Athleta and Derek Lam Team Up

Last night night, and for the very first time, Athleta celebrated a collaboration fit for the fashionably inclined. In collaboration with their first-ever designer, Derek Lam, the active wear company—notable for its modern workout clothing designs since 1998—launched a bold new collection at their SoHo store for the next three seasons ahead. Launching online today, the collection spans fall 2015, winter 2015, and spring 2016.

“Our customer leads a very active lifestyle,” said Lam. “Fitness is very much apart of it and we always strive to create clothing which works in her life. Athleta’s expertise in performance fabrics and fibers has offered us a really exciting opportunity to create a collection, which complements perfectly what we do for Derek Lam 10 Crosby.”

The fashion designer—who was a designer at Michael Kors for 12 years before starting his own label in 2003, and is also, currently, the creative director at Tod’s for ready-to-wear and accessories—launched 10 Crosby Derek Lam in 2011.

“We’re excited to collaborate with partners who share Athleta’s passion for fitness and style and understand the modern woman lives her life on-the-go,” said Nancy Green, President of Athleta. “Versatile clothing with elevated style that takes her throughout the day is incredibly important to our customer. Derek Lam 10 Crosby is the right brand to expand Athleta’s offerings.”

And inspiration for the new line did not fall too far from the fashion tree. “Liz Giardinia, VP of Design for Derek Lam 10 Crosby, who has been working with me very closely on this project, is the perfect inspiration and embodiment of that woman,” said Lam.

Green added, “Athleta products are designed by women athletes for women athletes. Liz is the perfect designer to uphold that value. She is passionate about fitness and constantly seeks out the hottest new workout to fuel her day.”

As dancers from the Gallim Dance Company modeled—well, ran, did yoga, and danced—in the collection, guests mingled while getting a sneak-peak at the new line. Full of soft fabrics, modern cuts, and durable designs, the collection beautifully ranges from simple, cleans patterns to bold color blocking in electric green, white and black. A few favorites include a long-sleeved workout top in white, structured with a mesh back, and ultra-soft front; black jogger pants with an over-sized, wide green drawstring; a double-layered charcoal grey sweatshirt hoodie with tight sleeves underneath, and large, billowing black sleeves atop them. Chic leggings, shorts, peplum tennis dresses, sweatshirts, and oh, custom designed sneakers, did not disappoint either.