France, and I said, "hell, no! I'm not doing a reality show blah blah blah boom boom boom – not when it comes to designing.”

Time went by and I got an email after that from the US. They told me that they were casting for Project Runway. My first reaction, “hell, no!” I’m not doing this. But my friend was with me and she was like, “Laurence it is a good opportunity and you should do it.” I didn’t say no. I literally waited until the deadline. If the deadline was like Mar. 30th at midnight, I waited until the deadline to submit whatever it was that they were asking me.

Then they called me back. I didn’t know that they had already had a casting in the US. So I thought that I was going in for the casting, but it had already been done. I went straight to the final 2 appointments that they had before they decided on who they wanted to have on the show. I went in and I brought in like 10 pair of clothes and they loved it and after that, they asked me to come in the next day. The next day was a whole hour – hour and a half interview. That’s when they say, ok we know you can sew, we love you, but as far as your personality, they have to figure that out.

I did my interview for a little over an hour and it went well I think. I was good! The lady told me, “Laurence, if you made it this far it means you’re perfect for this show. But If we do not cast you for this season, please come back next season.” I told her, “I won’t be coming back.” If I make it, great and if I don’t, I’m still happy. I literally left the casting and I literally left the casting and I was going to my car in LA and I was like dancing in the parking lot. It was an investment for me. It’s already mine and if not, it’s ok too. Then they called me and that’s how I made it onto the show.

AM: I’m glad that you did because the moment you started creating dynamic pieces and watching how you work with leather beyond what I have seen anyone else do – it was phenomenal to watch. As a fashion stylist and someone who has grown up in this industry from a young age – watching you make leather do things that we don’t think that that fabrication supports usually, I was like, “where did this women come from?” I became obsessed and it was thrilling to see you be a finalist on that season.

LB: Thank you!

AM: And then when it came to Season 20 that aired last year with Project Runway All-Stars, what were you thinking about coming back to this crazy environment of a competition show?

LB: Oh yeah, it’s definitely crazy!

So basically, the first time that I went, I didn’t know what I was expecting. I went in and I thought to myself, I am going to win. There was no other option and then I didn’t win. So I went home and I thought, “what am I going to do now?” But God has other plans. With the show rolling, it just jump started my career. I have just been going ever sense since that. It did a lot of things that were great for me. So when the second time came around, I thought, never again would I do a show like that. Right?

AM: Yeah!

LB: But, the only reason and again, they came back and said, “Laurence, do you want to jump on a call? We’re thinking of doing All-Stars.” I said sure and got on the call. But I wasn’t like, “yay!” I had to pause and think about it. Like I said, it did great for me, they have their own agenda and I went in with my own. Even when I accepted to do it, and I did it because it was All-Stars. It was about the contestants coming back to compete for something bigger. So I was like ok, this can’t hurt me and it can only reboost the machine. So I went in and I remember I said, “my head said that the best position for me to land was to be a runner-up.” Technically, I don’t want to win because I don’t want to be tied into anything.

But my ego, wanted to win the whole thing. The ego is the one that got hurt, but everything happened the way that it was supposed to happen. I did what I wanted to do and it was ok.

AM: Well, you turned out amazing pieces yet again!

LB: I was like, keep playing in my face!

AM: I love it!

So why do you like working with leather? Your mastery of leather is just insane.

LB: Thank you!

Well, I’m self-taught when it comes to leather. But my background is really haute couture, making the dresses and all of the extravagant things that people like to wear. I was like, everyone is doing this – a lot of people are doing it. I wanted to be different. I don’t want to be in the norm. I wanted to know what was out there that I could do and work with that I could separate myself from most designers. So I was thinking about leather for 2 reasons. As a child, when I was younger, leather was – when I would look at people who owned leather, they were rich. It was something that, yes I wanted it. But I couldn’t afford it. Then, before that, I love luxury. All of the stuff that I love when I go to the stores, it gives me a real headache! Because it’s $5,000, $6,000, and $10,000! I’d look at it and I’d say, “I can’t do it!” So I decided let me teach myself how to do this and I am going to do it better and I'm going to do it as a challenge to myself. I thought, “ok, all the stuff that I love the Balmain, Saint Laurent, the Gucci, the Tom Ford – it’s over overpriced,”, but look who’s talking now?

It's overpriced, but I’m going to one day sell my stuff at the same price as those people. I’ll be up there with them and that was the bet to myself. So, then leather when people think about it, they think it’s rigid and that there’s not a lot of what you can do with it. But for me, I was like, I’m going to get in there – me and leather are going to have a talk and we’re going to get to know each other. Now I know leather pretty well and I work it like it’s any kind of fabric. There’s no limitation to it. If you want a wedding dress, I’ll make your wedding dress in leather. If you want a flowy skirt or whatever it is, I just don’t want to put limitations on it.

