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.

ATHLEISURE MAG #117 | JAY "JEEZY" JENKINS

In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with 4X Grammy nominated artist, New York Times Best Selling Author, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist, Jay "Jeezy" Jenkins. We sit down with him to talk about his career, his creative process, his TM: 101 Live Orchestra Tour, his Las Vegas Residency, Still Snowin' - his latest album, his collaborations, and Street Dreamz Foundation.  

We sat down with the Co-Founder/CCO of Dagne Dover, Jessy Dover. We wanted to know more about this brand, how it started, it's ethos, and her creative process in designing bags and luggage thay allow people to live a full lifestyle well accessorized. 

S2 of STARZ's The Couple Next Door is back taking us to the cul-de-sac where secrets and more will make themselves known. We sat down with Sam Palladio, Sendhill Ramamurthy, and Annabel Scholey. We talk about how they came to the show, how they prepared for their characters, and what we should expect from this season.

We share a recap of NYFW SS26, which included a number of shows from Janet Mandell, NYMD, Christian Siriano, Rynshu and more. We also have an interview with Supermodel, Niki Taylor moments before she made a return to the runway of Mott50.

We caught up with pickleball athlete Tyson Apostol to find out about his pickleball career, his passion for the game and the power of gummies and sleep! In addition, as the winner of Survivor: Blood vs Water, he gaves us insights on S49 of Survivor.

As TYLENOL has become the partner to the NWSL as well as Gotham FC here in NY, we wanted to sit down with them to find out about how they are ensuring that fans as well as athletes are able to manage their pain while taking in their favorite sports.

We caught up with surfers who participated in this year's A Great Day in the Stoke presented by Lexus. We talk with the creator of this event, Nate Fluellen and competitor, Farmy Dia. We wanted to know more about the event, why it was created and how it brings the Surfing community together. 

Next month Orange Glou Fair returns to bring you the best of natural Orange Wines. Founded by Doreen Winkler, she gives us a preview on what we can expect from next month's event as well as who we should anticipate sipping.

This month, we had the pleasure of talking with Dan Abrams (On Patrol: Live, Live PD, Court Cam) and Amanda Paul-Garnier about the first Drinks with Benefits that took place this month. This Non-Alc event allows attendees to enjoy the best of this category along with food pairings. We wanted to know more about Dan's aproach to creating the event, the industry, and his interest in hospitality. We also recap what we saw while we were there.

We will be covering next month's Food Network NYC Wine Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ in The Seaport. We share a bit about this festival, what we're looking forward to and events that you should keep an eye out for. 

We headed to NYC's Leonetta which is known for their Mediterranean cuisine and good vibes that makes you feel you are away on vacation! We sat down with Chef Ed Cotton to know more about the restaurant, their beverage program, and upcoming events in this month's The Art of the Snack.

This month's Athleisure List comes from robotic massage wellness brand, Aescape. We also talked with wellness luxury center, Biograph. 

Our cover star, Jeezy shares his 9PLAYLIST MULTI with us on what songs are on his playlist, what he is reading, and what streamed shows and podcasts he is listening to. Meghan Markle of Netflix's With Love, Meghan shares her 9PLAYLIST. Our 9LIST STORI3S3 shares Jessy Dover of Dagne Dover's must-haves in beauty, style, and fitness. 

Read the SEP ISSUE #117 of Athleisure Mag.

WELCOME TO US OPEN 2025

US OPEN LAVAZZA SUITES - MIXED DOUBLES

This time of year is one of our favorites as the US Open brings tennis’ best and brightes to play at Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadium for 3 weeks. In addition to the action that is on the court, there are a number of adjacent events that take place throughout the city! Although the month of Sept. will continue these festivities, we’re recapping what we participated this month.

We kicked off our US Open experience with the team at Lavazza who invited us to go to their suite to watch a series of mixed double matches with our favorites!

We kicked off the morning hitting the grounds to see where fans can get their coffee fix as they arrive and in between matches. In addition to having a large free standing booth that serves hot and cold coffees, you can also get cocktails there as well such as an Espresso martini. Throughout the complex, there are smaller areas to get a coffee as well as to engage with the brands whether it’s playing interactive games to win prizes, photo opportunities with a “stadium” as well as their mascot Luigi!

After taking the tour, we made our way to the suite where we were able to watch phenomenal matches as well as to meet members from the executive team of hear about where Lavazza is focusing its efforts in terms of where it sits in the marketplace, partnerships that are very interesting that will be announced soon, and their partnership with Jannik Sinner (20X ATP Tour Singles Titles, 2X Australian Champion, 2025 Wimbledon Champion, 2025 US Open Champion).

It was great to sit outside of the suite to catch our first match Gaël Monfils (13 ATP Tour Singles Titles)/Naomi Osaka (2X Australian Open Champion, 2X US Open Champion) - L vs Lorenzo Musetti (2 ATP Tour Singles Titles, Team Italy Tennis 2024 Paris Olympics Bronze Medalist)/Caty McNally (8X WTA Tour Doubles Titles Champion) - W and Iga Świątek (WTA No 2 in Women’s Singles, 24 WTA Tour Singles Titles, 4X French Open Champion, 2025 Wimbledon Champion, 2022 US Open Champion)/Casper Ruud (13 ATP Tour Singles Titles) - W vs Madison Keys (2025 Australian Open Champion)/Frances Tiafoe - L played during Round of 16 which led to the Quarter Final between Iga Świątek/Casper Ruud - W vs Caty McNally/Lorenzo Musetti - L. Ultimately, Iga Swiatek/Casper Ruud won this round and advanced in their mixed doubles.

In the other matches for Round of 16, we saw Jack Draper (3X ATP Tour Title Champion)/Jessica Pegula - W vs Emma Raducanu (2021 US Open Champion)/Carlos Alcaraz (22 ATP Tour Singles Titles, 2X French Open Champion, 2X Wimbeldon Champion, 2022 US Open Champion) - L and then the other match in that round was Novak Djokovic (100X Singles Title Winner, 10X Australian Open Champion, 3X French Open Champion, 7X Wimbledon Champion, 4X US Open Champion, Team Serbia Olympic Tennis 2024 Gold Medalist)/Olga Danilović (2X WTA Singles Titles + 2X WTA Doubles Titles) - L vs Mirra Andreeva (3X WTA Tour Singles TItles)/Daniil Medvedev (20X ATP Tour Singles Titles + 2021 US Open Champion) - W. The winners from this portion of Round of 16 played one another for the Wyarter Final Jack Draper/Jessica Pegula - W vs Daniil Medvedev/Mirra Andreeva - L.

It was a great day of matches and feeling all the magic that comes with seeing the US Open and being part of the action.

IG @lavazzausa

@usopen

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 43 - 44 Kimmie Smith

WTA CLUBHOUSE X GILLETTE VENUS

Later that week, we made our way to the WTA Clubhouse where we got to enjoy a number of activities while celebrating women in tennis. Whether you took in a workout with Tunde Oyeneyin (Peleton instructor, Nike athlete, and NY Times Best Selling Author), enjoyed an array of treats at their cafe, shopped the marketplace or listened to the panel that included Taylor Townsend (WTA world No. 1 in doubles, 8X WTA Tour Titles, 2024 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, 2025 Australian Open Doubles Champion), Tunde, and Nana Agyemang (CEO of Every Stylish Girl) as they talked about the importance of confidence and navigating their careers that was moderated by The Cut’s Tefi Pessoa.

The WTA is the principal organizing body and global leader for women’s professionall tennis which was founded in 1973 by Billie Jean King (39 Grand Slam Titles - 12X Singles, 16X Women’s Doubles, 11X Mixed Doubles - 4X Australian Open Champion in Singles/Doubles/Miced Doubles, 3X French Open Champion Singles/Doubles/Mixed Doubles, 20X Wimbledon Champion Singles/Doubles/Mixed Doubles, 13X US Open Champion Singles/Doubles/Mixed Doubles) to govern the WTA Tour and rank female players.

It was great to hear from these women and to also continue to celebrate their achievements as well as continuing to get excited about US Open.

IG @wta

@gillettevenus

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 46 - 49 Gillette Venus

TASTE OF TENNIS NEW YORK

As we mentioned in last month’s issue, Taste of Tennis is a yearly event that is known for bringing the world of tennis and culinary together. Guests who attend this event enjoy being able to eat a number of dishes throughout the night and this year’s hosting partner for this event was Aqua New York. In addition, they get to meet tennis greats past and present who continue to bring the good vibes. This year Sloane Stephens (8X WTA Tour level singles titles, 2017 US Open Champion), Chris Eubanks, and Genie Bouchard to name a few were in attendance.

IG @tasteoftennis

EVIAN BIG FOE X DANIEL DINNER

We were excited to make our way to evian’s dinner which was held at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. This sit down dinner brought Frances Tiafoe (along with his family and friends) and Chef Daniel Boulud together with the official water sponsor of the US Open, evian.

While taking in the stunning views, we enjoyed an array of appetizers, cocktails, chatting with Chef Daniel’s and taking a moment from all of the matches that we had watched during the week.

This sit down dinner was inspired by Frances’ favorite dishes that he grew up with. We were able to be among the first people to experience the evian Club’s limited edition menu. Each place setting had a glass evian bottle that had our names etched on it.

You can enjoy this meal exclusively at Chef Daniel’s flagship Michelin-starred Restaurant DANIEL from Sep 3-7th and can be booked now. For those that can’t make it here to NY, you can enjoy Chef Daniel’s Big Foe Treat Box at Goldbelly to enjoy from your home while watching the matches.

IG @evianwater

@bigfoe

@danielboulud

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 50 - 57 evian PG 58 + 59

Read the AUG ISSUE #116 of Athleisure Mag and see WELCOME TO US OPEN 2025 in mag.

BAKE CLUB RULES (NO RULES!) | CHRISTINA TOSI

There is nothing like ending your meal with the perfect treat or even giving your self something special while you’re out and about! Milk Bar is the perfect treat that in addition to being innovative in the way that flavors come together, it’s also the nostalgia of it all! Whether you’re popping into one of their bakeries (5 locations in NYC, Chicago, LA, Las Vegas, and DC), or shopping online – there is something about enjoying their cookies, cakes, milks etc that is utterly satisfying. Chef Christina Tosi (Netflix’s Bake Squad and With Love, Meghan and FX’s The Bear) is the creator of Milk Bar which is spin-off from David Chang’s Momofuku restaurant group.

We had the pleasure of sitting down talking with this founder, entrepreneur, baker, and TV personality/host to talk about how she came into the industry, her iconic Milk Bar, and her recent collaboration with Premier Protein which is available through the end of August where you can enjoy treats made within this collaboration - Blueberry Pancake Super Cookie! It’s made with Premier Protein Vanilla 100% Whey Powder and you are obtaining 10g of Protein in this chewy cookie along with tangy blueberries and decadent maple notes which is satisfying.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the first baked good that you fell in love with?

CHEF CHRISTINA TOSI: Well technically it wasn’t a baked good- it was my grandma’s oatmeal cookie DOUGH! She didn’t realize I was sneaking punches of it as a kid every time she looked away. I love the act of mixing and baking and giving away cookies, but I REALLY loved that dough.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a chef and to work in pastry?

CHEF CT: When it was time to enter the workforce, the thought of taking a desk job terrified me. When I asked myself what I wanted to do for a living every day for the rest of my life- I only had one answer: “make cookies.”

AM: How did you come to the Momofuku world initially?

CHEF CT: I met Dave through a chef friend when Dave needed help writing a HACCP plan for the health department. We got along royally and it was clear he needed some help building his restaurant empire, so I started working with him in a non-party chef capacity to start. But bakers gonna bake and eventually I found myself working ops by day and moonlighting as Momo’s first and only pastry chef.

AM: What led to the creation of Milk Bar?

CHEF CT: I wanted to bridge my fine dining, formally trained pastry chef background with my home baker upbringing.

AM: You have done a number of collaborations and your latest one is taking place this month with Premier Protein! Can you tell us more about why you partnered with them and tell us more about this partnership?

