New York – Fitness apparel brand Lululemon is continuing its move into athleisure with a second Lululemon Lab location.
The store’s first collection is designed to meet the demands of everyday New York life, such as taking the subway or walking 10 blocks for a cup of coffee. The designs, created by head designer Matt LeBlanc and his team, combine work-appropriate silhouettes and styles with stretchy, breathable fabrics.
As the name suggests, Lululemon Lab is a space for experimentation. Its remit, according to LeBlanc, is to function as an incubator for ideas that rethink the definition of athleisure, such as formal trousers that can be modified to reveal reflective details to use when cycling. ‘The Lab is meant to be an influencer of the bigger brand, so if we come up with a new amazing pant shape or original detailing that has the opportunity to be adopted by the core line,’ says LeBlanc.
Athleisure is here to stay and the sector is will grow by 30% by 2020, according to Morgan Stanley. Find out why in our Athleisure Market.