Fitleisure

A luxury athleisure blog focusing on the intersection of fitness and fashion with insight on the latest trends, events, designers and more.

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Olympics 2016: The Most Stylish Uniforms from the Rio Games

From Pele to James Bond, Madonna to the Fast & Furious faithful, the glamorous mystique of Rio de Janeiro is powered by iconic jet-set characters, both real and fictional. However, between the presidential impeachment, violent street protests, and Zika virus, latest news out of Brazil look like thriller trailers and [...]

Helped contribute to this fun piece on Forbes.com, give it a look!

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Sportswear Helping Make Sustainability Fashionable

Nike just released their Sustainable Business Report that states their commitment to increasing their sustainability efforts. They will increase their efforts to run 100 percent on renewable energy by the end of 2025 and hope other companies take note.

Nike Flyknit sneaker. Image courtesy Nike

During a time when fashion is slowly making strides towards increasing their environmental efforts, sportswear brands in particular are leading the way. Companies like Alternative Apparel, Patagonia and Athleta pride themselves on their initiative by using innovative fabrics and textiles. However, while it’s clear that sportswear retailers want to make this change, why has this model not been replicated by high end designers?

Eco-friendly and sustainable have been fashion buzzwords for a while and lately they’ve been linked with sportswear. Is it possible for the drive towards more environmental apparel to come from sportswear and could athleisure be the key to making sustainability cool?

Athleisure is one of the biggest growing markets at the moment driving down the sales of previous comfort staple, denim. High end designers like Charlotte Olympia, Derek Lam and Tory Burch have recently joined the movement as demand for designer fitnesswear grows. As sportswear and luxury merge it’s possible that the values of self-care and earth-care will start to as well.

The most well-known sustainable designer Stella McCartney is vocal about her activism and message though the consumer wouldn’t know when stepping into her store. She knows how to appeal to the high end shopper while also promoting her personal beliefs in a subtle way. McCartney has also brought her designer eye towards sportswear in her collaborative collection with adidas. Her message has been clear from the start and she’s proven that this is a successful model for which there is a consumer.

Stella McCartney’s Noemi Tote. Image courtesy Stella McCartney

For the high end fashion lover, finding sustainable items is what’s difficult. A market that prides itself on luxury in the form of fur, leather and the exclusive has been slow on making the change. The Kering group has expressed their efforts to moving this way. Kering’s Chief Sustainability Officer Marie-Claire Daveu has helped decrease their emissions and increased use of eco-friendly textiles.

Kering owned Gucci metal free leather bag. Image courtesy Gucci

For fashion’s greatest, Karl Lagerfeld, sustainability has been on the mind but as nothing more than a trend. The 2016 Chanel Haute Couture collection was nature inspired but Lagerfeld stated that “at the moment, sustainability is part of an expression of our times.” Although his beliefs are that this is a phase, it’s clear that statistics prove otherwise.

Chanel Haute Couture SS16 show. Photography Chloé Le Drezen

As fitness companies grow and more people turn to athleisure for their everyday tasks, luxury companies will have to make changes to appeal to the earth conscious shopper.

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5 Lessons On Successful Fashion Media Directing from Paper’s Mickey Boardman

Early Wednesday morning at St.Brigid’s church in San Francisco, hundreds of impeccably dressed students showed up to hear the fashion sermon. This was however not a religious event in the traditional sense but rather a panel hosted by The Academy of Art University where its grad and undergrad students got to learn from the publishing business elites. Walking through the pews were those who worshiped at the altar of fashion and wanted to know the tricks of the trade from Paper’s Mickey Boardman and Visionaire’s Lars Petersen. The panel was conducted by the Director of Fashion Journalism and Social Media, Stephan Rabimov and lasted approximately an hour during which Mickey Boardman instilled some priceless lessons on the attendees. Boardman, the Editorial Director of Paper Magazine has been with the publication for 23 years during which he’s seen it go through a large shift with the rise of social media and the internet. Here are the 5 key takeaways from Boardman’s experience at the top of the game:

Miley Cyrus on the cover of Paper Magazine. Image courtesy of Paper Magazine

1.      Do things that will get attention

First and foremost, the most important thing Boardman noted was that print wasn’t dead. It won’t die because people will always love holding a magazine and enjoy seeing beautiful images although that doesn’t mean Paper won’t continue expanding through the online platform either. He knows the importance of shock value and pushing boundaries no matter how big or small. Paper infamously did an issue trying to “break the Internet” that provided scandalous images which caught the world’s attention. The content you create has to be a combination of “memorable plus something that creates hysteria” which is bound to attract website clicks. When it comes to size or volume, it’s more about the quality as Boardman stated that “it has to be something that’s fabulous you can see, digest and share. A picture with a caption is plenty.”