CHEF CT: I love the fact that Milk Bar and Premier Protein both see the world in the same way - we both love to show up and make people’s lives more positive, more fulfilling, more full of brightness and life. And we believe that flavor is at the heart of that (no sacrificing when it comes to living life to its fullest or most nutritious!). I also LOVED the challenge of creating baked goods that not only satisfied the sweet tooth in us but also kept us feeling satisfied and powerful through the day. I’ve become a protein hound myself off the clock and was really inspired to work with my incredible team to create baked goods that look as good as they taste and deliver on every promise - taste at the tippy top!

AM: What is your creative process when it comes to adding items to this menu?

CHEF CT: We like to define a flavor story first - is it a time, a food memory, a dish, a season that we’re trying to deconstruct and reconstruct into a cookie, cake, pie, ice cream, latte, etc., then we got at it with all our might trading notes, building spreadsheets of formulas and revisions as we tinker and taste, tinker and taste. When we think something is ready for prime time, we hold a larger tasting with the team to get as much feedback as possible across different pallets. It’s really fun work, but sometimes really harrowing. It took us 2 whole years to get our Birthday Cake just right before we put it on the menu. If we’re not obsessed with it, we can’t expect you to be and so we keep working.

AM: Why do you think Milk Bar resonates with so many people?

CHEF CT: We exist to democratize dessert - to make people happy with dessert and we spend a lot of time thinking, seating, creating and tinkering to find the bullseye of food that makes people feel seen and known and loved, but also new and full of potential and excited about what’s to come in life. I know, that’s a lot for answering soft serve or a fudgy centered cookie or layer cake to hold, but I think we do a pretty good job of it and the proof is in the proverbial pudding.

AM: We loved seeing Bake Club during the pandemic in our IG feeds and you recently released a cookbook of the same name last Fall. Why did you want to write this cookbook and what are you excited for readers and bakers to know about it?

CHEF CT: I love demystifying baking - love letting folks in behind the curtain, give them the best recipes, great tips that unlock their creativity and potential, and above all else create a community of fun. So from homemade sprinkles to soft pretzels, chocolate mirror cake and creme brûlée to the best ever chocolate chip cookies ice cream cones and pb s’mores bars, I got you. All you have to do is show up to a world full of must-have kitchen moves. I’ll be your guide!

AM: We always enjoy seeing your projects whether they are your collabs, limited edition launches, seeing you host/judging or appearing on S3 of The Bear – are there any upcoming projects that you want to share with us that we can keep an eye out for?

CHEF CT: We have some really fun Bake Clubs we’ll drop in the coming weeks, and there’s some fun places we’ll show up in your lives when you least expect it this fall and winter - but mum’s the word beyond that :)

IG @milkbarstore

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Milk Bar

Read the AUG ISSUE #116 of Athleisure Mag and see BAKE CLUB RULES (NO RULES!) | Christina Tosi in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG #116 | ROB THOMAS

In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with multi-Grammy winner vocalist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, 40M+ records sold with his band Matchbox 20 as well as selling 18M+ records as a solo artist, Rob Thomas! Earlier this month, his tour made its way to the Seaport here in NYC as he has been touring throughout the Summer as well as heading to Australia and New Zealand for a number of dates this Fall! With the release of All Night Days dropping on Sep 5th, we were excited to sit down and talk to Rob about his phenomenal career with his iconic band; learning about his solo career as well as his 6th studio album (non-holiday); his creative process; why he wanted to release this album; having his son on tour with him as his lead guitarist and more!   

We love this time of year as the US Open is 3 weeks of matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium where the best tennis from around the world plays at the final Grand Slam of the year! In addition to the matches themselves, there are a number of events that are adjacent to it that get you in the spirit from Aug 18th – Sept 7th! We share what we attended during Aug which includes watching the Mixed Doubles Matches thanks to the Lavazza team having us in their suite while we enjoyed watching Madison Keys, Naomi Osaka, Novak Djokovic, Jessica Pegula, Carlos Alcaraz – just o name a few! We also headed to the WTA Clubhouse X Gillette Venus to enjoy spending the morning/afternoon enjoying their café, a workout, shopping their market, and enjoying a panel that included current WTA #1 in doubles Taylor Townsend who has 2 major doubles titles for the 2024 Wimbledon Championships and 2025 Australian Open. We also share a bit of a recap from this year’s Taste of Tennis which was held at Aqua New York where top tennis athletes, chefs, and food converge on an epic night. We also enjoyed attending the evian Frances Tiafoe X Daniel Boulud dinner at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt where we were able to enjoy a phenomenal meal inspired by Frances’ favorite dishes as well as cocktails with an epic view.

We also recap MLP New York Tournament Finals that took place Aug 22nd – 24th. We provide sights and sounds from this 4 Day event as we were guests of Dulce Vida Tequila at this tournament that took place at City Pickle in Central Park.

We took some time to chat with Chef Christina Tosi to find about how Milk Bar came about, her creative process in making her treats, and her recent partnership with Premier Protein!

We have been fans of historian and business podcaster Lindsay Graham for a number of years as he has a number of shows that he does in partnership with Wondery through his production company Airship. We enjoyed talking with him to find out how he came to this industry, talking about his successful podcasts, the final season of Business Movers which concludes at the end of Aug, and more!

We caught up with DJ Sommer Ray to talk about her current tour, her music, and her beauty brand, Imarais Beauty!

We also enjoy the investigative podcasts by Charlie Webster as we were hooked when we heard her series Surviving El Chapo which she co-hosted and co-executive produced with 50 Cent. When she continued with Scamanda – we were thoroughly hooked to her style. She has just released Unicorn Girl, an Apple Original and it’s yet another podcast that takes you on a journey about a person, their actions, and it lets you decide on what you think about them.

We headed to DC to enjoy the phenomenal dishes and cocktails at Selva for this month’s The Art of the Snack.

This month's Athleisure List comes from Leo’s Famous which is below Leonetta’s in NYC. We also head to DC to enjoy Fancy Ranch Fried Amish Chicken which opened recently as a pop-up but is already looking for a brick and mortar!

This month's 9DRIP comes from Rob Thomas where he shares what he bought himself when he felt he was in a place where he had funds, his go-to style, and how he gave back to mentors, family, and friends. He also shares his 9PLAYLIST MULTI with us on what songs are on his playlist, what he is reading, and what streamed shows and podcasts he is listening to. Lindsay Graham also shares his 9PLAYLIST MULTI with us as well and let’s us in on his 63MIX ROUTIN3S on what he has, does, and enjoys Morning, Afternoon, and Night. Celebrity Choreographer and DJ Matt Steffanina also shares his 63MIX ROUTIN3S with us as well. Last month’s cover star, Tyson McGuffin shares his 9LIST STORI3S3 for his must-haves in grooming, style, and fitness. DJ and fitness entrepreneur/influencer Sommer Ray also shares hers as well this month. Our THE 9LIST 9M3NU comes from Chef Christina Tosi of Milk Bar, Chef Ed Cotton of Leonetta here in NYC who share their 9CH3FS with us and private chef/cater Chef Marcel Cocit who shares his 9B-L-D. 

Read the AUG ISSUE #116 of Athleisure Mag.

AUTHENTICITY | CHEF MARC MURPHY

Early memories of our first fine dining experience includes Landmarc at Columbus Circle (although the location in Tribeca was the original, you could always find us dining at this uptown location). The ability to enjoy lunch or dinner with a great view of Central Park, flavorful dishes, and being able to do so in a way that didn't feel fussy always made us feel at home when we ate there countless times!

Chef Marc Murphy is a restaurateur that has opened a number of restaurants and has a passion for bringing people together through the power of food. He is also a frequent judge on such Food Network shows that include Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, and Guy's Grocery Games.

We sat down and talked with him about his phenomenal culinary career, his creative approach to food, being a TV personality, participating in culinary events, and how he continues to lead the restaurant scene on his own terms. In addition to chatting with him, we also had a great time shooting with him for our Summer editorial shoot which was shot at MM Kitchen Studio in Tribeca.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the first dish that made you realize you loved food?

CHEF MARC MURPHY: I had a magical raspberry soufflé at a restaurant in the South of France, and the experience of being in such a refined setting while tasting something like that completely blew me away.

AM: When did you realize you wanted to be a chef?

CHEF MM: Not right away! I didn’t grow up saying, “I want to be a chef.” But after working in kitchens in my early twenties, I fell in love with the rhythm, the energy, and the creativity. I realized I could turn this into a career—and I haven’t looked back since.

AM: Where did you train, and what were some of your early kitchens?

CHEF MM: I trained at Peter Kump’s New York Cooking School (now the Institute of Culinary Education) and then worked in some incredible kitchens—Le Miraville in Paris, Le Louis XV in Monte Carlo under Executive Chef Alain Ducasse, Le Cirque, and La Fourchette.

AM: Did growing up all over the world inspire your passion for food?

CHEF MM: Absolutely. My dad was a diplomat, so I grew up in Milan, Rome, Paris, and Genoa. Every city had its own flavor—literally. I learned early on that food was a cultural connector. It gave me a global palate before I even knew what that meant.

AM: How was Prince Albert your babysitter in the ’70s?

CHEF MM: Ha, yep. Our families were friends, and when we lived in Monaco, he’d occasionally keep an eye on me. He went to Amherst and didn’t want to go home for the smaller holidays, so he’d stay with us—let’s just say my parents took full advantage of that and left him with us.

AM: How would you define your cooking style?

CHEF MM: Rooted in classic French and Italian technique, but driven by what’s fresh, seasonal, and fun. I want food to feel elevated, but approachable.

AM: What inspired you to launch Landmarc in Tribeca?

CHEF MM: I wanted a place where I could cook food I loved - well-executed, unfussy, and inviting. Tribeca felt like the perfect neighborhood for that kind of restaurant, and it became a real community spot. Also, I had always been cooking at high-end restaurants, but I wanted a place where my friends could come in 2-3 times a week, not just 2-3 times a year.

AM: Is it true you built the original Landmarc yourself?

CHEF MM: Pretty much, yeah. I was there with a hammer, laying tile and wiring fixtures. We were scrappy and passionate, and that energy was baked into the bones of the place.

AM: What do you look for when opening a new concept?

CHEF MM: It starts with, 'Would I want to eat here?' I look for a compelling location, a vibe that fits the food, and a team that believes in the concept as much as I do. I also try to find a spot where the neighborhood truly needs you- if the area already has five bistros, it probably doesn't.

AM: What was the inspiration behind Marc179?

CHEF MM: I hadn’t had a restaurant in a few years and was ‘hungry’ to open something. Given my availability and the events at MM Kitchen Studio, the three-day-a-month pop-up format has been the perfect solution. It’s a neighborhood spot where guests can always expect delicious, approachable food, and the flexibility of the pop-up model allows me to offer something unique while working with my schedule.

AM: How do you plan meals at Marc179?

CHEF MM: It always starts with seasonality and sourcing. We build the menu around what’s fresh and exciting, and sometimes I bring back inspiration from my global travels, nostalgia, and fun surprises. Sometimes I bring home inspirations from some of my travels.

AM: What happens at MM Kitchen Studio?

CHEF MM: It’s my culinary playground. We host everything from private dinners and cooking demos to food product launches and content shoots. It’s where the creativity happens.

AM: Tell us about Umbrian Gold Olive Oil.

CHEF MM: It’s a project I’m really proud of. My brother Paul and I produce organic extra virgin olive oil in Umbria—straight from our family groves. It’s bold, peppery, and the only oil I use at home.

AM: What’s the value of being on TV for chefs today?

CHEF MM: It’s a great platform. You get to share your personality, educate, and inspire people who might never visit your restaurant. I love the camaraderie on shows like Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay - it’s competitive, but it’s also about having fun.

AM: Why is food policy and advocacy important to you?

CHEF MM: If you care about food, you have to care about who grows it, prepares it, and serves it. I’ve always felt a responsibility to use my platform to advocate for the industry and its workers. That’s why I’ve been involved with everything from restaurant associations to culinary diplomacy.

AM: How do you recharge personally?

CHEF MM: A walk in Central Park. I work out. I cook for friends. I spend time with my family. And I’ll never say no to a good Negroni, the ballet, the opera, or a good live performance.

AM: What are 3 workouts you do to stay in shape?

CHEF MM: Spin - great for cardio, Ellipitcal - low impact but still intense, and Long Walks in New York - it's the original urban workout.

