The athleisure trend is now one of the dominant forces in the fashion industry, and luxury brands have entered into the fray full force to create and feature their own singular take to highlight innovation for the active lifestyle. From fashionistas to corporate professionals, the demand for stylish athleisure wear has already been tackled by several prominent fashion houses, including the Nike collaboration with Olivier Rousteing to launch a line through NikeLab. They are not alone as Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton now produce their own line of athleisure wear and couture sneakers. Other fashion companies that are launching capsule collections are Fendi, Hermès, and Chloé, a sign that luxury retailers have fully committed to this growing sector in the fashion industry. Less than two years ago, luxury online retailer Net-a-Porter introduced Net-a-Porter Sport Channel to feature athleisure wear for 11 sports, recognizing the demand for designer sportswear.
What high-end retailers have brought to the athleisure wear market cannot be underestimated as their commitment to both style and aesthetics has led to innovative creations that are geared towards a specific clientele. These labels have utilized the latest technology available to create pieces that are lighter and complement the silhouette.
Wearable technology also has played a crucial role in changing the way athleisurew ear is produced and marketed. DYNE is a label that has created garments that keep wearers connected throughout the day while on the go, paying respects to busy lifestyles. Currently, acclaimed designers Stella McCartney, Emilio Pucci, and Alexander Wang have launched ready-to-wear collections that are set to take athleisure wear to the next level in the world of fashion.