AM: Well you are a master at it. You work a leather like it’s a silk or a taffeta and before you, I had never seen people treat it that way!

LB: That was the goal.

AM: How would you describe your brand your line. You have a number of NBA athletes and different celebrities that have worn your collection.

LB: Well my line, my line is definitely – it’s not haute couture, I’m not RTW. I’m somewhere in between so it’s a luxury brand catered to strong women and strong men. It’s very – for me it’s normal – but the stuff that I put together, they’re not supposed to exist in the same world. But they work for me, because it’s just an extension of me – female/male, cold/hot, edgy/soft – I just love to mix the two together.

AM: What are 3 core pieces that if someone was purchasing pieces from you for the first time that they would be essentials to have in their closet?

LB: Oh you have to have a classic leather jacket. The classic LB is the one with the shoulders. I have been rocking that one for the past x amount of years. You would think that I have a lot of leather jackets, right?

AM: Oh yeah!

LB: I have probably 3 but I recycle them. I have this one that’s like a Motorcycle Jacket with the shoulders and it’s classic and I love it! So, either that one or a Bomber – whatever classic is to you. A pair of leather gloves, and a jumpsuit!

You don’t even need 3, if you like to have just one, it’s either a leather jacket or a jumpsuit. If you can’t afford it, get a pair of gloves!

AM: There’s a solution and then keep saving your coins to get one of those pieces!

LB: Exactly!

AM: My Co-Founder and I had the pleasure of going to your NYFW FW24 show! My mouth was on the floor throughout the runway show and I even teared up a bit because the craftsmanship of seeing great pieces always transports me.

LB: Thank you!

AM: What was the inspiration behind this collection?

LB: You know, I always tell people that the place I design from it’s I guess a storytelling place, but it’s like I tell my stories by creating. That’s my communication. I don’t sometimes put words into it. I don’t always have a story, but for this one, it started with one piece – a Bulletproof Vest. With everything that is going on in the world, you know – all the crazy stuff, the wars, but if you stay in it, you go crazy. So we still have to find other beautiful things in the world that is going on. So it was a mix of the two. The leather Bulletproof Vest – that’s why I mixed it with the soft and beautiful flowy stuff. I got it from that piece and I just let it flow.

AM: I’m sure it was such a project to undertake, a solo show during NYFW!

LB: Girl, it was insane!

AM: Days leading up to your show, I was on your IG and I could see that there were a lot of moving parts going on. It definitely built up the anticipation, but I know you must have been spending a lot of time getting all those things together.

LB: My God! One day I will tell that story. But we kind of documented everything on film – not everything, because sometimes you don’t think about it. It was by far one of the hardest things that I had ever done. I self-financed it, I had a great team, but me and Mykel, we were both wearing different hats and I had to try and stay kind of zen and to be able to create. I mean, I made all of my samples. There was no team, that’s maybe for next season. But we literally decided because Project Runway All-Stars wrapped in Sept. and technically, we were already at Fashion Week. So I thought, “ok, it doesn’t make sense for me to do a collection in Sept.” But really, if I wanted to wait until I was ready to do it, I should have waited until the following Sept. But then I thought, “no because while things are still hot, I can’t skip Feb.” So we decided that we had 2.5 months to do it. We didn’t know how, we just went by faith. It was like, I believe in you, you believe in me and we just jumped out of the building with no parachute and we hoped that it would land.

AM: What other projects do you have going on now that we can look forward to or that we can keep an eye out for?

LB: Well right now, everything is moving so fast, we are getting our appointments together – so the sales teams so that we can start getting into production and getting into stores. So we will do that in Mar. and we have Market week coming up and April, back thinking about Fashion Week in Sept. So for that, we want to take this to Paris. So the goal is to do Paris Fashion Week and NYFW.

AM: What do you want your legacy to be as you have done a lot and I can only imagine what you will still do with yourself and your brand. But you are a trailblazer and a role model, because there are still not a lot of visible Black people that own luxury brand and especially in the fashion space. That’s something great to see you do unapologetically and in your own style.

LB: Absolutely, like I tell people, it was super important for me growing up in France and even being here, all you hear is people telling us what we can and cannot do and how far we can dream. It’s like when I used to tell people when I was in school to my teachers, they would look at you and roll their eyes. They would tell you to come back down, to be real, and those jobs aren’t for you.

AM: Yup.

LB: And because you said that, that’s why I tell people that I know that I am a Black woman and it’s not going to be easy and that I will have to work 10X harder than the next one because they already have a leg up. I know that and I’m at peace with that. I’m strong. I’m going to knock all of those doors down until I get to where I need to be.