AM: What was it like assisting Jerome Robbins at NYC Ballet?

CHEF MM: It was wild. I was young, working as a rehearsal assistant. Watching Jerome’s creative process taught me how to trust instinct and embrace precision - lessons I still use in the kitchen.

IG @chefmarcmurphy

@marc179

We've all been navigating the heatwaves that continue to ebb and flow throughout the Summer. In our shoot with Chef Marc Murphy, we focused on easy looks that incorporated heritage pieces as well as sustainable tees to keep everything light and allowing you to stylishly flow throughout various parts of the day. We had the pleasure of shooting this at MM Kitchen Studio as well as out and about in his Tribeca neighborhood.

AUTHENTICITY EDITORIAL | TEAM CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHY Paul Farkas | FASHION STYLIST Kimmie Smith | GROOMER Ryann Carter |

IG @pvfarkas

@shes.kimmie

@ryann.carter

AUTHENTICITY EDITORIAL | STYLE CREDITS

WFH LOOK | PG 52 - 57 | TECOVAS Button Down Shirt | HIRO CLARK The Sleeveless Tee | JOHN VARVATOS Jeans | REVO Conrad |

LOUNGE LOOK | PG 58 - 61 | JOHN VARVATOS Lightweight Sweater + Jeans | REVO X LEXUS Spindle |

OUT + ABOUT LOOK | PG 64 - 76 | JOHN VARVATOS Leather Jacket + Jeans | CACIO PEPE Hemp Cotton Camisa Crew | REVO Harbor | TECOVAS Boots |

AUTHENTICITY | EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAHY CREDITS

SONY Alpha 7R IV, FE 50mm F1.2 GM Full-frame Standard Prime G Master Lens, FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Full-frame Standard Zoom G Master Lens, + FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS Full-frame Telephoto Zoom G Master Lens with Optical Steady Shot | SIRUI Dragon Series Bendable RGB Panel Light Set of 2 of B25R*2 Kit + DJ280 |

Read the JUL ISSUE #115 of Athleisure Mag and see AUTHENTICITY | Chef Marc Murphy in mag.

TASTE OF TENNIS 25 PRE-COVERAGE

Our favorite time of the year is about to make its way to NYC! The US Open is a Grand Slam that brings the best athletes to Arthur Ashe Stadium. Leading up to this event is a number of activities and one that we enjoy going to every year is the Taste of Tennis, which merges our favorite tennis stars as well as the culinary elite! We sat down to talk with Penny Lerner, CEO of AYS Sports Marketing who puts on this event to talk about what we can expect this year, what is part of the program, and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Taste of Tennis is always an event that we enjoy as it combines the best in culinary with the best of tennis! We have had the pleasure of chatting with you last year about this event and it's great to connect again for this year. As this event has a number of moving parts, when do you begin working on this?

PENNY LERNER: The Taste of Tennis has become a year-round program. Once the event in New York concludes, we immediately begin updating our materials and engage in renewal conversations with sponsors. With our first few events of the year in March, planning kicks in almost immediately.

We are also continuously keeping our social throughout the year to keep our supporters up to date on where we’ll be next. We have also begun licensing the Taste of Tennis, so we are constantly speaking with tournaments and exhibitions about ways they can use our brand and its assets to enhance their experience.

AM: This year, Taste of Tennis is celebrating its 25th year! What are you looking forward to the most?

PL: As a company, I think we are most excited to take a moment to really appreciate the legacy we have created. What started out as a 200 person, 3-hour event has evolved into one of most popular and respected brands in tennis.

Over a quarter century, the event has hosted so many incredibly talented individuals, from local chefs to Michelin Starred Chefs, Grand Slam Champions, hundreds of top tennis players, and A-list celebrities including John Legend, Mike Tyson, Eva Longoria and many others.

After 25 years, it is extremely rewarding to see how far we have come and all the exciting future possibilities that lie ahead!

AM: This year, the event is being held at Aqua! What do you look for when it comes to partnering with a venue to host this event?

PL: We couldn’t be more excited to host the Taste of Tennis at Aqua New York this year. From an event perspective, it has everything you can ask for. Located at 902 Broadway, Aqua is easily accessible to our sponsors, attendees, and tennis players who will be attending.

Aqua is 17,000 square feet of event space, beautifully designed space amazingly spread across 2 floors, making for a spectacular guest experience. Perhaps most importantly, the Aqua team has been amazing to work with. They have worked incredibly hard and provided personalized service every step of the way to ensure our 25th Anniversary event is our best yet.

AM: In previous years, the event from a culinary perspective has had a number of noted chefs and restaurants that have participated. Can you tell us about this component of the event? Will it include chefs/restaurants as well as dishes that showcase Aqua's menu?

PL: Aqua is preparing the majority of the cuisine and they plan to put on quite the culinary exhibition. They are planning to provide 25+ options from their menu, along with a few special offerings, for guests to enjoy.

Aqua is two unique restaurants under one roof. Aqua Kyoto features a wide array of contemporary Japanese cuisine while Aqua Roma delivers bold Italian offerings including handmade pastas, artisan pizzette, and other signature dishes that deliver a modern take on traditional recipes.

In addition to the cuisine prepared by Aqua, guest will also enjoy authentic Caribbean cuisine prepared by our sponsor, Antigua and Barbuda.

AM: In addition to great chefs, you also have the best athletes in tennis as well! Who can we expect this year?

PL: As with all our events, we expect over 25 players and legends in attendance, including World No. 3 Alexander Zverev, 2017 US Open Champion Sloane Stephens, 2023 Australian Open Champion Elena Rybakina, acclaimed coach and author Patrick Mouratoglou, and more.

AM: We always enjoy seeing chefs and tennis stars compete in making a dish. Will this still be part of the program?

PL: Something we do at all of our events is have tennis players appear at the various food stations throughout the evening. They assist the chefs with plating the food and distributing it to guests. This gives our attendees a fun opportunity to get an up-close look at the players while getting “Served”.

AM: Who will be the host this year?

PL: We are excited to have Andrew Krasny hosting this year’s event. Andrew is a fixture in the tennis industry and is extremely popular among the players, media and tennis fans alike.

AM: There are 2 ticket packages to choose from. Tell us about them!

PL: Yes, we are offering our standard package, which includes entry at 7pm, food and cocktails throughout the evening and access to all non-private sections at the event.

We are also offering the Champion Mindset package, where guests enter at 6pm and enjoy an exclusive private audience with Coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Patrick will be discussing his latest book Champion Mindset, and all guests will receive an autographed copy. This experience is limited to 50 guests. To buy tickets and for latest event update visit www.tasteoftennis.com and follow us on Instagram @tasteoftennis.

AM: Why do you think that Taste of Tennis here in NY as well as the other cities that you bring this event to is one that people look forward to year after year?

PL: Each Taste of Tennis experience has its own unique personality and vibe. From the food and entertainment to the decor and production, we do our best to make each Taste of Tennis event feel authentic to the city we are in.

With the growth of tennis and culture we’ve seen in the past year, the demand for Taste of Tennis has grown and we look forward to showing up each time

AM: What do you want attendees to know about Taste of Tennis and for those that attend, what is the takeaway that you want them to have?

PL: Come ready to party! The Taste of Tennis is the premier event where tennis fans can rub elbows with the world’s top tennis players while enjoying amazing cuisine and a great atmosphere - all set in the city ready to kick off a Grand Slam!

IG @tasteoftennis

@ayssports

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Max Molina

After speaking with Penny Lerner, we wanted to know more about Aqua Group, its location here in NY, and why they wanted to be involved in this year's Taste of Tennis.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into Taste of Tennis, we'd love to know more about Aqua Restaurant Group as it has an impressive portfolio of restaurants in cities around the world. Tell us a bit about this group.

AQUA RESTAURANT GROUP: Aqua Restaurant Group was founded 25 years ago in Hong Kong and has grown into a globally recognized hospitality brand with award-winning restaurants across Hong Kong, London, Dubai, Miami and New York. Our ethos is rooted in delivering exceptional culinary experiences through a striking design, innovative cuisine, and immersive ambiance. Whether it's Japanese, Italian, or modern Chinese, every Aqua venue reflects the group's signature blend of elegance and creativity.

AM: In looking at Aqua New York specifically, when did it open and can you tell us about Chef David Yeo who is also the founder?

ARG: Aqua New York opened its doors late 2024, marking the group's third opening in the U.S. market. David Yeo, the visionary behind Aqua Restaurant Group, is both a trained chef and former lawyer. His approach is hands-on, detail-obsessed, and globally inspired—he often travels the world sourcing rare ingredients and refining culinary techniques. David has an innate ability to merge traditional flavors with bold, contemporary execution, which comes through in every dish across the group’s portfolio.

AM: The restaurant is divided between Aqua Roma as well as Aqua Kyoto - what was the thought between offering 2 cuisines at this restaurant?

ARG: The concept of Aqua New York was to showcase dual culinary mastery under one roof—an homage to the dynamic culinary scenes of both Kyoto and Rome. In a city like New York, where guests crave variety and world-class quality, offering both Italian and Japanese cuisine allows us to bring two distinct culinary experiences together while upholding the highest standards for each. It's not a fusion—it's two kitchens, two teams, and two art forms in perfect harmony.

AM: We have passed this location many times in Flatiron. What can you tell us about the aesthetic of Aqua as it is visually stunning while having a welcoming vibe at the same time.

ARG: Located in the heart of Flatiron, Aqua is designed to be dramatic yet inviting. The space features high ceilings, textured stone walls, sculptural lighting, and a show-stopping bar at its center. The interiors are a reflection of our culinary philosophy—bold, luxurious, and considered. But despite its grandeur, the energy remains warm, vibrant, and unpretentious—designed to make every guest feel like they belong.

AM: If we are coming in for Lunch, what should we enjoy?

ARG: Aqua Roma Set Lunch menu offers two courses for $27, with a choice of appetizers like Burrata or Calamari, and mains including Handmade Gnocchi, Rigatoni, or Pizza. Desserts such as Lemon Curd Mousse or Gelato are available for an $8 supplement.

Aqua Kyoto Bento-style menu Aqua Kyoto’s Set Lunch starts at $27 and includes a variety of Japanese options—bento boxes like Pork Belly or Wagyu Ribeye, Sushi and Sashimi selections, and Tan Tan Ramen—each served with Miso Soup, Pickles, and Okazu of the day.

AM: For dinner, what are 3 appetizers that we should consider?

ARG: SPINACH SALAD Spinach salad & toasted goma dressing, CARPACCIO GAMBERO ROSSO Mazara del Vallo red prawn carpaccio, basil, compressed apple & caviar, and SIGNATURE CRYSTAL SUSHI Scallop, caviar & kimchi jelly.

AM: What are 3 main dishes that we should have in mind when we're coming in with friends and family?

ARG: ASTICE DAVIDE Lobster bisque, lobster medallions, dill & lemon zest, MISO BLACK COD black cod, yuzu mayonnaise & yamagobo, and MAFALDE Slow-cooked oxtail ragú, Nero d’avola & summer black truffle.

AM: What are 3 desserts that would be perfect to end the night with?

ARG: FOREST FLOOR Tonka bean panna cotta, chocolate brownie matcha crumble & raspberry sorbet, SWEET CAVIAR Espresso ‘caviar’ pearls, Valrhona chocolate crémeux & madeleines, and CHOCOLATE & BLACK SESAME MOLTEN CAKE Green tea ice cream.

AM: We always enjoy a great cocktail. What are 3 that we should consider as we navigate the Summer weeks ahead?

ARG: RAICHI MARTINI Haku Vodka, Lychees, Coconut, TORII 400 Conejos Mezcal, Amante Aperitivo, Red Peppers, Pineapple, and MAI TAI ME UP Barbancourt Rum, Guava Orgeat Almond, Lime.

AM: Tell us about your Brunch menu as that is our favorite meal of the week and is always an experience.

ARG: Our brunch, called Brunch on Broadway, is the ultimate weekend experience—a $58 three-course celebration of bold flavors and vibrant energy. Guests can elevate their brunch with $48 free-flow cocktails and an additional $25 unlimited sushi add-on—an offering rarely seen at a restaurant of our caliber. With live DJ sets setting the tone, it’s not just brunch—it’s a moment.