The old versus the new Paper Magazine covers

2.      Be willing to change

When everybody is doing what’s always been done and not getting the necessary results that’s when you know you need to change. Figure out new strategies to get the attention of the reader whether it’s risqué editorials hoping to “break the internet” or branded content with Grindr which will be happening in an upcoming issue. “We’re in a landscape where we have some wonderful opportunities to embrace change and do things that are really different that will get attention, set you apart from other people” said Boardman. He recognizes the way that social media and the Internet drive content production so appealing to it will help you stay current. Be willing to innovate and you won’t be left behind.

Paper Magazine Instagram Account

3.      Customize per medium,

Know your consumer, what they want to see and how they want to see it. According to Boardman, “you have to approach print from a digital perspective. That works because most people see Paper magazine from the website.” Understanding the medium allows for you to tailor content to it and knowing your audience lets you know how to cater to them as well. “We don’t think of ourselves as a magazine, we’re content producers. We think about something differently when producing for Instagram and we do the same when we think about doing the magazine and the way we think about the website.” Although it’s a lot of work, it’s necessary to be aware that not all platforms are the same so don’t treat them that way.

A video posted by Vogue (@voguemagazine) on May 3, 2016 at 12:37am PDT

The Olsen twins by Gordon Von Steiner. Image courtesy Vogue Magazine

4.      Fabulous + Shareable = Success

A word that Boardman used generously was “fabulous” and he made sure you knew that it’s what you have to always strive for no matter the cost, “you have to go there and try to do something fabulous.” New content that’s done in a quick, accessible way is a winning combination. For Boardman, it’s important to show something that you’ve never seen before and won’t get anywhere else. “I don’t care about seeing something Behind the Scenes, I could care less about it. I want to see the Olsen twins dancing with neon tubes. I could watch that all day,” in reference to Gordon Von Steiner’s video portraits of celebrities at the Met Gala this year. When content is inherently fabulous and easy to share, then it’s success.

A retweet from Mickey Boardman’s Twitter account

5.      Raccoon videos are good for the soul

When it comes to dealing with the high stress and pressures of the jobs demands, it’s important to have a sense of humor and figure out ways of dealing that work for you. For Mickey it’s all about videos of raccoons eating cat food “If I don’t see at least one raccoon video a day, I will die” joked Boardman when discussing the immediacy and accessibility of the internet. When the topic of self-care came up and how he deals with the constant strain he joked that he cried while making overly dramatic hand gestures. In reality he acknowledged the importance of self-care in whatever matter that is whether it’s meditation or running, do what works. 

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#WellnessWednesday 5 Inspiring Yoga Transition Videos To Try

As #WellnessWednesday is upon us it’s time to reflect and get over the midweek hump by spending some quality time stretching. While we all have our main go-to routines, it’s beneficial for the body to switch it up and try something new. Here are 5 yoga inversion videos with instructions on how to practice some diverse poses. Get to stretching and bring a little extra flexibility to your Wednesday. 

1. Bakasana with Kino

Kino MacGregor is one of Instagram’s biggest yogi’s but her YouTube channel is where all the gems are. Here she shows how to get into the Bakasana or crow/crane pose which helps with posture and upper body strength. The video challenges you to hold the pose for a minute to gauge your back strength but practicing getting into the pose is motivation enough. The short 3-minute video easily captures all that’s needed to get into this impressive pose.

