Far from the misshapen and oversized hand me downs of old (alright, two years ago), sportswear is truly entering its most fashionable phase. Designers are sending trainers down the runway and people are now choosing to wear sportswear to do things other than sport (shock horror)! While I’m sure the majority of people have good reason too – i.e they’ve just finished a highly vigorous workout and have not had time to change – hopefully I’m not alone in recently adopting the trend to make people think that I’ve been exercising, even if the only thing I’ve been running are errands.
I can’t help myself – sportswear makes you feel fit even if you do nothing, and following its recent makeover, it’s now flattering and stylish. Bright colours! Cheeky flashes of flesh! Comfy trainers! It ticks all the sartorial boxes as well as being super practical if I ever do actually decide to do some sport.
In case we needed further proof of the growing friendship between fitness and fashion, look no further than the latest New Balance range designed by Heidi Klum. With a relatively muted colour palette of plum, burgundy, black and khaki, the overall look says urban style rather than gym junkie.
In the launch at their Chadstone store, current and future drops of the range were on show, with pieces appropriate for any activity (sports related or not). Simple yet sexy sports bras, capris and pants, tanks and t-shirts and lightweight running jackets were all fashionable and functional, perfectly in keeping with the New Balance brand.
Beyond the aesthetics of the collection, it’s the thoughtful and useful technical details that make the HK x NB range a covetable one. Glow in the dork spots on the back of tops act as a safety feature for late exercisers or early risers, the mesh inserts in tanks and pants allow ventilation, and the compression waist adds confidence and comfort. Even the trainers are lightweight and streamline, making them suitable for workouts as well as indoor activities like yoga.
Or piloxing. Never heard of it? Neither had I. A favourite of Klum herself, the New Balance team thought it would be the perfect activity to put the collection to the test. A mix of pilates, boxing and dancing, we (never mind the collection) were put through our paces in a quest to fulfill piloxing’s mantra of feeling sleek, sexy and powerful.
After recovering with delicious FINN cold pressed juices and a healthy breakfast, I leave sure of two things. One – if piloxing is good enough for Heidi Klum, it’s good enough for me, and two – Heidi Klum’s new capsule collection may just prove to be the motivation needed to actually do some proper exercise. After all, how else will I show it off?
The Heidi Klum x New Balance range is available at the New Balance Chadstone store, selected Rebel Sport stores and online at newbalance.com.au.