AM: With NY Restaurant Week taking place during this time of the year, what can you tell us about what you will offer?

ARG: For Restaurant Week, we're offering a curated 3-course menu that allows guests to experience both Aqua Roma and Aqua Kyoto signatures. Offered everyday of the week, our lunch is priced at $30 and our dinner is priced at $60.

AM: This year, you will be hosting the Taste of Tennis, which is always an event that we enjoy attending so that we can kick off the US Open! Why did you want to participate this year?

ARG: We’ve had the honor of hosting some incredible events within our first few months of opening, including the movie premiere of Sinners, and we’re thrilled to continue that momentum with Taste of Tennis. Our team has a real love for the sport, so collaborating with an event that celebrates both tennis and culinary culture felt like a perfect fit. With the US Open approaching, we’re excited to welcome some of the biggest names on the tour and bring the energy of the game into our space.

AM: What can guests expect this year from Taste of Tennis at Aqua?

ARG: This year, we’re bringing together the best of Aqua’s dual-kitchen concept and welcoming our sister restaurant, Hutong, to join the celebration. Guests can expect a dynamic culinary experience that highlights the range and refinement of our team’s talent—from bold, signature dishes to interactive chef moments and visually striking presentations. Taste of Tennis offers the perfect platform to showcase the depth of our culinary craft in a way that’s both exciting and elevated.

AM: What are you looking forward to as we get closer to this event?

ARG: We’re most excited to welcome guests who may be discovering Aqua for the first time; there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their reactions as they engage with our space, our team, and the food. It’s also a joy to collaborate with the Taste of Tennis and AYS teams, whose passion and precision make the lead-up to the US Open feel even more special. Bringing together lovers of sport and culinary craft in one unforgettable night, that’s what we look forward to most.

IG @aquanewyork

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Aqua

If you're looking at enjoying one of our favorite pre US Open events, you can still purchase tickets at this year's Taste of Tennis taking place at Aqua. Next month, in our AUG ISSUE #116, we will recap what we experienced from this event from the red carpet, the phenomenal dishes and cocktails that were consumed throughought the night, and of course the tennis stars that will be enjoying the festive night.

Read the JUL ISSUE #115 of Athleisure Mag and see TASTE OF TENNIS 25 PRE-COVERAGE in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG #115 | TYSON MCGUFFIN

In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with 5X Grand Slam Champion and 4X National Champion in PPA and MLP’s Pickleball, Tyson McGuffin. We talk with him about how he came to the sport, his passion for it to those who play it and coach it! He also tells us more about this sport as we as the projects that he is involved in.

We also recap MLP New York Tournament that took place 4th of July Weekend. We provide sights and sounds from this 4 Day event as we were guests of Dulce Vida Tequila and we can’t wait to share the Finals with you which will take place here in NY at Central Park in the AUG ISSUE #116 which drops next month.

We always look forward to Taste of Tennis which is a kick off event ahead of the US Open where the world’s best tennis athletes play at Arthur Ashe Stadium. We sat down with Penny Lerner of AYS Sports Marketing who created this event that brings the culinary world along with tennis stars together! It’s an evening of tasting phenomenal meals, seeing athletes compete in culinary, and more! She spoke with us for the 2nd year in a row to talk about the organization, purpose of the event, and what we can expect this year! We also talked with Aqua Restaurant Group who will be participating as the hosting venue with Aqua New York. We wanted to know more about this restaurant and why they wanted to participate. Next month, we will recap this phenomenal event along with interviews from the red carpet.

We made our way down to Tribeca to MM Kitchen Studio where we created a Summer Editorial Menswear shoot with Chef Marc Murphy who has opened a number of phenomenal restaurants, is a TV personality on Food Network on such shows as Chopped, Guy’s Grocery Games, and Beat Bobby Flay. We talked about his career, his approach to his food, upcoming projects, and more.

We made our way to Greenwich Village this month to chat with Chef Dominique Ansel about the newly opened Papa D’Amour as well as to enjoy a 9TASTING of some of his key dishes of sweet and savory items! Our culinary editorial shoot allows you to see what you need to enjoy upon your next visit.

We headed to NoMad to share 2 eateries that should be on your radar when you’re in the neighborhood. For lunch or dinner, we suggest Handroll Bar Rolling and chatted with the owner, Olivia Youngmi Ham who opened this restaurant due to her passion in this industry as a restaurant designer and consultant. She talks with us about dishes we should try, the ambiance, and upcoming events taking place there. In terms of a sweet treat, we love the innovative ice cream menu that Honey Kim of Honey’s at Bear Donut offers. She talks about her background prior to coming to this eatery, her creative process, and what we should have when we come in.

Matt Steffanina is not only one of the Co-Founders of the DNCR Academy and a choreographer who has worked with a umber of phenomenal artists including Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, and Jason Derulo to name a few. He is also a DJ who has been dropping songs that are feel good in nature. We talk about his creative process and upcoming projects that he is involved in.

We headed to Big Sur to Treebones Resort and in this month’s The Art of the Snack, we took a seat at Wild Coast Sushi to find out about this omakase style restaurant in a yurt! We also found out about the resort as well.

This month's Athleisure List comes from Forza Pilates in Nashville where you can enjoy Reformer Pilates. We also head to Todas Santos in Mexico to Desierto Azul which is a wellness resort that we can imagine decompressing in.

This month's 9PLAYLIST comes from our cover star, Tyson McGuffin. He also shared his 63MIX ROUTIN3S on what he enjoys having, doing and being Morning, Afternoon, and Night. Matt Steffanina also shares his 63MIX ROUTIN3S with us as well.  This month we also have a 9CH3F ROUTIN3S from Chef Toraik Chua. Our THE 9LIST 9M3NU comes from Papa D’Amour’s, Chef Dominique Ansel and Selva’s Chef Giovanni Orellana who share their 9CH3FS with us and Marc179’s Chef Marc Murphy who shares his 9B-L-D. 

Of course, we have a number of roundups that you can also check out our must-haves!

Read the JUL ISSUE #115 of Athleisure Mag.

FANATICS FEST 2025

Fanatics Fest NYC was exhilarating in its second year, bringing top athletes and fans together like never before.

The festival presented a massive card and collectibles show, autograph meets, athlete and celeb photo opps, interactive experiences, panels, and shows, over three days, June 20 to 22, 2025, at the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan.

We loved seeing the break area, as well as cards of of favorite players, 1of1s, signed logo patches, vintage HOF rookies, and so much more. Signed jerseys, sportswear, sneakers, hats, memorabilia sprawled throughout the room.

The Activations and Fanatics Fest debut “Fanatics Games,” were next level. The new skills-based sports competition this year for athletes and fans had $2 million in cash and prize for pros and fans to compete. A mix of pros and fans took the top 10, with the event won by Tom Brady. After winning the allaround, Brady went on to purchase the 3rd prize Lebron 2003-04 Topps Chrome LeBron James Rookie Gold Refractor card, that was such poetic justice making this year super special. He went on to drop knowledge on panels, throw balls to fans, coldplunge with Kevin Hart.

The highlight for us was the Panel and Special Surprise with Tom Brady, Travis Scott, & Michael Rubin, moderated by Oakley Global President, Caio Amato. Like hitting a major trifecta, it proved to be an insane microcosm of Fanatics Fest.

WHO RUNS NY PANEL: DEREK JETER, AROD & MORE DISH ON THE MAKING OF DYNASTIES

It was an honor to catch the end of the Only in New York: 27 Rings panel in the theater just before. Yankees legends, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and special guest Spike Lee dove into what makes dynasties; the legacy of the NY Yankees; BTS stories, and more. It was hosted by CC Sabathia & AJ Andrews.

It was cool to hear about being on winning teams; having the discipline and grit to go train and go through the ups and downs; and anecdotes like Reggie Jackson strikeouts; city rivalries and more.

There were thousands of people, but the vibe in this room was family - well until someone asked a corny question and you might get sprayed by a super-soaker courtesy of Spilke Lee's call. It was pointed out that one guy who asked an awkward question was wearing two hats, so sometimes it's too easy.

LEGENDARY PANEL: BRADY, RUBIN & TRAVIS SCOTT TALK ABOUT ATHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP COLLABS

Michael Rubin talking about The Art of Partnership & Collaboration is always a masterclass. Proud and exuberant, he navigated some follow-ups of Oakley Global President, Caio Amato's questions, which peppered the audience with nuggets on business strategy and whimsical anecdotes on style splurges and even quick destination travel just to lock it in.

Beyond bling, Rubin fondly volunteered that Travis gets a blank-slate for his creative genius to flow and that they put together a quick collab just six days before the show, from the vision, to making it, to the many layers and partners quickly getting on board by phone executing with joyful precision.

Brady acknowledged his genuine love for cards; elaborated on CardVault and nodded about the vision and working with Fanatics and Topps that it's a great way to have serious collectors, fans, kids and hobbyists of all ages involved.

Congratulations to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerburg, who recorded a short video that played celebrating the Oakley Meta HSTN Performance AI Glasses before what ensued, and Scott took the stage.

OAKLEY META HSTN EXPERIENCE AMPED THE SURPRISE TRAVIS SCOTT PERFORMANCE

[Smoke] Bang! We went from Panel to Performance! His DJ walked on. The crowd rushed the stage. It was on!

I slid on the Limited Edition Oakley Meta HSTNs Performance AI Glasses that I had been fitted for before the panel/show (thanks Meta). The HSTN (pronounced "HOW-stuhn") fit well and I felt that they were stylish and sporty, great for adventures, around town, and upscale special events to capture moments you may come by surprise hands-free.

I felt more front row with a refreshing phone-free flow, who wants to be chained down behind a chunky mobile device. Instead, hands-free means instantly transported and I was right up in concert-mode and enabled to take in Travis' energy and capture it in a more intimate way.

Livvy Dunne was a couple seats down, taking in the panel and show. We noticed she did some cool haggling buying a Paul Skenes card in some of the fest recap.

Seeing the content later, the video was supersharp (3K UHD), and boasted superb audio quality where you can enjoy those memories. The super stabilization scored with well-grounded video, in spite and revelry of the loyal bouncing crowd and being mosh-pit adjacent. It was easy to use in a noisy, crowded environment with short and longer press button on the frame (otherwise, you can use voice command).

Amazing to later see how the show looked from Travis' POV! As he laced across the stage we see overjoyed fans raging and soaking in some of our favorite hits. His pop by beyond the smoke was fierce as always. It's been ages since I'd seen him by Z's Pent.

It was great to be guests of Oakley Meta! You can see more first hand from Paul Farkas about this epic concert from his POV by checking out the videos on Athleisure's YouTube Channel or go directly here, here, and here.

IG @oakleymeta

@meta

@fanatics

@fanaticsfest

ON THE GROUND COVERAGE | Paul Farkas

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 38 - 42 Getty Images Assignment | PG 45 - 49 Matt Monath MetaXOakley | PG 50 Oakley Meta HSTN | PG 52 - 65 Paul Farkas |

Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see FANATICS FEST 2025 in mag.

GOVBALL 2025

Earlier this month, we made our way to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the home 3-Day home of of Governors Ball, a music festival that brings various genres of music together to Queens to kick off the Summer as well as a number of culinary vendors that are some of the favorite eats to enjoy across the boroughs. In addition, there are activations with beauty, alcohol and tech brands that people can enjoy!

We made our way to the festival grounds as we were fortunate that the 3 acts that we came to see would be taking place on one day. Our first stop was heading over to Gotham Burger Social Gotham Burger Social Club which is located on the LES as well as Greenpoint, BK. They're known for their collaborative hamburgers that they do! As we love a great burger and fries, we have no idea how we have never had the chance to check them out. We can report that their Gotham Smash burgers were juicy and their fries hit the spot - we can't wait to check them out soon as we're already planning another Gotham Smash Double, Frickles, Loaded Tots, and Limone Spritz.

In addition to staying properly hydrated thanks to having stations populated throughout the grounds, a great meal ensures that your energy will remain high at whatever festival you may be attending. Our press passes gave us access to the VIP viewing areas to catch the acts as the sets we watched were on the Kiehl's Stage and the Governors Ball stage. It allowed us to go back and forth between the stages and even had food and beverage vendors so that we could stay there while we waited for the next act!