When I went to Italy and they are the kings of leather, how they received and reacted to my work, I looked at their reflection in my eyes and I knew that I had it. I just want my people, or even any people, but especially my people to see me and look at me like, she did it. The hard part of it, I will tell my story and write my book one day about it. I want people to look at me and know that it’s possible. Sometimes, all you need is 1!

I’m not doing it just because I love fashion. I could be ok and I have done a lot and I can be content. But no, I need to continue forward and that's what I want my legacy to be. Because when I have to think of a high end Black designer, I have to do some research and think about it and that’s not normal.

For me, we are fashion.

AM: Absolutely!

LB: Seriously, I look at Christian Dior today, Balmain, and Gucci with the stuff that they are doing now, if you told me 20 years ago that this is where they are going, I would have said you’re dreaming!

AM: 100%

LB: But they’re taking those aesthetics, and we’re not getting credit for it. And then we go and give them our money. I think one of the mistakes I think sometimes we do as Black people when we enter that industry, we set limitations. Money is money wherever it comes from, I don’t care. I’m designing for whoever loves fashion.

I tell people that I am Black everyday, we don’t have to debate about that. But, you need to think about how you move. Hire your people – that is where the power is. Where the money comes from like I don’t care. My clients are everywhere. They’re European, American, African, wherever I don’t care. They love fashion and that is what we’re going to talk about. That is the business model of what everyone is doing. You’re presenting a good or service and then via marketing, you’re able to translate that story; however, the offering is universal.

IG @laurencebasse

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Laurence Basse

Read the FEB ISSUE #99 of Athleisure Mag and see NEW YORK FASHION WEEK FW2024 EDIT in mag.

9LOOKS | MICHAEL KORS SS23

Read the SEP ISSUE #81 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LOOKS | Michael Kors SS23 in mag.

SS21 | BRANDON MAXWELL

We’re a fan of Brandon Maxwell who has dressed Lady Gaga as well as being a judge on BRAVO’s Project Runway. His sense in being able to dress women for all the activities that you may find them engaging in from running errands, brunching with friends and a night out on the town. This NYFW SS21 show presents looks that are available now as we all begin to emerge back into the world!

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

STYLE FILES: FW21

Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see Style Files: FW21 in mag.

STYLE FILES | SS21

Read the Dec Issue #60 of Athleisure Mag and see Style Files | SS21 in mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | FASHION AS A PLATFORM

It's been a busy series of weeks with the first round of Awards Season coming to an end, being in the midst of Fashion Month with a number of the runways in global cities showcasing FW20 designs. With many of us enjoying a mild winter, we're already envisioning SS20 looks that will be enhanced with warmer weather. We're transported back to NYFW for SS20 when we enjoyed an intimate presentation of NONIE which took place on the rooftop of the NoMad Hotel and included a lunch as well as panel with influential women including the Co-Founder of Venus et Fleur as they talked about the importance of their creativity as well as the need to focus on issues such as bullying.

NONIE's founder, Nina Kharey is a Canadian based designer who has had a number of celebrities including Meghan Markle, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and Jessica Mulroney. We took a moment to chat about her line as well as her focus on #EndingBullying.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to launching NONIE how did you get your start in the fashion industry?

NINA KHAREY: My love of fashion and design began at an early age. I worked with my parents a lot. My mom was a seamstress for menswear and my dad managed a knit factory. I learned everything from them and becoming a designer seemed like the natural next step, but watching my brother fall into gang violence at an early age forced me to follow a more traditional path, and I eventually got my degree in Engineering.

Halfway through my career in engineering after the tragic loss of my brother, I launched NONIE to live my life to the fullest in his honour and teach my daughter to believe in her dreams and work hard.

AM: What was the moment that you realized that you wanted to launch your own line?

NK: I was always sewing and exploring different designs. It was something I dreamt of from the time I was a little girl, watching my parents create garments out of fabric – like magic. It wasn’t until I lost my brother and started to focus on what was actually bringing me peace that I decided to just go for it.

AM: What is the ethos behind NONIE?

NK: We are very holistic and keep humanity at the forefront. We’re also always focused on environmental sustainability - we want to be able to give back to our planet while creating. The women who wear NONIE should feel like they are contributing in a positive way to the world, rather than taking away. We work very closely with our clients to grow and learn from their needs and experiences.

AM: Is there a significance to the name of the brand?

NK: Nonie is my nickname. I got it when I was born. Everyone close to me calls me Nonie.

AM: What celebrities have worn the brand?

NK: NONIE has been worn by Meghan Markle, Jessica Mulroney, Chantal Kreviazuk, Jessi Cruickshank, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau.

