PS: What unique challenges did the Brittany Allen x Peloton collab present, compared to designing 'fits for the instructors?
BA: To create a collection and try to meet the demands and desires of all customers is tough. It's often that you either sacrifice something that the customer may want because it isn't your aesthetic, or you are sacrificing your DNA just to be more commercial. I wanted to fight this pick-and-choose from the very start. My goal was to create a collection that was extremely cohesive, in which almost everyone could find something that they loved.
When I create customs for the instructors, I am not having to think of multiple people. I am channeling the style of the instructor, their point of view, and just marrying that with my active expertise in design. It's much more a conceptual process that results in a one-of-one. Usually with classes, we also have themes or specialty rides. With this collection, it was truly creating anything I wanted from scratch.
"It's really surprising how you can take everyday ready-to-wear or high-fashion trends and still apply it to activewear."
PS: What details did you know you wanted to include in the collection from the start?
BA: I have to admit, I think most of the activewear in the market today is super boring. I found a really incredible brand I loved a few years back, and they were insane with their fits and prints. They shut their doors not too long after [I discovered them]. It was one of those moments that I realized people don't want just neutral activewear. That was made evident during the pandemic when people were starved for exciting fashion they could wear at home.
Right now, fashionable activewear is giving consumers something completely different that isn't what they are used to seeing over and over on the racks of other brands. Sometimes, consumers want to be inspired to get up and move their body, and I want to be able to do that through loud and exciting clothing. Fashionable activewear to me features key colors, new prints, and interesting hardware.
It's really surprising how you can take everyday ready-to-wear or high-fashion trends and still apply it to activewear. In my opinion, that's what makes the pieces more versatile and not just for the gym. Still, we were really wise as to where we placed all the trims, hardware, and decorative details. Nothing is put in a place where it may feel uncomfortable or in the way during movement. I personally patterned and sewed all samples, which allowed me to try on the garments, move around, and see what worked and what didn't.
