ACTIVE STYLE
COMING
UP ACES
WOMEN'S FITNESS APPAREL IS BECOMING MORE
SOPHISTICATED AND ELEGANT, WITH LOOKS THAT WIN
BOTH ON AND OFF THE COURT. BY SUZANNE BLECHER
Word has it that 1980's "Official Preppy Handbook" is re-emerging as a must-read for today (currently on
Amazon, an original hardcover version will set you back a cool $1,600). e retro vibe and aspiration of high
society is flowing into the styles we are wearing today. New offerings from several activewear brands follow
suit. "ere is a whimsical and nostalgic feeling in this trend that makes us think of gin and tonics in the
sun, and we can get behind that feeling," commented Mark Smith, marketing director of In-Sport Fashions,
North American distributor for the athleisure brand Lune Active. Meanwhile, matching pant/bra/top sets
are elevating wardrobes with a "cohesive and put-together look" that is also very clean and classic," explains
Mondetta (MPG Sport) creative director Tony Lavilla. row eco consciousness into the mix (which Smith
calls "not a trend, but required"), and we have three strong chapters that emerge for the season — Matched
Sets, Country Club prep and Eco-Influenced apparel. Sportstyle previewed new active styles from brands at
the recent NYC Active Collective show. Here are some standouts, and what execs told us about their offerings.
6 • September/October 2023 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com
