Fashion Comes ‘Om’

DESIGN | by ALEXANDRA SMITH

LIKE SUSHI, FENG SHUI AND BELLY DANCING BEFORE IT, the mainstreaming of yoga has led to some interesting niches, twists and re-interpretations.

SOURCE: MARGARITA.COM

Besides the countless spins on hatha (physical) practice ― see: yogalates, disco yoga, yoga booty ballet ― there have been serious revisions to the loose cotton uniform of yore. Although yoga-wear shed its hippie aesthetic a while back, until recently most gear leaned more towards functional than fashionable.

But these days, a host of designers are turning out Om-worthy attire that works as well on the mat as it does for post-practice brunch. The following are three lines fashionable yoginis should keep an eye on.

• Margarita: Based out of Israel, this up-and-coming brand features a disco-like aesthetic: think bold color swatches, groovy graphics and pants so flared they border on bell-bottoms. This gear isn’t for the studio wallflower ― the Margarita girl likely places her mat up front and organizes after-class happy hours.
• Foat Design: Eco-friendly yoga lines are a dime a dozen, but Minneapolis-based Foat Design takes conservation one step further. Their clothing is not only 100 percent handmade, it’s crafted with material left over from their couture line, which includes sweaters, dresses and skirts, making each piece literally one of a kind.
• Lululemon: The list would be incomplete without the best-known and arguably most-reviled brand out there. Lululemon is the biggest player in the premium yoga category and as such bears the brunt of criticism that yoga and $100 clothing are mutually incompatible. Still, it’s hard to argue with the quality and design of Lululemon’s gear, or with their seemingly endless array of color, cut and sizing options.