Why is athleisure so popular?

Trends come and go every season, but what does it take for a trend to become a mainstay in the fashion world? Athleisure is a trend that has transitioned into a staple look for many of us. The perfect mix between workout wear and a little touch of glamour, take a trip into London or New York and you'll see many a fashionista or two sporting their athleisure picks with pride.

According to Forbes, consumers spent about $323 billion on apparel, footwear and accessories in 2014, a 1% increase over 2013. The 1% represents $2 billion in sales largely driven by activewear, athletic performance and other athleisure apparel.

Equestrian blogger and Editor in Chief of EQL Hannah Madsen is well versed in the popularity of athleisure. Check out her thoughts on this popular look below.

Why is athleisure so popular?

Altheisure has become an increasingly popular trend as street wear items have met athletic wear to create a perfectly polished sporty yet casual look. Taking your running pants and pairing them with a statement chunky sweater and flats is a typical athleisure look. Although skeptics claim "athleisure" is a fad, we believe along with many others that Athleisure is here to stay. As brands like lululemon, Adidas and  Nike continue to release incredibly sporty-chic pieces, the masses will continue to line up for this ever-growing trend.

What are the basics you need to tap into the athleisure trend?

The must- have basics for athleisure are a black down puffer vest, black leggings -- particularly the fantastic line of leggings by Stella McCartney for adidas and statement sneakers by NIKE. 

Which public figures do athleisure well?

Olivia Palmero, Kate Hudon, GiGi Hadid and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have really tapped into the athleisure trend!

How has EQL.CO embraced the athleisure trend?

At EQl.CO we are all about blending street west with authentic equestrian clothing. Many of the fabrics and textures used in equestrian apparel are made with athletic fabrics. The pieces are effortless and chic, keeping you looking and feeling your best. For today's equestrian it is all about high-tech breeches which feature X-grip technology and 4 way stretch. High-collar down vests keep you warm, while adding just enough elegance to keep your look feminine and polished.

How do you see the athleisure market evolving?

With more and more street brands becoming involved in athleisure, I see it continuing to grow. Feeling and looking your best is on of the most important details when styling a woman. Creating athletics pieces which keep a women looking sporty, fresh, young are key factors in maintaining the appeal of the athleisure look.

Hannah Madsen

Fashion Focus: Lareymondie

Lareymondie

I'm a sucker for a great loafer, and I was really excited to cross paths with the team at Lareymondie recently.

The idea of Maylis de Lacoste Lareymondie, the brand is elegant and contemporary, with its shoes made some of the finest leathers and bespoke techniques.

Maylis explains why she started to design bespoke riding boots and loafers, and which women inspire her in her work.

Lareymondie

How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?

I was born and raised in France, into a family with a rich history that can be traced back hundreds of years and is steeped in culture and tradition. As a child, I had a passion for equestrian pursuits, and I fell in love with my riding boots. Moving to New York eight years ago, I took on this city’s unique character, as everyone who moves here does: We live life to the fullest, every minute of every day. And of course I worked in finance, which is furiously competitive and forward-looking. You’ll find all of those elements in my company’s offerings and my personal leadership philosophy—I seek to merge beauty with contemporary taste, find people who share my passion for elegance, and keep a sharp focus on what’s needed to succeed on our own terms.

How has your previous employment experience aided your tenure at Lareymondie?

Think what it must be like to work in private equity in the financial capital of the world, and multiply that by 10. It’s always intense—you’re surrounded by skilled professionals at the top of their game. As you come through that fire, you learn a lot about yourself. Over time, I’ve learned to manage the stress and the risks, recognize my weaknesses, and add to my strengths. By any measure, my time in that world has made me a much better businesswoman.

What have the highlights and challenges been during your tenure at Lareymondie?

The biggest challenge has been to find bootmakers who can combine traditional couture techniques with contemporary needs and tastes. I obviously understand the realities, speed and mass production being valued over quality. On the flip side, the highlight has been finding that there is a real market for true quality. We offer two distinct lines, Lareymondie Couture and Lareymondie Luxury, and the single most important element they have in common is the absolute focus on customization. Our customers get to decide the leather, the patina, the trims, the embossing and so on, in essence designing their own shoe while ensuring top quality. Most women genuinely appreciate that level of control.

What advice can you offer to women who want to start their own business?

Don’t take short cuts and be ready for unexpected bumps along the way. That said, stay true to your vision—it’s the only path to success.  

Lareymondie

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date?

Mixing patience with confidence—it’s tough, but when you figure out where the balance is for you, it all gets easier.

How do you maintain a work/life balance?

In New York it’s almost impossible to separate work and life—every minute seems to consume both. But once you’ve figured out what’s most important to you, you’ll find the time for both. For me working out, doing yoga, running, going in the countryside is a great way to resource myself.

How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?

I’ve had incredibly important mentors in my own life, and I’ve tried to play that role with younger associates and employees. The thing to remember about mentors is that you feel their greatest influence far down the road. Mentors solve problem in the short term, but the lessons you learn and the wisdom you acquire affects every aspect of your life. I tell everyone I met, get a mentor, be a mentor.

Which other female leaders do you admire and why?

I’ve always admired women who make their own way in the world: Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde, and fashion icon and musician Carla Bruni, among many others. They’re all very different, yet they all make their mark in very positive ways.

What do you want Lareymondie to accomplish in the next year?

My primary goal for 2015 is to establish Lareymondie as an important startup that’s here to stay. Eventually, of course, I would like it to become the most prominent French footwear brand.

Lareymondie

Equestrian Style at Tory Burch

As a lover of all things equestrian, I am so excited to see that Tory Burch as released some horse inspired pieces into her latest collection!

From pretty ponies to bridle motifs, there's a perfect piece for everyone!

Pictured above: 

Meg Top

Kensington Riding Boot

Horse Print Scarf

Linette Jacket

Equestrian Chic

The cold mornings, crisp leaves underfoot and steaming cups of coffee signify that fall has arrived. There's also no better time to embrace equestrian fashion! Some of these are my staples, and what I find myself lusting after as soon as 1st September appears on my calendar. 

Horsing Around sweatshirt | Pixie jodhpur pant | Tuxedo shirt | Utility Force quilted jacket | Bristol riding boot | Stirrup watch