THE FASHION SIDE OF FITNESS: - ICONIC, SKIRTSPORTS, & BODY ROCK SPORT BY KELLY DOOLEY

OUTDOOR RETAILER, SLC UTAH & CHELSEA PIERS, NY FASHION WEEK

WORDS/IMAGES JUDITH ECOCHARD

We cover lots of performance wear (and gear) and there are tech-heavy brands with loads of style, and fashion first brands we wouldn’t run a triathlon/scale Mt. Rainier in…but will do just fine for a relaxing day hike or a power stretch class.

Or in the case of ICONIC SPORTSWEAR…a new collection we caught at OR…a low impact, round of golf followed by the 19^th hole... or a scenic bike ride through the Napa Valley/Tuscany, followed by fab, wine heavy meal.

Meaning when we want to more than look presentable and are not willing to compromise on moisture management, meaningful sun protection (UPF+50), comfort and ability to move our arms, legs whatever…unhindered by what we are wearing.

So, maybe it does take a golf playing rocket scientist, with degrees from MIT and Stanford (MBA) to come up with such a stylish collection of separates those truly athletic women who KNOW fashion, will want to wear.

Leslie Chow the founder/Prez and designer of Iconic is an accomplished multi-sport (14 handicap) lady who was inspired by her own ill fitting active apparel that hindered her golf swing (we can relate to that though not the handicap ha ha)…

She founded the label that offers a feminine assortment of tops, skorts, skirts, and pants for women, a polo top for guys and unisex arm sleeves and warmers ---made from some of the most advanced fabrics out there…

Including Schoeller®’s advanced coldblack® textile finish that reduces heat and long wave UVA and short wave UV-B absorbtions---so fabrics stay cool to the touch as well as protect….

And Schoeller’s 3XDRY® an advanced moisture management system that’s a bluesign® approved process.

Added pluses…but the garments sell themselves with flattering princess cuts and seam constructions that don’t chafe, necklines that stretch and retain shapes---including a flirty bateau collar (coined Audrey), …and super details that help one perform.

Grown-up pieces for women care what they look like off the course.

Pockets for tees and golf balls, slim fitting bike tops with back pockets…

And

Color pops on the hem details with Spring 2011 collection of bright tones and flashy prints…including polka dots and an ikat.

WHAT ELSE: A del Sol group of ultra lightweight SunSleeves™ $26.95, SunDickies™ $26.95 (unisex mock turtles great for protecting the neck that feels just fine) …

SunBolero™ $49.95 that actually stretches and recovers with breathable ease…and a chic SunCardi™ $49.95-$59.95 made of a lightweight jersey with the same UPF+50 sun protection as the rest of the group. Non-chemical sun protection---that doesn’t need to be reapplied and costs the same as couple bottles of sunscreen.

Sizes are wide ranging from XS-XL at a minimum.

FYI: Iconic Sportswear apparel is priced from $26.95 to $150 for the pants…and all items are machine washable/easy care and great for travel with odor reduction, fast dry durability.

ADDED PLUS: Made in the San Fran area where the company is based. Quality control and low carbon footprint! Bravo.

INFO: www.iconicsportswear.com

SKIRTSPORTS® founder, Nicole DeBoom also found active wear for gals, lacking in style and function…and developed an idea for her eye-catching really functional running skirt back in 2004/5 as a top competitor of Ironmans.

Needless to say, that’s impressive enough.

But her concept has blossomed---into “more than running just running skirts. As in every piece we saw at OR…and it is a large collection ---are either high performing competition level workhorses--- or part of a new 10:05 Collection that “symbolizes the transition form racing to playing.”

All and all---we thought the skirts for specific sports, pant/capri skirt combos, tees, tanks, tops, jackets etc…in a largely Black/White/Seattle Gray, Vintage Blue/Pink Crush/Coco print palette for Holiday 2010 and Spring 2011.

… Go the distance, divided into Performance Sport, Cycling/Spinning and Multi-Sport bunches…

Pockets for Gel/Key.

Wider Waistbands Flatter

So yes, workout and look pretty, be protected vs. the sun (UPF+50), feel comfy with technical fabrics sourced from all over.

THE DETAILS: Cooling mesh side panels, compression and semi-compression support and/or stretchy fabrics that breathe and reduce odors, clean easy and recover their shapes.

… Music ports for headphones under waistbands, gel pockets---and even a cleavage Alley pocket inside the shelf bra (SMART),

Keeps it all in place.

Pockets...wide waist bands, seams support and flatter...

…Side pockets with reflective tape for bike tools/music players in cycling skirts with a breathable multi sport Italian made chamois…and wide waistbands that just feel better…in different lengths too.

…And all super chic separates that flatter but don’t compromise performance.

Princess seams that curve, enhancing necklines…v-neck, racer backs,

Our fav---the Happy Hour Capri with a low rider waist and cute cheeky back pockets and pin tucks that show off our curves…

We easily could have spent more time here…EASY.

SIZES for all---XS-XXL---and the inspiration “GET OUT THERE”

Info: www.skirtsports.com

Pump up the volume---New York Fashion Week has its own special take on active wear with the fun outing in the Chelsea Piers spinning room for BodyRock Sport.

And let us tell you, these gals were workin’ it…as the instructor was hardcore.

Seriously, these sreetwear outfits wouldn’t be worn exercising--- it was more the MO of BodyRock Sport---sexy, sassy supportive tops and tanks for gals with curves (or not)… cute mini skirts adorned with gold zippers and skinny denims with rocker studs.

There was some work friendly attire---a two-piece grey wide leg trouser with a fitted jacket, and a decent trench. (Bonus due for the lady working out in this)