2. Yoga, Balance, and Transitions

This video is a snippet from a longer class by Emily-Clare Hill though it’s enough to help motivate and see how to transition into a few standing poses. While standing poses don’t seem tough, they are helpful for leg strength and opening the hips. What’s great about this video is that it showcases students of different levels so you don’t have to feel intimidated about not being as flexible as the rest. Focus on the breath and a little balance while mastering these standing poses.

3. Side Crow to Eka Pada Koundinyasana Transition with Dylan Werner Yoga

Yoga teacher Dylan Werner demonstrates the transition from side crow to Eka Pada Koundinyasana which translates to one leg sage pose. These are a bit more complex and intense but if you’re feeling up for it, give them a shot and really feel the stretch. This video helps to understand how to do such a technical transition proving that there is a lot of strength both mental and physical to gain fro yoga. 

4. Supta Virasana to Kapotasana, Yoga Transition with Kino 

Another video from Kino Macgregor who shows how to go from supta virasana, the reclining hero pose into kapotasana, the pigeon pose. This transition is incredible for back strength though it’s more for the advanced yogis. However, don’t let that discourage you from practicing and learning your way up to this inversion. Get inspired by the short video and aim for it in the future.

5. How To AcroYoga: Star Transitions with Daniel Scott Yoga              

For the acro couples or friends who want to stretch together, this star transition video gives a thorough step-by-step instruction on how to master this routine. By working on this with a partner, you can build your bond as well as get some quality stretching in. It’s an exercise in trust and stability that helps with balance and upper body strength.

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6 Ways to be More Sustainable at the Gym

Stella McCartney All in One Onesie for adidas. Image courtesy adidas

April is Earth month and with the 22nd being Earth Day, taking care of the planet as well as the body go hand in hand. Healthy looks good on everybody especially the earth and the way to do this is by being more sustainable. Doing more for the planet can be easy and chic so learn more about it below.

Amrita Yoga legging. Image courtesy Sweaty Betty

1.      Reversible clothing

What’s better than getting two for the price of one? Not having to buy two pairs of one garment! For those who want a little more versatility in their wardrobe and hate repetitive clothing, buying reversible items is the perfect solution. This means less purchases and getting more use out of one pair of leggings or shirt. There are many reversible items available such as hats, tops and even jackets. This pair of Amrita Yoga leggings from Sweaty Betty are stylish and diverse offering a print and basic black to play up to your taste.

Sycamore Jacket from Cozy Orange. Image courtesy of Cozy Orange

2.      Eco friendly garments

The stamina behind eco friendly clothing being “hippy” is being crushed by the new sportswear lines coming out specifically aimed towards style and sustainability. At the forefront is Stella McCartney whose sole mission is to create eco-friendly garments but she’s not the only one doing this. Lesser known companies like Cozy Orange, Alternative Apparel and prAna offer garments made from recycled materials and innovative technology that combine ethics with fashion.  

Klean Kanteen water bottle. Image courtesy Klean Kanteen

3.      Water bottles, not plastic

Plastic is notorious for being harmful for the environment and for a gym regular they can be quite costly. Instead of purchasing a new Smart Water before every session, carry your own water bottle. A reusable option is Klean Kanteen who avoid BPA, donate to help the environment and continue to reduce their carbon footprint. They’ve been making stainless steel bottles since 2004 and are recognized by the B Corp making them certified as a sustainable company.

eQua towel in spirit blue from Manduka. Image courtesy of Manduka

4.      Carry your own towel

Many gyms offer towels and while it’ s a great service, it is also a waste of energy. They are washed in bulk and strong chemicals that are needed to cleanse the towels of sweat and other grimy germs that are found at the gym. Go with a more eco-friendly eQua towel from Manduka that is made from recycled synthetic material that is soft to the touch and long lasting.

Stella McCartney gray studio bag for adidas. Image courtesy Stella McCartney

5.      Carry the right bag

What’s inside the bag isn’t the only way to be sustainable because the bag itself can be green. Stella McCartney’s gray studio bag is a great example of high fashion meets fitness that’s also not too damaging on the environment. It has a crocodile print though no crocodiles were hurt in the making of the bag. It’s athletic and durable, spacious enough for all the other sustainable items to fit.