We have enjoyed seeing Tyla for the past few months between hearing her music, videos, and her appearances on Awards Shows and red carpets. So we were excited to see her on stage and she didn't disappoint. In addition to enjoying her music, she had great dancers and choreography, and she kept the crowd going without a dull moment in between each song. We can't wait to see future performances as she puts on a great show!

While Tyla brought the sultry vibes on a warm Summer day with her amapiano X pop X R&B X Afro Beats, T-Pain brought all of the classics throughout his 45mins set! Seeing the crowd singing along to each song across generations and the energy that he gave made you see how much his songs have impacted us!

As the golden hour took place, we were really excited to see Benson Boone. Of course we knew that we had songs that were on our playlist and that he has a penchant for flipping. From the time he hit the stage he set the vibe as he went through a number of songs as well as performed those that are on his latest album that he dropped. Of course he showed us how many ways and things he could flip on and even had heartfelt moments that let us get to know more about him.

Although there are a number of festivals to enjoy around the globe, we really love the kinds of acts that come to this show. As we also had time sitting in the press lounge, whatever acts we didn't catch on their respective stages, we saw them there and it was great to see them before and after their sets. In addition, watching the crowds in general and seeing how they were taking in the activations, sets, and just enjoying the grounds - it was a great weekend to disconnect from our typical days and to link in with the love of music and discovery.

IG @govballnyc

@tyla

@tpain

@bensonboone

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 68 Charles Reagan | PG 71 Tylaby Deanie Chen | PG 72 - 73 Taylor Regulski | PG 74 Roger Ho | PG 75 Dusana Risovic

Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see GovBall 2025 in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG #114 | DARUDE

In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with EDM DJ/Producer Darude who is known for the iconic Sandstorm which debuted 25 years ago! We caught up with him as he is in the midst of his STORM 25 tour which celebrates this song that has had over half a Billion Spotify streams and has been remixed by an array of notable DJs! We talk with him about his passion for music, his creative process, and upcoming projects!

We made our way to Fanatics Fan Fest as a guest of OakleyMeta which debuted their new HSTN with Travis Scott and Tom Brady! You can check out what we saw through our lenses as well as other amazing moments at this sport focused festival which includes Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and more.

The Summer Festival season is always an exciting time and here in NYC, Governors Ball kicks it off for us. This 3-Day festival takes place in Flushing Meadows Corona Park which allows you to immerse yourself in an array of musical genres. We’re recapping our favorite acts that we caught including Tyla, T-Pain, and Benson Boone!

Summer also means that Miami Swim Week kicks off the season. We make our way down to catch some of the best swimwear shows during this year’s Paraiso Miami Swim Week. We share some of our favorite looks from this year’s show!

BCB Brooklyn took place at Industry City and we met a number of spirit and hospitality brands on the trade show floor as well as opening and closing parties to find out more about these brands whether we have known them for years or it’s the first time we became aware of them. We take you through some of the highlights from the show and interview Jackie Williams, EVP of Shows for this industry only tradeshow.

We headed to D.C. to Shilling Canning Co for this month's The Art of the Snack, to find out about Chef Reid Shilling to find out about the heritage of his brand, his restaurant, and how he has partnered with farms and other purveyors to facilitate his menus.

This month's Athleisure List comes from Olada Yoga which opened this month to showcase yoga and pilates in their studio as well as to nourish their community. We also head back here to NYC to introduce you to Wonderland Bar which is the perfect place to enjoy delicious savory bites and imaginative cocktails in this fun lounge in the East Village. 

This month's 9PLAYLIST comes from EDM DJ’s Oliver Heldens as well as our cover star, Darude. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from NBC’s Access Hollywood host, Kit Hoover who shares what she enjoys having, doing and being Morning, Afternoon, and Night. This month we also have a 9CH3F ROUTIN3S from Chef Toraik Chua. Our THE 9LIST 9M3NU comes from Shilling Canning Co’s, Chef Reid Shilling and McNellie’s Group Chef Ben Alexander who share their 9CH3FS with us and A.Kitchen + Bar DC’s Chef Eli Collins who shares his 9B-L-D. 

Of course, we have a number of roundups that you can also check out of our must-haves!

Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | A.KITCHEN + BAR D.C.

We're always looking for great places to grab a bite. When we find places that allow us to pop in for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, we know this is one that will be top of mind as we navigate our day. In this month's The Art of the Snack, we head to DC and talk with the team of a.kitchen+bar DC to find out more about what we should enjoy when we're in the neighborhood. We talk with the Founder/Co-Owner of High Street Hospitality Group - Ellen Yin, Chef Eli Collins, and Bar Director Harry Jamison.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we talk about A.Kitchen and Bar DC, tell us about High Street Hospitality Group.

ELLEN YIN: High Street Hospitality Group is a celebrated Philadelphia-based restaurant group founded by James Beard Award winner Ellen Yin. The group includes acclaimed restaurants like Fork, High Street, High Street Bakery, a.kitchen+bar, and a.kitchen+bar D.C. — all known for seasonal, locally sourced cuisine. Ellen has been recognized nationally for her contributions to the culinary world, including receiving the 2023 James Beard "Outstanding Restaurateur" award. The group emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity, and regional ingredients while actively supporting local farmers and community initiatives.

AM: Can you tell me more about yourself as well as your culinary journey in terms of where you trained, kitchens you worked in etc.

CHEF ELI COLLINS: I've been part of the High Street Hospitality Group since 2017. After studying art abroad, I spent time traveling and working up and down the East Coast, eventually landing in New York City. There, I had the incredible opportunity to work for Chef Daniel Boulud at his Michelin-starred restaurant, Daniel, and later served as Executive Chef at DBGB Kitchen, his more casual brasserie.

At a.kitchen, I’ve focused on crafting a menu driven by seasonality and a deep love for prime ingredients - something that earned us Three Bells from Philadelphia Inquirer critic Craig LaBan, who highlighted our “compelling French flair.” a.kitchen Philadelphia has been honored as one of Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wine Restaurants in America, received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2020 and 2022, and was named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Wine Program in 2022. I was also humbled to be named Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly 2022 Chef.

AM: As you are based in Philadelphia, why did you want to open this restaurant in DC?

EY: For the past 10 years one of our most proud restaurants is a.kitchen + bar which has been recognized for its amazing wine and beverage programs as well as seasonal cooking by Chef Eli Collins. A.kitchen + bar is a neighborhood restaurant that happens to be in AKA Rittenhouse Square, a luxury hotel property by AKA Hotels, our hotel partner. When they mentioned their expansion to a new property in Washington DC and we had the opportunity to spend time in the West End, we fell in love with the property that has a storied past. Part of what attracted us was the conversion of a gorgeous terrace that would add beautiful light to the space; but the major reason was because the hospitality community in DC is so cohesive, collaborative and is quickly establishing itself as one of the most exciting dining destinations in the country.

AM: You have been open since last Fall. What can guests expect in terms of the ambiance of this restaurant?

EY: The restaurant which was designed by Gensler’s DC office right on K Street, is full of natural light from New Hampshire Street, and from the bar area, a view of our gorgeous terrace. A modern sophisticated, but casual atmosphere allows for diners to feel comfortable whether they are grabbing a quick bite or having a more luxurious meal. Modern art adorns the walls and plants are present giving the space a natural feel.

The ambiance at a.kitchen+bar D.C. blends urban sophistication with understated warmth. It takes inspiration from its Philadelphia counterpart, the space welcomes guests with sunlit interiors and a thoughtfully layered aesthetic. Light ash banquettes and polished concrete floors lend a sense of modern calm, while blackened wood furnishings, dark marble counters, and bronze metal accents add depth and contrast. Abstract photographic prints punctuate the walls, adding an artistic edge to the 60-seat dining room and adjacent 40-seat bar and lounge.

AM: What kind of cuisine is offered here?

EY: We offer American small plates— Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner!

AM: For those coming in for Breakfast, what are 3 dishes you suggest that we should have in mind?

CHEF EC: Cornmeal Pancakes, French Omelet, and Steelhead Trout Lox.

AM: For Lunch, what are 3 dishes that we should enjoy when coming in with friends and family?

CHEF EC: Chickpea Panisse, Bluefin Tuna, and Potato Gnocchi.

AM: Of course for Dinner, are there items that we should have in mind that we can enjoy?

CHEF EC: Crispy Oyster Mushrooms, Rockfish + Clams, and Roasted Cauliflower.

AM: Brunch is our favorite meal of the week. What are 3 dishes that we should think about for this portion of the menu?

CHEF EC: Badger Flame Beets, Biscuits + Gravy, and Croque Monsieur.

AM: We love Golden Hour - what are 3 bites that we should order and what would the wine/cocktail pairing be for this?

CHEF EC: Deviled Eggs — MELON DE BOURGOGNE, LA BREGEONNETTE, MUSCADET SEVRE-ET-MAINE, LOIRE VALLEY 2022; Smoked Chicken Wings — Naked & Notorious; and Cheeseburger — CABERNET FRANC, CHAT. DU HUREAU, SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY, LOIRE VALLEY 2022.

AM: In terms of cocktails in general, what are 3 for the Summer that we should have in mind?

HARRY JAMISON: A spritz of any kind (Aperol + Hugo come to mind), Tiki drinks (Junglebird or Mai Tai!), and Margaritas on the rocks.

AM: The Summer is about celebrating, whether they are large holidays or those that are personal to us. Are there any events taking place that we should know about to put on our calendar?

EY: This summer, we're hosting our a.BBQ series, where we're partnering with well-loved chefs around the city for a night of grilling on our terrace to benefit Southern Smoke Foundation, a non-profit that supports F&B workers in crisis by providing emergency relief funding and access to mental health services. Save the date for our first one, June 26 with Chef Chris Morgan from Joon!

IG @a.kitchenandbardc

PHOTO CREDITS | A.Kitchen and Bar DC

Read the MAY ISSUE #113 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | a.kitchen + bar D.C. in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | PARK HYATT MARRAKECH

There are all kinds of vacations that we can take and Park Hyatt Marrakech in Morocco which is 3 hours outside from Paris is definitely on our list as it sits on the Al Maaden Estate. This is an exotic getaway which is sunny year around. Coming here means having serenity and authentic experiences that are truly immersive.

WIth outdoor swimming pools, a 2,200 m² spa with hammam, sauna and signature treatments, an 18-hole golf course by Kyle Phillips, not to mention a generous and inspired gastronomic offerings.

Created by Executive Chef Issam Rhachi, guests can enjoy the Pavillon Terrace & Pool, an elegant Mediterranean table with sunny accents, which offers creative and daring cuisine, with a Nikkei twist. You can enjoy dishes by the pergolas, outdoor swimming pools, with the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop.

On the other hand, TFAYA - Arabesque Brasserie pays tribute to the richness of Morocco's culinary heritage. In a bright and refined décor, each dish celebrates the treasures of the local terroir between the intersection of tradition and modernity.

On Friday and Saturday nights, TFAYA is known for its Arabesque Evenings which is a festive and sensory event. Guests can enjoy a generous Moroccan buffet, live show cooking and a live band with Moroccan and Andalusian influences.

These offerings truly allow for a luxurious experience every time you are enjoying a meal! When you are looking for activities to partake in, you can hit the links on the Al Maaden Golf Course.

When we stay at a resort, the rooms are always an essential component of our stay. A numbr of their rooms have outdoor furnished terraces so you can take in the amazing views surrounding this property. It's worth noting that their Duplex Suite in addition to having views of the mountains with a terrace - there is also a private pool for this unit as well as an en-suite hammam. Staying in this portion of the resort is truly a luxurious and serene experience that you will remember for a long time.

Atlhough staying in that unit has a number of spa amenities there, you can still step into the Le Spa Park Hyatt Marrakech which is focused on well-being and rejuvenation. It is designed with minimalist aesthetics and embraces Morocco’s rich culture of hammam rituals, holistic therapies and legendary hospitality.

