They're collaborating with the likes of Nike, Converse, ASICS, and Alyx.
Following trails blazed by recent success stories like Off-White and Alyx, a new group of buzzy labels is betting heavily on athleisure. “It’s notable that these brands have gone from ready-to-wear that primarily looks sporty, to actual, usable fitness apparel that passes as runway ready,” says New York City–based stylist Sara Zaidane.
Here, the most exciting contenders:
Affix
This company celebrates the motto "new utility," with chic yet practical track jackets, sweatshirts, and more. It also has interesting origins: It began as a fashion-related radio show on the DIY network Know Wave before launching clothing in the fall of last year. Co-designed by it-creative Kiko Kostadinov, Affix just dropped a shoe collaboration with ASICS.
Koché
After receiving the prestigious ANDAM Prize this year, Koché founder Christelle Kocher vowed to “build out menswear,” which bodes well, given Kocher’s healthy portfolio of sports-centric men’s athleisure. The designer’s unisex collections have included collaborations with Nike, Converse, and French football club Paris Saint-Germain.
ROA
High-profile partnerships with Matthew Williams of Alyx and designer collective Brain Dead have fueled curiosity about the Italian brand, but the people behind the label prefer to remain anonymous. Instead, they let their footwear, designed mostly for mountaineering and hiking, do the talking.
Gen-Y
Another Italian label, this one specializes in black, tactical accessories, forged from vegan-friendly synthetic leather. Their newly-launched fanny-pack goes wherever your workout takes you.
Boramy Viguier
This young, emergent Parisian founded his eponymous label in 2017 after a four-year stint at Lanvin. Part of a new wave of French menswear brands, Viguier’s niche is more heavy-duty than romantic: For a serious dose of utility, check out his bold, fencing-inspired vests and technical trousers.
FLAN
FLAN is based in Brooklyn but the hippyish athleisure, whose fans range from the Hadid sisters to Drake’s dad, is California cool. The full sweatsuits are ideal for going to and from the gym or keeping things casual on recovery days.
Stratica International
Launching this fall, Stratica International focuses on footwear...for now. But that wheelhouse is subject to expand based on founder Ibn Jasper’s multi-hyphenated career path (the Chicago-born designer started out as Kanye West’s longtime barber.) His fall/winter footwear includes his bold, bright main line and a Converse collab coming later this month.