   Make sure to plan ahead and research. Image courtesy Smack Bang Designs

6.      Do the research

The final suggestion although obvious, is easier said than done. Doing research is key when it comes to preparation and being mindful in purchases. Learn more about what your products are made from and if there are eco-friendly alternatives. Get to know what designers offer and if their garments are made from sustainable materials. As the market grows so will more options for the environmentally considerate.

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The Secret to Activewear? Comfort

Although it’s no surprise, activewear has been proven to be popular not just for it’s chic, laid back aesthetic but for comfort. Cotton Inc. released a study on why consumers love this market so much and the practicality seemed to be of utmost importance. Fashion and lifestyle choices play a role in this as well though comfort seems to be the biggest key. Read more about the Cotton Inc. findings here.

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Athleisure, Eco Style

The movement towards sustainability and eco-friendly apparel is moving towards the fitness group. Those who want to keep themselves healthy now know what to do to help keep the earth healthy which means being environmentally conscious. Triple Pundit released a well written study on the importance of being eco friendly when it comes to athleisure. They inform on facts like the  amount of gas it takes to produce one t-shirt which is 3.6 kilograms of carbon emissions. Read more about what can be done to be more sustainable and eco friendly when shopping for activewear here.

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Beautiful Video Shows Strength of Yoga

Video still courtesy of Nowness

British yoga instructor Felix Price is captured doing a number of yoga poses in a powerfully shot short video by Ian Derry on Nowness. The profile demonstrates the physical prowess of Price who narrates explaining what yoga means to him. It’s visually stunning with a monochromatic tone and an increased contrast. Get to know more about Price and watch the full video here.

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Mass Sportswear Retailers Changing Their Strategies

Companies like Nike, adidas and Under Armour are shifting their ways by catering even more to the customer with the help of social media. L2 Inc, a business intelligence company has conducted a study about the impact of social media on these companies’ approach to reaching their consumer base. They show that by creating more apps, experimenting with them and personalizing garments they’re able to have more success. Get to know more about this by watching their video here.

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Who is Careaux?

27-year-old Caroll Lynn is a blogger, artist, footwear and graphic designer who got her start thanks to the internet. Sharing her sneaker illustrations led to her showing her work at Jeff Staple’s New York boutique, Reed Space. Currently she’s designing for Filling Pieces Amsterdam, living in Sydney and traveling. Careaux was also recently the subject matter of a Puma commercial, part of their “First Steps” campaign.

Get to know more about @iamcareaux through her Tumblr and Instagram.

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Rebecca Minkoff, Women in Tech and a Ticket to Fashion Week

Rebecca Minkoff speaking to the crowd. Photo: Gabrielle Lurie, Courtesy of The Chronicle

It’s not often you get to see a panel of women who've made individually successful careers with the help of tech but on April 11, I got to see just that.

I went to UC Berkeley’s Unleash Your Creativity With Technology talk sponsored by Intel to see Rebecca Minkoff talk about technology’s impact on fashion but got to learn a lot more. As a fashion journalism student, secretly my main incentive was to see a famous designer talk about her career. However, it was quite enlightening to also learn how women are taking charge within this field. A field that still feels distant despite my living in San Francisco.

The panelists on stage. Photo: Vivien Moon

On the stage in front of many undergraduate and graduate females, 7 individual women with great insight shared their secrets to succeeding in STEM related fields. The talk was led by the Director of EECS Diverstiy & Achievement at UC Berkeley, Tiffany Shaleen Reardon who helped direct the conversation in a way the attendees could relate to. Along with Minkoff the other panelists were Alexandra Bernadotte the founder and CEO of Beyond 12, Renee Wittemyer Intel Director of policy, Hillary Kerr the  Co-founder of Who What Wear, Jess Lee the co-founder and CEO of Polyvore and Brit Morin, founder and CEO Brit + Co. Each woman had her own background but explained how to use it to your advantage in a STEM job or as Morin referred to it, STEAM, “because you can’t have science without art.”