PARK HYATT MARRAKECH

Al Maaden

Marrakech, Morocco

400000

hyatt.com

IG @parkhyatt_marrakech

PHOTO CREDIT | Park Hyatt Marrakech

Read the MAY ISSUE #113 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Park Hyatt Marrakech in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG #113 | CHEF ESTHER CHOI

In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with Chef Esther Choi of Mokbar and GAHM as well as a Food Network host on 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing. We talk about how she got into the industry, her food philosophy, love for Korean Cuisine and upcoming projects that we can keep an eye out for!

We shot Chef Esther Choi's beautiful cover editorial in Hudson Yards' The Maybury that gets you near all the exciting shops, beauty destinations and galleries in the area. We chatted with Phil Lavoie COO of Gotham Organization about their portfolio of developments, this property, and this neighborhood.

In this month's issue we have pre coverage of Governors Ball as well as Bar Convent Brooklyn. Make sure to check back in our JUN ISSUE #114 as we share the sights and sounds from both of these events which we will be attending next month.

We caught up with Gwen Conley, Head of Innovation and Global Expansion of Cutwater to talk about this Ready to Drink range of beverages. She talks about their tasting room, the process behind the creation of flavors, and their latest offering, Spicy Margarita.

Keith Bynum of HGTV's Bargain Block talks about how we can approach upcoming renovations and provides a few tips that we should keep in mind. He also talks about his partnership with American Standard and a giveaway that you will want to know about.

We sat down with Zuri Hall to talk about her career as a celebrity journalist whether you enjoy watching her on NBC's Access Hollywood or chatting it up with the stars during Awards Season E! Live from the Red Carpet. We also talk about her coming back for S17 of American Ninja Warrior. We talk about how she got into the industry, naviating Hollywood, being a safe space, and more!

We head to Washington D.C. for this month's The Art of the Snack which takes us to A.Kitchen + Bar which serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner! We found out about dishes that we should have our eye on, the ambiance, and upcoming events that will take place there that we should have in mind.

This month's Athleisure List comes from Nordic Strong which launched in Copenhagen and is now coming stateside first as a pop-up in Sag Harbor now through Labor Day and then as a permanent studio in Flatiron. We find out more about the creation of this fitness experience, their studios, and the classes offered. We also take you to Park Hyatt Marrakech to immerse yourself in a luxurious and restorative experience filled will wellness options and a phenomenal menu.

This month's 9PLAYLIST comes from popstar Sabrina Carpenter as she shares with us the songs on her playlist that she is listening to right now. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from The Bachelorette and Co-Founder of Saint Spritz, JoJo Fletcher as well as Team USA Olympic Beach Volleyballer Sara Hughes as they share what they enjoy having, doing and being Morning, Afternoon, and Night. This month’s THE 9LIST STORI3S comes from our cover star, Chef Esther Choi as well as Founder/Designer Lele Sadoughi of her namesake accessory brand.

Of course, we have a number of roundups that you can also check out from our must-haves to yours!

Read the MAY ISSUE #113.

IT'S ABOUT THE GAME | DILLON GABRIEL

This month has been a busy one and for NFL prospects, it has special significance as they awaited the NFL Draft 2025 which took place Apr 24 - 26th in Green Bay, Wisconsin. We had the pleasure of talking with quarterback Dillon Gabriel of the University of Oregon. As we talked with him prior to the draft, we had no idea where he would go although as of the release of this issue, he will be playing for the Cleveland Browns!

In sitting with him prior to the draft, we wanted to konw more about his love for the game, his approach to playing it, his partnership with Echelon fitness, what it's like to go through the NFL Combine and what it involves, being a finalist for The Heisman Trophy, and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with football?

DILLON GABRIEL: I think it was from a young age being able to watch my dad. It was just someone you look up to and someone that you wanted to be able to emulate and to be just like. I think that was just in life, but I also think that sports is a big part of our upbringing and of course, I have played all of the sports that you could play at the time. But I just fell in love with football because it has been something that I just – it’s just enjoyable, it’s something about it with it’s team aspect that you have everyone coming together to accomplish a goal. So, I would just say that at a very young age.

AM: What do you love about being a quarterback?

DG: I love the ability to have the ball in your hands for every single play. I think that the decision making and processing is a lot of fun. I think that it’s the combination of preparation and then actually doing it. Getting those 2 things in sync is actually difficult to do just by yourself.

AM: Yeah.

DG: Let alone having to do it with other people. You can’t throw the ball unless you have protection up front. You can’t get yardage unless there is a catch down the field and I just think that that teamwork aspect in every single play where 11 people have to be in unison, it’s just a lot of fun because you are doing it together. I think that more than that, the relationships, the people, and the friendships that last a lifetime. Those are memories that no one is going to be able to take from you and that’s good and bad!

AM: Well, that’s true too!

Did you always think that when you started playing that you would do this all throughout school and did you imagine yourself going to the NFL?

DG: I did. I always had this dream where I know that a dream is one thing, but in order to make it a reality, there has to be work behind it. I always felt like I was determined in that way of matching my habits with my goals. I think that for a lot of the time, I just stayed present. I tried to be really good with where my feet were and I learned that in college.

Now that I am here, it’s hard to believe in the sense of time has gone by so fast. But I’m not surprised that I’m here because I know that when I was in certain moments, I knew that I was going to maximize it and I knew that my love and care for my passion – how disciplined I am every single day. So when you match those 2, I knew that I’d be in a good spot and it’s still surreal. I’m back home and you see the kids – how excited they get and for me, I see it as myself being in their shoes once. But all it was was me committing to a goal or a dream. That’s always been a way for me to just ground myself and to understand that even though it's a higher level football there is still that passion aspect and love for it. It’s the work that I have done behind it that I have been doing from a younger age. Now, it just gets that much more challenging as a competitor.

AM: What’s an average week for you when you’re training in season versus the off season?

DG: I think that off season is very grind mode. I would say that it is physically more taxing. You’re always trying to get your speed work in and your strength work in. For a quarterback, throwing a football is a whole different aspect to your off season workout. So you attack those 3 while still being around ball and talking football. I think that that is a language, just like any other language to excel at it, you have to speak it consistently and live in it. That is what I try to do while still making the physical aspect more of a focal point.

In season, I think the physical aspect takes a back seat at least day-to-day until gameday comes, but mentally, it’s a lot more challenging. Learning a game plan, executing it, getting everyone on the same page, having conversations individually position wise as a unit and a team. Then there are aspects too that are more than Xs and Os. The motivation aspect and being able to keep people motivated and having themes of the week. So, you encompass all of that while having the physical tax on your body. If I looked at it like that, I would say those 2 things are different in the off season vs in season.

AM: Our community is always excited about workouts that they can include in the routines that they already do. What are 3 workouts that you do that you think could be beneficial for us to think about when we want to switch up our routines?

DG: I love rotational strength. Of course, I’m a throwing athlete, but I believe that being able to have strength in rotation is still good for change of direction. It’s done me well and I love the cable machine. So anyone who can do the cable machines, we’ve tried it from each angle – high, hip height, and low. I love cable rotation and I’ll do those 3 different angles.

I really love working with speed. I love speed and one that I love to do as well is a core bosu ball. I got put onto this core routine that I love. It’s a bosu ball, you put your back on it. You do single leg V ups 10 on each side and then you do cross leg kind of like elbow to knee. So I do 10 reps each and that’s 40 reps total. I don’t care how good you get at it, there’s a rush and a burn and that’s one of my workouts.

I’m also going to go with the curls and things like that. Those are our base workouts that we do with legs - you’ll always catch me doing core and arms at the end.

AM: Tell us about this partnership with Echelon Fitness and how it’s giving back to your high school, Mililani which we think is really interesting.

DG: Yeah, I think that what I love about Echelon is their ability to be able to make training fun, but also that coaching aspect that you still get. I believe that when you are able to have intent behind your lifts and workouts – there is that motivational aspect too where you get direct feedback.

Are you lifting, what’s the strength, speed – and that is where the strength is going. That’s strength training and working out in general. I used it every single day when we were doing team lifts. Being able to have that aspect in our workouts is huge, but I think that when you’re marrying that with what we are doing at Mililani High School, I think that that’s powerful. The impact that that will create for athletes that are trying to get back on the field – it’s like double the work that you’re trying to do. You’re trying to get healthy and you want to dominate when you’re on the field. Being able to have that direct feedback and have measurables, but also walk into state of the art equipment allows you to feel really confident in your workout. I think that for anyone to be able to work in that kind of an environment, you’re going to be better. You’re motivated that much more to get better and to benefit yourself so that you can see results on the field. I am just appreciative of them because they see the vision as well and they understand the youth and what’s up and coming is very important. Any way that we can protect them in any way – I always talk about protection with working out. How are they doing workouts that are beneficial to them and will translate to what they ae doing on the field. With Echelon, you have all of that information in that database on your monitor for each piece of equipment. That’s a unique and cool part to what we are all doing.

AM: That’s so exciting. How did that come together between yourself and Echelon to provide that equipment for your high school?

DG: I think it was about similar visions and being able to hop on the phone with them with Dara and their CEO Lou. We got both of them on the phone and it was just clear visions on both ends with what we wanted to accomplish and believing in that. I think that now that we’re here and you see it in person finally, there have been all of these conversations, but now to see it it’s just a whole different aspect to see things happening in real time. I’m glad that we got to this point and I know that they are a huge piece of what we are doing.

AM: You’ve had an incredible collegiate career, you were a finalist for The Heisman Trophy – what are you the most proud of in this portion of your life right now and what has this meant to you?

DG: I’m definitely most proud of the memories and I think just the journey. As a whole, it has had a lot of success. I’d be lying if I said that there was no failure. I think that when you’re able to learn from that failure, and grow, ultimately whenever there was an uncertainty or an unknown, that is where I have had the most ability to grow. I think that I’m just proud of that journey and how I managed that. I have always chosen good people to be around, but at the same time, the law of attraction. Who you are as a person is who you want to be around. I’ve always tried to live by that and I have faith in what God has in store for the future.

But then I also have those memories that are just day-to-day. The locker room stories – even to this day, I still laugh at those little interactions in the weight room. Just as little as that, on top of those big wins and great environments – the triumph of working through something that was difficult. Because everything worth having doesn’t come easy. For me, I think that all of that is what I think about. The awards and all of that is something that you appreciate because a bunch of people came together to accomplish a goal. There was success in that way. But more than those, I think that you just know that it is the ultimate team sport. Although we highlight individuals, there is no way that you do it alone. That is why I appreciate the game of football.

AM: Can you talk a bit about the NFL Combine, what takes place there, and how one prepares themselves for this so we have a better feel for the journey leading up to the draft and being placed on an NFL team (Editor’s Note: The purpose of the NFL Scouting Combine is to provide NFL teams with a standard platform to evaluate and assess the physical and mental abilities of 300 or so invited top draft-eligible college football prospects before the NFL Draft for 4 days. It allows teams to gather comprehensive data, including medical exams, psychological tests, and on-field drills, all in one location, making it easier to compare players and make informed decisions)?

DG: So the Combine, after going to it, I see it as if any questions that they might have, they’re going to answer them. I say that’s physically, mentally, background – anything prior and what you know about football. I think that that just all encompasses you as a person. Then of course, it’s also about what you can do on the field because you’re going to compete as well. This is all taking place in a high stress environment so it’s also about how you are going to handle it. Who are you as a person when things aren’t exactly perfect. I think that the Combine has a unique way of doing that. They definitely got answers to all of their questions all day every day! They separated those questions as I mentioned before mentally and physically. So there were 40 yard dashes and throwing and competing on the field. There was more football work. Then you get in your formal meetings and you have those 15mins speed dating meetings where you’re talking football that whole entire time. How consistent are you – all day every day? How much do you love football? I’d say that that is the biggest thing – they get every question answered from every angle in their organization.

AM: That must have been exhilarating to be there and to be chosen, but also exhausting as well as that is intense and you are doing that across 4 days and across all those teams.

DG: 100%

AM: Obviously, the NFL Draft is Apr 24 – 26th. How are you preparing for that and what are you excited about?

DG: Honestly, I think that midway through this draft process, I think that I just let go and I just trusted what God has in store for me and for my future. He always has you know? I think it has been a unique way of knowing that you have to be right where your feet are. I say that because there is unknown and uncertainty. You’re in and out, your life is in a backpack. There is no home base or consistency in that way. You have to be comfortable with that uncomfortable. Midway through I realized I had no control other than how I work and what I do every single day. But at the end of the day, when the draft comes, all of my work is out in front of all 32 teams and one team will be the believer in what I do on the field and off the field, who I am as a person and what I bring to the table. I just have confidence in that and at the end of the day, all of that pageantry ends on that date and then you’re back to work!