AM: How would you describe the assortment that one would find within NONIE’s collections?

NK: Everything I design works very well together and with other designers. The line in minimal and clean so it can easily be paired with a statement piece to tone it down. Everything is easily worn during the day as well for the working woman. I want her to feel at ease going into her closet and quickly finding something that instantly contributes to her personal style and comfort.

AM: What are you excited about for Spring 2020 and what was the inspiration for this season of NONIE’s collection?

NK: Spring 2020 was a fun collection to design. I was aiming to bring a little more personality and interest into the designs. There’s a lot of edge and fun in this one. It has the youth in it that sometimes can be intimidating for women to explore but is kept subtle and minimal. The inspiration was community and how we can all make room for one another to grow. We can have a stronger impact together. As for the designs, I also go back to my roots in India and this time I was really enjoying the wrapping and tying of the designs.

AM: We attended your SS20 presentation lunch last NYFW with influential attendees. It was a great way to see the brand as well as guests that were on the panel with you? Why was this format during NYFW and select panelists chosen to be involved to share their stories?

NK: There’s so much that goes into designing clothing. It’s not always about the clothes, and in fact, there’s always a creative process that goes into each collection. Sometimes that process can really bring discussions that inspire others and bring people together. I think it’s important to share that. Art should bring inspiration and discussion as well. I was really moved by the women in my heritage that were pushing forward and making room for themselves. It shows that anything is possible if you’re willing to put the hard work and sacrifices into it. Rupi Kaur (writer) and Seema Bansal Chadha (Co-Founder of Venus et Fleur) are both people who went against the system of what’s expected of them and made their dreams come true. They kept pushing and disrupting the norm. Also, it’s nice to see everyone come together and support one another. That’s the true form of women helping other women - encouraging each other to live their best life.

AM: You’re focused on a campaign known as #EndBullying. Why is this a platform you are interested in educating others on and why is this important to you? Also, tell us about the Love Gives Freedom T Shirt.

NK: I lost my older brother to violence so when the chance came up to design something that would be used to inspire others, I jumped on it. I’ve met with so many kids who have been bullied or are getting recruited into gangs. It’s so important for these kids to hear my story and learn from the pain my family and I have gone through. I never want a family to experience our loss and pain. I try to lead everything I do with love and that’s what I tell them as well. I could have held onto the anger I felt towards the people who did this to my family, but I chose to let that go. I chose to focus on spreading love and living in forgiveness. It gave me the freedom to live a good and healthy life.

AM: We're sure you’re already planning SS21, what can we expect from the line and will you do another event here in NYC?

NK: I absolutely will do another event in NYC! After the last one, I made some great friends out there and the support was beautiful; it brought so many likeminded people together and was such an inspiring afternoon. SS21 will be completely sustainable fabric wise, and I’m working on some great designs that can easily be worn to work and out in the evening. SS21 will be luxurious and inspiring to the women wearing it.

AM: As someone who travels, what are 3 items in your carry on that you like to bring with you in order to make traveling easier for you?

NK: Wet wipes, Air Pods and face masks.

IG @Nonie.Official

PHOTOS COURTESY | NONIE

Read the Feb Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | Fashion as a Platform in mag.

STYLE FILES | NYFW SS20

Read the Sept Issue of Athleisure Mag and read Style Files | NYFW SS20 in mag.

ULTRA ROOFTOP PARTY

It’s been a busy series of days. We went from covering Electric Zoo Evolved (which you can see in our latest issue) during Labor Day Weekend to heading straight to NYFW. On the first night of NYFW, we had to hang out at the Ultra Records party which took place at the Hudson Mercantile’s rooftop and had an array of performances throughout the night!

Last summer we hung out with Icona Pop as they were the closing musical act for Propel Fitness Lab’s event. Recently signed to Ultra Music, we enjoyed hearing, “We Got That Cool,” (which also features Afrojack and has Yves V) which reminded us of why we love having them in our playlists when we’re working out. We know that they’re working on another single that will drop this fall as well as an upcoming tour where they will be performing both DJ sets and live.

PHOTO CREDIT | Michael Poselski | PoselskiBrothers.com | IG @poselskiphotos |

In addition to a number of acts that hit the stage (including: Chris Malinchak, MK(Marc Kinchen) and Sofi Tukker), we enjoyed Tropical House DJ and Producer, Klingande who released his new single “Messiah” with Bright Sparks on September 13. In addition to new music that will come out with his album dropping this fall, keep an eye out for his documentary. We also loved his set being accompanied by this saxophonist which added great texture to the performance as well!

PHOTO CREDIT | Michael Poselski | PoselskiBrothers.com | IG @poselskiphotos |

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.