The panelists discussed a variety of topics from how they got started online, breaking the glass ceiling to more personal topics like knowing when to let go of toxic friendships. When asked about facing rejection, Minkoff doled out a bit of advice in the form of her own mantra, “no is just the beginning of yes, it’s never a failure.” She gave examples from the start of her career when she’d have to pass out flyers to get customers to never settling or being complacent with current success. According to Minkoff, as women we’re part of the maker movement, literally and figuratively because we can do both at which point Morin pointed at her pregnant belly. The speakers were gracious, inspiring and motivating in the pursuit of jobs in an area socially women haven’t been encouraged to pursue. They reinforced the need for more women to step up and tackle issues that men wouldn’t understand. Minkoff is proof that some job’s are  better done yourself, “they don’t know what a fat mirror is,” in reference to her new “smart” dressing rooms.

Rebecca Minkoff demonstrating how to use the “smart” mirror. Image courtesy Fast Company

As the panel discussion came to a close we were encouraged to go and network with the other attendees. I found out that there were just as many from the technical sciences programs as there were from fashion. Breakout sessions followed with some of the panelists discussing millennials in the workforce or the merging of fashion and tech. The final event was a raffle draw for Rebecca Minkoff bags and a smartwatch presented by Minkoff herself. The first prize was won by my colleague, Courtney Wilkins who ran up and got her picture with the designer. I was surprised but excited for my friend to get such a great prize but the raffle wasn’t over. Up next was a bag, wallet and a ticket to Minkoff’s Fall/Winter 2016 show in New York. This got the crowd excited as everybody gripped their tickets.  As she read the numbers I saw each one on mine be read aloud. In a frenzy I quickly shouted “Woo!” and got the attention of the entire room before quickly scurrying through the crowd to the designer. As she handed me the bag with the ticket sticking out of it, we got our picture taken together and though it was all a blur it’s one I’ll never forget.

While my own experiences with tech haven’t been the easiest, I feel encouraged to persevere and "stay with it”. I admit, I initially went for Minkoff, I left with a greater appreciation for each speaker. The overall experience was enlightening and beneficial to my future because they gave us something that’s not tangible, the advice and knowledge of the women who are paving the way for me.

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Finding Balance in a Yoga Mantra

You are what you chant

“Find your breath and focus on it” my yoga instructor told me on a regular Sunday session in Dolores Park. It’s half past 11 am, the park is mostly filled with dogs and young families as my small group of 15 women do a type of yoga called Kundalini. We’re in the center of the notoriously slanted park and the light breeze makes the warm sun less abrasive as we do our repetitive breathing exercises. Initially, it’s hard to focus with the toddlers and puppies running around but we’re all here for the same reason, to end the week on a serene note and restore some balance in our lives.

“I want you to think to yourself, I am blissful, I am bountiful, I am beautiful,” the instructor continues as we begin to wind down. The Kundalini practice is one of many but focuses on building physical vitality and increasing consciousness. Repeating this mantra while taking deep breaths helps to cultivate positive energy and remember the simplicity of those words. We end the session with a peaceful song that praises the earth and gives thanks for our surroundings followed by a chant. “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, to the divine indweller in all, oneness.”

The initial sound heard after the creation of the universe. Image Courtesy Yoga Journal

Practicing yoga has become a ritual for many whether it’s for physical, mental wellbeing or both. Some even do it first thing in the morning to center themselves before a busy day. It’s the little bit of time you set aside to meditate and regroup your thoughts or try to stretch your body and give it the break it needs from daily wear. A meditative chant or mantra are encouraged as part of the practice to help center the thought. A mantra can be a syllable, word or collection of words representing a spiritual reality while a chant is a repetition of the mantra. They work well with yoga to help realize personal ambitions and restructure thought to what’s important.

A mantra can be chanted, whispered, sung, thought or even written depending on the type of realization is necessary. They’re primarily in Sanskrit, Gurmukhi or another form of ancient Indian language associated with a specified type of yoga. Remembering the many different mantras can be tough but finding one that resonates is what matters. Writing down a mantra can act like an affirmation, it impacts the subconscious. Chanting and saying it out loud or singing allows awareness to wake the inner vehicles. Whispering lets you see the minor changes in your awareness. Breathing a mantra lets the currents vibrate within you enhancing life force. Thinking a mantra brings the energy within and absorbs it, keeping it within and circulating.