AM: Right!

DG: So, the work that you have been putting in is going to show and I have confidence in my preparation as that is what I have pride in myself for the past 6 years of my college career. It’s going to continue on in the NFL.

AM: When you’re not playing the game or are thinking about the game, how do you take time for yourself?

DG: It’s hard because we love football and inevitably, we’re talking about it, but I think that that is when I go back to my passion. When you love it, it’s not so taxing and like anything, it can be a lot when it is encompassing your life the whole time, but being able to relax is just being around family. Being able to be around people where you can truly just be yourself. You don’t even have to have a conversation because their presence is all you need and you can understand one another through short conversation. I’m a big relaxing guy, I love to be around family and to try new things. I love food believe it or not and I’m from Hawaii so whenever we can go to a new food spot and try new things – that’s always great! I love being outdoors as well. Going on a walk and being out there with people you love is so nice. I think that for me, that’s always how I recharge. Even daily, if it’s a phone call or in person – that’s my thing.

IG @dillongabriel

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 43 + 44 University of Oregon | PG 47 @Thatsfye | PG 48 - 50 ESPN Honolulu

Read the APR ISSUE #113 of Athleisure Mag and see IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GAME | Dillon Gabriel in mag.

MGM+ GODFATHER OF HARLEM | RETURN TO HARLEM

Last month in our MAR ISSUE #111 of Athleisure Mag, we had the pleasure of chatting with the Creator, Executive Producer, and writer Chris Brancato (Narcos, Narcos: Mexico, Hotel Cocaine) and members of the cast of MGM+'s Godfather of Harlem. This month, we talked with Elvis Nolasco (American Crime, Claws, She's Gotta Have It) and Erik LaRay Harvey (Boardwalk Empire, Luke Cage, Chicago P.D.) who play Nat Pettigrew and Del Chance, respectively. We wanted to know about what drew them to the show and playing their characters.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have enjoyed watching Godfather of Harlem and it’s great to connect with both of you as we love to see you in scenes together, as well as with Forest! What drew you to want to be part of this incredible show?

ELVIS NOLASCO: It was just knowing that this historical figure I would say, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, and knowing of him and being from Harlem and NYC and knowing what that name meant, in the community and knowing that this was created by Chris Brancato, and the late Paul Eckstein (First Wave, Hoodlum, Narcos) and knowing their trajectory, being part of Hoodlum, the film, and them being part of Narcos and having a certain level of respect and admiration for their work, it was something that I knew that I had to be part of this. Especially, if I have an opportunity to work with Forest Whitaker (Black Panther, Havoc, Andor).

ERIK LARAY HARVEY: Forest was it for me! I had seen him in The Last King of Scotland and really enjoyed that. I knew about that time period and I thought that he was brilliant in that role. I was like, “Forest – what? I’m on board!” What’s the story about, I don’t care! I'm on it, I'm going to be working with Forest. He exceeded my expectations of him as a person and he’s such a loving, fun, and quiet guy! He has so much passion for the business and the work. These 4 seasons have been such a joy. It has been absolutely incredible to work with that man.

AM: How do you approach playing your characters?

ELH: I walk the streets of NY. Some of these people piss me off you know! So it was really easy to bring that sort of energy into the set! You need me to what, kill somebody – do you know what that man did to me? Do you know what he called me today? Yeah, I’m ready to kill somebody! Haha no – I’m joking, but you know what I’m saying!

EN: Haha I feel the same way. You’re walking around and especially when you’re 135th street! I’m on my way to the Schomburg Library and this dude comes at me with, “Yo dude,” and I’m like “Dude what?”

ELH: You know how NY is!

EN: It’s crazy!

AM: Ha!

So, where did we leave your characters in S3 and where are we picking up from them again in S4?

ELH: Well we ended S3 with the death of Malcolm X. We began S4 with the remembrance of Malcolm X. Bumpy sees him in the club briefly. Malcolm X still has his presence with us. With his best friend gone so to speak, Malcolm X and Bumpy were best friends, and now that he has left us, we embark on a new journey that Malcolm X wanted us to do which is for Bumpy to go legit and to get out of harming the community so to speak. But then this jackass, Frank Lucas (Rome Flynn) comes in and he wants to harm the community. So that is where we begin S4, with a jackass coming in.

IG @elvisnasco

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | MGM+/Godfather of Harlem

Read the APR ISSUE #113 of Athleisure Mag and see MGM+’S GODFATHER OF HARLEM | Return to Harlem in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG #112 | CHEF MASAHARU MORIMOTO

In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with Restaurateur Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto who we first saw via Iron Chef Japan and then continued to Iron Chef America. Whether he is judging, participating in culinary competitions, opening more restaurants, or more - he is always focused on the power of food and how he can continue to entice us with flavors! On May 10th, he will be the Grand Marshal of the Japan Parade on Japan Day in Central Park West. We caught up with him to find out how he got into the industry, his passion for cooking, upcoming projects, and more!

Last month we had an incredible series of conversations with Co-Creator/Executive Producer, and writer Chris Brancato as well as cast members from MGM+’s Godfather of Harlem. We caught up with 2 additional cast members of this series, Elvis Nolasco and Erik LaRay Harvey.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Chef Esther Choi about her passion for Korean cuisine, her restaurants, and her upcoming season of Food Network’s 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing where she serves as co-host for this competition series. She also shared why she partnered with LISTERINE for a fun immersive culinary experience that we enjoyed as well.

This month, the NFL Draft took place and many people that we have enjoyed watching throughout their college career found out where they will be playing this season. We had the pleasure of connecting with QB Dillon Gabriel who played for the University of Oregon days before the draft to talk about his love for the game, how he trains, his partnership with Echelon Fitness, what the NFL Combine is, and what he is looking forward to in terms of the draft. We look forward to seeing him on the Cleveland Browns!

We caught up with noted designer Lele Sadoughi who collaborated with CHLOE Wines on a stunning bottle that we can enjoy. We talk about her line, creative process, and upcoming projects.

For over a decade, we have enjoyed seeing Titus Welliver playing Harry Bosch in Prime Video’s BOSCH and BOSCH: LEGACY! With BOSCH: LEGACY streaming its final season, we sat down with Titus to talk about how he came to this series, what it’s like to play this character, how he prepares, and the takeaways he learned from being in this series. We look forward to the spin-offs from this franchise.

We’ve been fans of Bachelor Nation from the first season and when we were first introduced to JoJo Fletcher in The Bachelor we knew that she was someone who we would continue to see - especially when she became The Bachelorette. Since then, she continues to share her entrepreneurial world with us. We talk with her about what it means to be part of Bachelor Nation, being an entrepreneur, and her latest project - Saint Spritz!

We’ve been a fan of WTA #2 doubles tennis star Taylor Townsend for years! When we caught up with her, we wanted to know more about what she loves about the game, how she trains, what it’s like playing singles vs. doubles and the legacy that she wants to leave!

We head to Singapore for this month's The Art of the Snack which takes us to 3 Michelin Star Zen. We chat with Chef TC and Chef Martin Ofner to find out about their culinary backgrounds, the ambiance of their restaurant, and what we can expect when we come in to dine there.

This month's Athleisure List comes from member’s only The Ra Ra Room located in Phoenix, Arizona - it’s definitely a culinary experience that you will want to know more about! We also talk about one of our favorite places to pop into after a day of running around - Tacombi. With multiple locations including a number here in NYC, it’s always an easy vibe.

This month we have our 9CH3F ROUTIN3S from our cover star, Chef Morimoto who talks about what he does Morning, Afternoon, and Night. This month's 9PLAYLIST MULTI comes Pro Surfer Brianna Cope who shares what she enjoys listening to, streaming, and reading. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from Dillon Gabriel and from Team USA Olympic Volleyballer Kelly Cheng they share what they enjoy having, doing, and being Morning, Afternoon, and Night. This month’s THE 9LIST STORI3S comes from JoJo Fletcher as well as Taylor Townsend. This month's THE 9LIST 9M3NU comes from Chef Johnny Chan Boon of The Ra Ra Room in Phoenix Arizona, Restaurateur and TV Personality Chef Esther Choi of Mokbar and GAHM, and Restaurateur, TV Personality, Author, Master Chef Morimoto - who shares with us what they enjoy about the Spring, ingredients that they enjoy cooking with, and what dishes we should try when we are at their restaurants.

Of course, we have a number of roundups that you can also check out from our must-haves to yours!

Read the APR ISSUE #112 of Athleisure Mag.

SPRINGING AHEAD | KELLY OLMSTEAD CMO ALLBIRDS

Last month we went to Ludlow House to screen Allbirds' series Cards on the Table hosted by and created in collaboration with Stanley Tucci (The Devil Wears Prada, The Hunger Games franchise, Conclave) as well as to enjoy a lovely dinner and to keep the conversation going. This series includes conversations with fashion designer Tan France, F1 racer Carlos Sainz, Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians, The Gentlemen, A Simple Favor), Molly Ringwald (The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, The Bear), Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones, Dark Phoenix, The Staircase), and physicists Brian Cox to name a few. The series was developed by Allbirds in partnership with OBB Pictures and SALT Productions.

We enjoyed the vibe of the series, the dinner and the conversation and wanted to find out more about this lifestyle shoe brand by chatting with the companies' CMO, Kelly Olmstead. We talk about shoes, why it started, the thought behind this series which you can watch on Rolling Stones' YouTube channel, and why they wanted to present the brand in this way.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us about your background and what drew you to joining Allbirds?

KELLY OLMSTEAD: Having been in the industry for years, I remember Allbirds first showed up on my radar—and as part of a big industry leader like Adidas, wondering if this small company from San Francisco could really shake up the footwear industry like they claimed. Could they actually do things better, in a better way? When I eventually joined Allbirds, that same scrappy, counterculture spirit was still alive and well—and that’s what pulled me in. It was a chance to rethink the way things had always been done. Back then, I saw the potential for this brand to change the footwear industry for the better. And today, I still do.

AM: Tell us about Allbirds, the first product that they launched and their ethos.

KO: Allbirds was founded in 2015, and since day one, we’ve been deeply committed day one, we've been deeply committed

to drawing inspiration from nature to make better since day one, we’ve been deeply commit make better things in a better way. That philosophy inspired our first product, the Wool Runner, the style that put the business on the map and is still known today for its incredible comfort and simple aesthetic. Today, that same philosophy still rings true. We design our products to be materially different by turning away from convention toward nature’s inspiration.

AM: As a CMO at Allbirds, what is your day-to-day like with the brand?

KO: Our business is focused on three main priorities: making great product, delivering great customer experiences, and telling great stories. In my role, I’m especially focused on that last piece of the equation–and that’s where our brand platform Allbirds by Nature came into play. We introduced Allbirds by Nature last year, which has opened up an enormous opportunity to engage with people on a wide range of topics that are important to us. It’s been an awesome few months really exploring the different dimensions that platform allows with my team, celebrating how we take inspiration from Mother Nature and human nature to make better things in a better way.

AM: What does Allbirds by Nature mean?

KO: Since day one, we’ve been deeply inspired by nature: Mother Nature, the ultimate innovator; and equally, human nature–our consumer’s needs and commonalities. Allbirds by Nature reflects that. Everything originates by observing the world around us, which influences everything from the materials we use in our products, to the stories we tell in our marketing.

AM: Can you talk a bit about the design aesthetic of the shoes and what are 3 products from the men's line and 3 from the women's line that are a must-have as we build our collection?

KO: I’d say Allbirds is widely known for our marriage of natural materials and textiles with sleek, simple, modern design. But we’re widely loved for how comfortable our products are. Aesthetic can be more subjective, whereas comfort is universal, and that’s why comfort is paramount to our product design and development process. There really is a shoe for every foot, but to list just a few of our fan-favorite styles: the Tree Runner Go, Wool Runner Go, and Tree Dasher 2s are consistent best-sellers in both men’s and women’s.

