From Street to Chic: The Athleisure Revolution in Paris

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From Street to Chic: The Athleisure Revolution in Paris

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, there’s one trend that has truly taken center stage: athleisure. This fashion movement combines athletic and leisurewear, offering a versatile and stylish wardrobe that has captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Its rise in popularity is inextricably linked to the Covid pandemic’s work-from-home era; remote work became the norm, and with it came a new appreciation for comfortable clothing. While some people were content with the combination of a nice top and pajama bottoms for Zoom calls, others sought out attire that’s suitable for both staying at home and going out, without the worry of revealing their underwear in the middle of a stakeholder meeting.

Could athleisure just be a passing trend? Not if you look at its adoption in the fashion capital of Paris. Even in the city of haute couture, athleisure has become a go-to choice for those who prioritize both comfort and style. It isn’t just about donning workout clothes throughout the day. Athleisure has evolved to encompass a wide range of clothing and accessories, from yoga pants and joggers to oversized hoodies and sleek sneakers. It’s about embracing comfort without sacrificing elegance, and it’s a style that resonates with individuals from all walks of life. Athleisure celebrates the idea that fashion should adapt to our lifestyle, not the other way around.

Le Bristol Paris X Sporty & Rich

An example is the recently launched collaboration between Le Bristol Paris and Sporty & Rich. This collaboration marries the heritage and contemporary style of the legendary palace hotel with the California leisurewear brand. The result is a co-branded capsule collection that embodies both Le Bristol’s elegance and Sporty & Rich’s relaxed sophistication.

Marking its debut during Paris Fashion Week, the Le Bristol Paris x Sporty & Rich collection is not just about what you wear but how you feel when you wear it. It’s about embracing a lifestyle that celebrates comfort, self-expression, and the joy of dressing up while staying comfortable. The capsule collection offers an array of stylish and comfortable pieces: cashmere ensembles, cozy pajama sets, ultra-comfortable sweatshirts, T-shirts, and sweatpants adorned with the brands’ logos. Available at SportyandRich.com and in an exclusive pop-up at Le Bristol Paris Boutique — the first store dedicated to Sporty & Rich in France.

Le Bristol Paris X Sporty & Rich

Reluctant to embrace the athleisure movement? Take a cue from fashion icons like Gigi and Bella Hadid, Elsa Hosk, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who have all incorporated athleisure into their style, proving that this trend is here to stay. Check out the looks below.

Gigi Hadid

Keeping it nice and simple, the older Hadid sister’s go-to look for errands is a sweater and leggings. She pairs it with sunglasses and a handbag.

Elsa Hosk

Elsa effortlessly pulls off a cozy and chic look with her matching sweater and joggers ensemble, enhanced by a classic boxy blazer.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie looks comfortable as she walks in the sun with her family, wearing a white version of the matching Sporty & Rich set seen on Elsa. She completes her look with a pair of sunglasses.

Bella Hadid

Bella, the queen of streetwear, brings a vibrant touch with her green “Empathy” crewneck, paired with leggings, a vintage leather bag, and her hair pulled back into a sleek high ponytail.

Lead photo credit : Le Bristol Paris X Sporty & Rich

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A recent BA Graphic Design graduate from Falmouth University, Sarrah is a digital marketing and design executive at France Media Group. Keen to give everything a try, she is a big believer in “you learn something new every day.” From designing to marketing and writing, her interests and curiosity are constantly evolving.

Comments

  •  Hazel Smith
    2023-10-12 12:28:51
    Hazel Smith
    Argh1 I don't like this at all. Paris, once arbiter of good taste, has succumbed.

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    • Christine Moore
      2023-10-14 06:21:21
      Christine Moore
      My heart dropped when I read the title, but then I noticed that none of the women profiled here are actually French... thank goodness! I was in France for 2 months this summer, with one month in Paris and I didn't see French women wearing athleisure ware... they wore comfortable, yet stylish simple clothes. Does this author live in France? I wonder where she got the impression that there's an "Athleisure Revolution in Paris?" I didn't see it. There are plenty of Americans wearing skimpy tops and leggings, but I hope the French don't follow their example but rather that they continue to take pride in their stylish wardrobes.

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      • Sarrah Turner
        2023-10-16 11:17:52
        Sarrah Turner

        Thank you for the comments! While I understand where you are both coming from, I do think athleisure is more than just skimpy tops and leggings. For example, I’ve attached an instagram post below where athleisure works well. It’s a good example where you can mix and match athletic pieces with something more dressy, like the skirt, for a look that's comfortable and casual, but also fashionable.

        Perhaps the examples I gave weren’t the best examples that I could have showcased, but I do wholeheartedly believe in styling for comfort not just looks, which is why I agree with athleisure. Though it all depends on context- obviously something that you would wear for a quick errand, or a brunch with friends, will differ from outfits for dinners and meetings.

        And when it comes to the title “Athleisure Revolution in Paris”, it’s due to the collaboration between Le Bristol and Sporty x Rich. For an elegant institution like Le Bristol to team up with an athleisure brand, that sure is something!

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