The overall message of yoga is finding inner peace as well as bliss with your surroundings and understanding that the universe is full of energy. Where you practice isn’t what’s important but rather that you practice and take the time to thank your body. Yoga isn’t judgmental and can be done in a park with a small group of acquaintances, a dorm room by yourself or a professional studio with other yogis. With a mat you can go virtually anywhere at any time and take those few moments to disconnect from the daily grind. It helps build stability and strengthen the core, balancing the inner with the outer. Balance can be hard to master but with the help of some proper gear, a tricky pose can be more accessible. Nike’s studio wrap shoes have a silicon traction pattern that helps with grip on a mat or a regular floor and its elastic stretch helps hug the foot seamlessly. Their lightweight material gives a barefoot feeling that lets you focus more on inner stability and having a proper session of meditation. Feeling more in tune with the ground and the atmosphere, a peaceful mantra can change your whole outlook on the day.

Nike Studio Wrap 4. Image Courtesy Nike

In the park as the hour passed, the group chanting brought together a positive energy that allowed us to bond and refocus. As we wrapped up our session we finished off with a group renounced “Namaste”.

A chance for peace. Image courtesy Yoga Journal

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5 International Pop Videos With Serious Style

The newest musical talents around the world have a lot of fashion savvy music videos that anyone can take style cues from. Here are 5 stunning videos to take note of.

Canada/Bahrain: Majid Jordan

R&B duo Majid al Muskati and Jordan Ullman are the soulfull creators behind hits like “Something About You”, “Learn From Each Other” and “Her”. Their names are familiar because they are signed to Drake’s label OVO Sound and appeared on his hit “Hold On, We’re Going Home” in 2013. One of their first videos, “Her” is a sensual, monochromatic love song with painted models, strategic silhouettes and a bit of black paint. Everything from the tailored jackets to the all white ensembles gives off a cool modern vibe that’s symbolic of their sound.   

UK: FKA Twigs

One of the more eclectic pop stars on the scene, FKA Twigs has made a lot of waves in the fashion world. Her music video for “Two Weeks” pays homage to Aaliyah in Queen of the Damned with the opulent crown and gold painted dancers. It’s tastefully over the top but so much of her music and style is like that. She’s a charismatic individual not afraid of embroidery, layered gold jewelry and oversized garments. The lyrics are incredibly racy, not what you’d expect from a pop star but the execution in styling is flawless.

Armenia: Sirusho

Armenia’s Sirusho is not only stunning but her style has gotten her just as much attention especially in music videos like ‘PreGomesh’. The talented chanteuse mixes folk with pop and although her songs are in Armenian, there is no denying their catchy rhythms. In her hit ‘PreGomesh’ she can see her wearing a number of distinct looks one more eye catching than the next. From a traditional headdress paired with a red lace gown to an Aztec printed vest cinched with a metallic belt it’s visually stimulating. Take note of the effortless styling of the coin embellished accessories.

Morocco: Jamila El Badaoui

‘Blach Blach’ is  a playful hit from Moroccan Jamila El Badaoui whose lively sense of style is prominent in this music video. Each outfit corresponds to the background though Jamila stands out despite matching the wallpaper. Her enigmatic personality and strong vocals make the video even more entertaining despite not understanding the lyrics. While most prints are expected, the florals and girly pink polka dots, they don’t compare to the baby blue lyric covered gown. Though these looks would be hard to recreate they are the embodiment of fashions fun, dreamy side.  

South Korea: CL

The hottest thing to come out of South Korea recently is K Pop star CL whose style can really be describes as fearless and ‘more is more’. CL’s music video ‘The Baddest Female’ has her in a number of hip hop inspired ensembles, leather eye patches and graphic prints. Her many looks add to the absurdity of the video but the highlight is her playing around with gender roles dressed up as a man with a Dali-esque surreal mustache. The rapper is encouraging of her “bad girls” and with an extensive wardrobe, she’s a fun musician with some catchy tunes worth paying attention to.

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Short Fashion Films the Future of Advertising?

