Celebrities have long been recognized as powerful influencers who set fashion trends and shape consumer choices. Many garments popularized by various style icons throughout the ages have left an indelible mark on the fashion world and continue to inspire designers to this day. From Audrey Hepburn's sophisticated glamour and iconic black dress look to James Dean's rebellious denim and leather style, many of the outfits sported by celebrities of the past remain staples in modern capsule wardrobes.
As trends continue to evolve, clothing that combines fashion and functionality has taken over the industry, giving rise to a new fashion genre known as activewear or athleisure, a term coined to combine casual, comfortable clothing designed for active pursuits and everyday wear.
According to the latest data, the global sportswear market, currently valued at approximately $358 billion, is expected to grow to more than $450 billion by 2028. It is therefore no wonder that many celebrities are capitalizing on this growing trend by promoting or creating their own activewear lines. In this article, we take a closer look at the big name celebrities who are currently setting the standard in the activewear industry.
Beyonce's Ivy Park
Launched in 2016, the activewear line is owned by American singer Beyoncé Knowles and focuses on apparel that can be worn by both men and women through a modern aesthetic and versatile performance wear that can be worn casually or at the gym. Inspired by streetwear, the brand fuses style with functional sportswear, offering a selection of leggings, sports bras, hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets and accessories.
Fabletics by Kate Hudson
Co-founded by actress Kate Hudson in 2013, Fabletics has become one of the fastest growing brands in the activewear world, projected to reach $500 million in revenue by 2023. The brand offers high-performance, affordable activewear in a variety of styles, colors and designs, with an emphasis on trendy, comfortable items such as leggings, tank tops, sports bras and jackets.
Kanye West's Yeezy
Yeezy is the brainchild of American rapper and designer Kanye West. The fashion brand originally began as a footwear-focused label, resulting in a line of sneakers that became hugely popular among fashion lovers around the world. Yeezy has partnered with sportswear giants such as Adidas to release limited edition sneakers and has also collaborated with Nike to create the Nike Air Yeezy. The brand has since branched out into streetwear-inspired sportswear, with tops, bottoms, and outerwear in neutral color palettes and oversized silhouettes.
Celebrity-inspired activewear
While some celebrities focus exclusively on activewear, others lend their names to limited edition items and infuse collaborative collections with their own unique style and personality. Some examples of celebrity-inspired activewear include:
- Nike Kobe Bryant Collection: Sneakers inspired by basketball legend Kobe Bryant include the Kobe 4 Girl Dad and the Nike Kobe 6 Black Mamba.
- Puma Fenty: Barbadian singer Rihanna's collaboration with sportswear brand Puma will feature a range of streetwear-inspired, performance-driven apparel, including footwear, clothing and accessories.
- Reebok x Victoria Beckham: The former Spice Girl turned fashion designer has collaborated with Reebok to bring a stylish and sophisticated twist to activewear.
As activewear revolutionizes our perception of fashion and seamlessly integrates into everyday life, celebrities will undoubtedly continue to be at the forefront of this market and movement.
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