We’ve got an incredible design team led by Adrian Nyman, our Chief Design Officer, and Jason Israel, our VP of Design. They've got a team stacked with incredible talent, including industry experts in materials and color. Later this year, we’re delivering an even more robust product line with fresh silhouettes and material executions, which we’re really excited about.

AM: We had the pleasure of attending your recent event in NYC for the Stanley Tucci X Allbirds Cards on the Table Event at Ludlow House. Can you tell us about the campaign, why Stanley Tucci was a great fit as well as including Dr. Orna Guralnik, and why Allbirds wanted to create this?

KO: At the core, the impetus for Cards On The Table was a desire to make meaningful content that brought to life our brand values and beliefs. One of our core values is to Live Curiously, and it’s that quality that we kept coming back to. The concept of a dream dinner party gained traction quickly, because there’s something about gathering around a table that feels ripe for curiosity, conversation, and authentic connection. In each of the four episodes from the series, we’re bringing together people who inspire us and embody our ethos in different and powerful ways–either with an inquisitive spirit, unconventional approaches to their work, or unique stories of success from those who challenge the status quo.

Stanley was the one and only person weconsidered as our host. Not only is he respected and beloved for his influence in entertainment, fashion, and food, but he embodies curiosity, taste, consideration, individuality, and authenticity. He’s the ultimate articulation of who we imagine the Allbirds consumer to be, and really, the ultimate host. Who wouldn’t want to be at Stanley’s table?

Dr. Orna Guralnik’s expertise was critical to adding weight to the series concept, driving compelling conversations and meaningful connections. I can’t overstate just how important her influence was in crafting the discussion cards, which drive the discussion in each episode. With those prompts in hand, we were able to cook up really exciting, entertaining, and unexpected conversations that uncovered common threads between our guests and encouraged authentic connection.

We’re always exploring new ways to connect with our audience. We know people increasingly seek out brands that share their values and offer more than just a product–people don’t want to be sold to constantly. People want to see content that’s entertaining, inspiring, and adds value to their daily lives. We’re eager to see how people respond to this series, because it’s a reflection of what we believe and value, and we’re hopeful it will resonate with people far and wide.

AM: Will you continue to do this series?

KO: We’re hopeful that this series concept will be compelling and resonant for a wide audience, and we’re excited to see how viewers respond as the remaining episodes drop throughout the month. The natural world and human nature are really a limitless source of inspiration, and we’ve just scratched the surface of where this exploration could lead.

AM: What did you learn the most from doing this series?

KO: We’re always exploring new ways to connect with our audience. We know people increasingly seek out brands that share their values and offer more than just a product–people don’t want to be sold to constantly. The initial response to the series has affirmed that, and it’s been so encouraging and fulfilling to see people connect with the series, the talent, and even with one another in the comments. People are asking for more, and that’s the best result as a storyteller and marketer.

But even more broadly speaking, on a human level, this series reminded me of the joy that comes from human connection. Our hope is that Cards On The Table not only paints a picture of our brand’s beliefs and personality, but inspires people to approach life with renewed curiosity and desire for connection. We want everyone to be reminded of the power of community, and to feel encouraged to connect through the shared qualities that make us human.

AM: Are there any new launches coming out that we should keep an eye out for?

KO: Absolutely–nothing I can tease out quite yet, but we have some pretty fantastic products coming this year that we’re unbelievably excited to bring out into the world.

IG @allbirds

PHOTOS COURTESY | Matt Holyoak

Read the MAR ISSUE #111 of Athleisure Mag and see SPRINGING AHEAD | Kelly Olmstead CMO Allbirds in mag.

THE SPICE OF LIFE | CHEF MANEET CHAUHAN

When it comes to seeing our favorite chefs in an array of culinary shows, we always enjoy seeing Chef Maneet Chauhan as she is passionate about her food, always dresses the part, and has an array of restaurants on our list when we head to Nashville!

We took the time to sit down with Chef Maneet to find out about her culinary background, the first dish she created, her Morph Hospitality Group, how she approaches adding more restaurants to her portfolio, being a TV personality, her work on Food Network and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the dish that made you realize that you loved food?

CHEF MANEET CHAUHAN: It’s called aloo paratha. It is a potato-stuffed flat bread, cooked in ghee until it's crispy and served with homemade butter. My mom made it for me when I was young, and it was love at first bite.

AM: What was the first dish that you remember cooking?

CHEF MC: Matar paneer. It's Indian cottage cheese cubes in a spiced curry with green peas. I was in 7th grade and cooked dinner for my parents.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a chef?

CHEF MC: I was in 9th grade and my older sister was completing her undergrad. I used to meet her on campus and bring food with me. I then figured out I was the most popular kid on campus. That's when I realized this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

AM: Tell us about your culinary journey in terms of where you trained and kitchens you worked in prior to opening your Nashville restaurant.

CHEF MC: I did my undergrad in India at Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) and then came to America to study at The Culinary Institute of America. I worked at restaurants in Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, Chicago and New York before opening my own business.

AM: How would you define your style of cooking?

CHEF MC: I consider my style of cooking to be global with a foundation of Indian flavors and techniques.

AM: What led to you opening Chauhan Ale and Masala House and why did you want to open this in Nashville?

CHEF MC: Nashville has such an incredible audience and such a diverse flavor palette that I really wanted to do something that had not been done before here. Chauhan Ale and Masala House is my love letter to Indian cuisine and Nashville - it's Indian food served with a southern flair.

AM: Tell us about what we can expect from this restaurant in terms of the cuisine and ambiance?

CHEF MC: It's a really fun restaurant and encompasses both traditional and modern India, with a very healthy dose of the South. That's in terms of both the decor and the food. There is a lot of fun and whimsy in the menu and in the space.

AM: Since opening Chauhan Ale you have the Morph Hospitality Group- can you tell us about each of the eateries?

CHEF MC: There is Chauhan Ale and Masala House, which is modern Indian mixed with a southern flair, The Mockingbird which is Americano with a retro vibe to it and then eet is fast casual in Disney Springs.

AM: Tell us more about eet by Maneet Chauhan is at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida.

CHEF MC: eet shows the best flavors of Indian in a very approachable manner, so think chicken tikka masala pizza.

AM: How do you go about deciding what restaurant to open where?

CHEF MC: I think it’s a combination. First is learning what we'll need for a space, second is figuring out if we have the right talent and third is determining what we are passionate about. If we are passionate about a particular concept or a particular idea, then that’s what we stick to.

AM: In addition to being a restaurateur, you are a best selling cookbook author with your first book Flavors of My World: A Culinary Tour Through 25 Countries, followed by The Journey, and more recently in 2020 Chaat - why has it been important for you to share your culinary point of view in this medium?

CHEF MC: I think being a chef is a lot like storytelling. You tell a story on a plate of food, and it’s the same story that I want to tell people through words and written medium. It's just a visual treat, for example the photos for Chaat we took in India. I like creating that excitement for people.

AM: What is the creation process for you with your cookbooks and are there plans for releasing another?

CHEF MC: There’s always plans for more! With cookbooks it truly is a group effort. I work with an editor and a co-author and they help give the book direction, because I have a lot of ideas!

AM: For years, we have enjoyed seeing you on Food Network whether you are a guest judge, competing, or hosting your shows! What led to you adding TV Judge/Host to your portfolio?

CHEF MC: It wasn’t something that I set out to do, but I got the opportunity then realized how much I enjoyed it. That's why I do it. I love to connect with people through the medium of television.

AM: When you're judging, what's your approach or formula when you are considering a dish or is there a competitor that sticks out to you?

CHEF MC: I think for me it has to be a combination of everything – the competitor has to show the right technique, develop flavor and show who they are and their culinary point of view on the plate. Those are the things I look for when I’m judging.

AM: You're the only 2X winner of Guy Fieri's Tournament of Champions, what does that mean to you?

CHEF MC: It means that lightning can strike the same place twice! I’m very proud of it. It seems like a validation for my entire life of working hard and putting my heart and soul into what I do. It was a very surreal moment and I’m very grateful that it's proven I've chosen the right career!

AM: When you were competing in this show, was there a chef that you looked forward to going up against?

CHEF MC: I have realized the toughest person I can go up against is me myself.

AM: Everytime that we see you on air, we always enjoy seeing your accessories as well as your ensemble as a whole, clearly you have an interest in fashion - will we ever see you create a line or collaborate with someone?

CHEF MC: If I get the opportunity, why not!

AM: You have had a number of accolades from being a James Beard Award winner, breaking glass ceilings throughout your career, and being about presenting your point of view through cooking, what does it mean to you?

CHEF MC: Each and every time that I get an accolade it builds my confidence in who I am as a person, and it also pushes me to do much better. It's validation I was meant to do this.

AM: How do you balance having a successful career while also having a family and being a mother?

CHEF MC: Balance is a myth. You just make the best of whatever you are doing.

AM: Are there any projects that we should keep an eye out for that you would like to share?

CHEF MC: Just keep an eye out!

AM: We like asking our favorite chefs about their 9CH3FS ROUTIN3S that highlights 3 key things that you must have, do, and enjoy for your Mornings, Afternoons, and Night as a chef.

CHEF MC: That’s a tough question because every day is a very different day for me. My morning ritual after I get up is I have my chai, and then I take a few minutes just to figure out what my day will be like and how I want to conquer it. What I love about my life is no two days are the same. If I’m filming it’s a different day than if I'm home.

IG @maneetchauhan

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 80 Jessica Sloane | PG 82 + 85 Amelia J Moore Photography | PG 86 Maneet Chauhan |

Read the MAR ISSUE #112 of Athleisure Mag and see THE SPICE OF LIFE | Chef Maneet Chauhan in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG #111 | RASHEE RICE

In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with NFL Super Bowl Champion of the Kansas City Chiefs, Rashee Rice. We talk about his passion for the game, his journey, staying in shape, the upcoming season, and how he gives back philanthropically!

We sat down with Creator, Executive Producer, and writer Chris Brancato for Godfather of Harlem which is back for S4 on MGM+. We also interviewed cast members Rome Flynn, Lucy Fry, and Michael Raymond James as we talk about this historically inspired series, why they are part of this program and what we can expect this season. 

We sat down with pro surfer Brianna Cope who talks with us about her love for the beach, surfing, being in Surfer Girls on Prime Video, and her love for cooking on the beach! We chatted with her about her ambassadorship with Gozney and why this is something that we can enjoy when it comes to making pizzas wherever we roam.

We enjoyed an amazing dinner a few weeks back at Ludlow House to celebrate the launch of Cards on the Table, a digital series hosted by Stanley Tucci in partnership with Allbirds. After having such a great time at the event we wanted to know more about Allbirds as a brand, footwear aesthetic, how this series came about, and what we can look forward to.

We have been fans of Chef Maneet Chauhan for a number of years from her restaurants to her hosting and judging shows on Food Network. We sat down with her to find out how she got into the industry, why she loves cooking, finding out about her restaurant group, and upcoming projects.

Our kick off to Spring wouldn't be complete without our recap of this past Awards Season via 9R3DCARP3T which shares exclusive quotes with those who walked the red carpet as well as their teams.

This month's The Art of the Snack takes us to Singapore where we dine at Burnt Ends. We talk with Chef David Pynt on his culinary journey as well as what led him to launching this restaurant and what we can expect when we come in to dine.

This month's Athleisure List comes from Lolita in Midtown NY which have a phenomenal menu for your next meal as well as cocktails! In addition, we also head to Italy to enjoy ARIA Retreat + Spa.

This month we have our 9PLAYLIST from NFL Super Bowl Champion and Athleisure Mag cover, Rashee Rice of the Kansas City Chiefs. We have an additional 9PLAYLIST with EDM DJ/Producer,  KAAZE. This month's 9PLAYLIST MULTI comes US Open 2017 Grand Slam winner, Sloane Stepens who shares what she enjoys listening to, streaming, and reading. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from Rashee Rice and from pro surfer, Brianna Cope. This month's THE 9LIST 9CH3FS comes from Chef Hailey Nissimov of Figaro Cafe, Owner Will Patton and Creative Dir Devin of Press Club Cocktail Bar and our THE 9LIST 9B-L-D comes from BRAVO Top Chef S22 that is currently airing - Chef Lana Lagomarsini as she shares what dishes we can enjoy for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.