Macquarie Centre, a shopping mall in Sydney, Australia, released a short fashion film titled “Love Yourself’ for the AW 16 campaign in an effort to inspire shoppers to love themselves. The Rene Hernandez directed short is the first for the shopping destination and it seems like now shopping malls are investing in fashion films as well as fashion brands.

Although this type of advertising isn’t new, it’s becoming more common as designer houses like Chanel, Lanvin and Dior have released their own films on numerous occasions. What does a film bring that a regular advertorial campaign doesn’t? It allows for the viewer to see the items in motion, how they fit and how they enhance the actors life, something a photograph can’t fully project to the same degree. Within a film, a garment can have a life of it’s own, be blown in the wind, provide warmth or evoke a memory. With fashion films it’s easier to sell a garment because it can tap into a viewers emotions, like ‘Love Yourself’ does. In the film the lead, Sophie Lowe states “you are what you love, you are what you think, you are what you wear.” Throughout the film Lowe and Ryan Corr are wearing apparel from Alice McCall, MJ Bale and Zara as they make their way around the Blue Mountains.

This type of short is created with the same execution as a feature film, though with slightly less time. As this is a more regular occurrence, will fashion films become bigger and more common? It seems so since there is a festival dedicated to such a film genre.

The La Jolla International Film Festival that is referred to as the ‘Cannes of the fashion film world”. It takes place in La Jolla, southern California from July 29 - 30th, for the 7th year in a row giving a light to the short films. There are many films nominated for best picture, director and acting as well as other categories, similar to the Academy Awards. There is prestige behind these films now as they are recognized as more than commercials.

A photo posted by La Jolla Fashion Film Festival (@ljifff) on Feb 24, 2016 at 10:09pm PST

As the fashion and film worlds merge even more, there is no doubt that there will be a growth of fashion houses turning to video to showcase their work. What sets films apart from commercials is their longer time-frame that allows for more narrative and emotion. While advertisements are going to continue to make revenue, fashion films are the new way of getting attention and creating a lasting impression. 

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The Stylish but Nude Yogi

She doesn’t wear anything yet her images are captivating Instagram while abiding to their strict rules. Shot in black and white, the model, 25 is her own muse and photographer. She does a variety of poses that she shares through her Instagram account as well as her website. See more from her on her here. 

A photo posted by Nude Yoga Girl (@nude_yogagirl) on Feb 24, 2016 at 11:09am PST

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The Quick Workout You Have Time For

At home circuit to feel the burn 

Getting a workout in when you’re strapped for time can be a bit of a hassle but it doesn’t have to be with a simple circuit. The only hard part about a circuit is figuring out what exactly to do and for how long. The staff of Our Body Book have come up with a sample circuit that’s bound to get your heart racing and the bonus is that it can be done in 30 minutes, virtually anywhere. It’s no equipment, no muss, no fuss and you can check it out here. 

Image source: ourbodybook

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Julianne Hough Jumps into Fitnesswear

Julianne Hough of Dancing With the Stars, announced her own fitness apparel collection in collaboration with MPG, Mondetta Performance Gear. The collection was announced via her Instagram account and is currently available for purchase online.

A photo posted by Julianne Hough (@juleshough) on Mar 7, 2016 at 9:00am PST

The collection is available at the MPG website as well and will be making its way to Lord & Taylor stores in two weeks after an official launch. So far the Spring/Summer collaboration consists of 12 styles though MPG plans on expanding it into a capsule collection.

What can be expected from the collection is a variety of cute sports bras with keyhole detailing, brightly colored tops and a few capri pants. The selection is small but promising, something that Hough can build on as a very active person herself.

Crown Cover Up. Image courtesy of MPG

Although this is a new collaboration for both, this isn’t the first time a celebrity has stepped into the athleisure market. Kate Hudson is the face and co-founder of Fabletics, a subsidiary of JustFab that has gone beyond just an online retailer. They have recently announced plans to open 100 more stores after already opening 7. Along with Hudson, Rihanna has her own collaborative line with Puma called FentyxPuma. Beyonce is also set to launch a fitness venture with Topshop later in the year. With the fitness movement getting stronger, it doesn’t seem like celebrities will stop having a say in what to wear.

A photo posted by @fabletics on Mar 7, 2016 at 6:05pm PST