We want to thank everyone who has made Athleisure Mag such a success as we close out our first year of issues, shoots, interviews and so much more! Whether you're spending time with friends or family - have a Merry Christmas and holiday and we can't wait to continue sharing our athleisure lifestyle with you in the coming new year!
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Paul Farkas
Photography by Luis Monteiro
In an industry that is ever changing, fashion (in general) has its standards steeped in norms when it comes to age, race, height, and trends. These ideas create a sense of notions that
surround likely candidates to whom will be successful; however, like anything some rules simply don't apply.
When the fashion community is abuzz around personalities, it's worth noting that Iris Apfel, interior designer, business woman and yes fashion designer - has been doing things the way she has wanted to for well over 90 years! In a discussion with us on what rules she had to get to where she is, she exclaimed, "I don't have any rules, because I would only be breaking them, so it's a waste of time." Whether you see her on HSN with her coveted line - Rara Avis, gracing museums at her own retrospectives, taking over Paris during Fashion Week via Iris Takes Paris, designing a wearable tech line with Wisewear, giving talks to those who are inspired by her words or posing for a number of brands as a collaborator and/or face of the brand - she is doing things her way.
Although she creates a frenzy when she is out and about, she is very candid about herself. "I don't like pretty. I never felt pretty. I don't feel it now - I'm not a pretty person, but I don't feel badly. It worked out well, because I found that all the girls I know who got by on their looks, as time went on and they faded, they were nothing. And they were very disappointed. When you're somebody like myself, in order to get around and be attractive, you have to develop something, you have to learn something, you have to do something. So you become a bit more interesting."
This ethos personifies the way that Iris found herself in the most interesting circles. Her eclectic interests led her to work at Women's Wear Daily, as an assistant to interior designer Elinor Johnson, and even as an assistant to illustrator, Robert Graham.
She married Carl Apfel in 1948, two years later, they launched textile house Old World Weavers, which allowed them to travel the world and she continued to infuse her sense of style by buying non-Western pieces and artisanal clothing. "My husband used to say that I looked at a piece of fabric and would listen to the threads. It tells me a story. I have to get a physical reaction when I buy something - a bolt of lightning. It’s fun to get
knocked out that way!"
With such inspiration at her disposal, one can only wonder how many times she was struck when she also had the opportunity to work at the White House on an array of restoration products for nine presidents (Harry S. Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton).
With such a strong background and sense of self, it's the amount of projects that she has embraced that continues to open her up to audiences that may not have been privvy to the
indelible mark that she has left in fashion and pop culture.
"I see myself as the world's oldest living teenager... I try to get as much kick out of things as possible," which can be seen with a number of her collaborations that she has done in partnerships with brands such as Macy's INC line which brings her style to this on trend
brand. Pieces included her play of fabrication, mixing textures and of course - you can't talk about Iris and style without including her accessories, "I get more compliments on accessories
than anything else. I think they're kind of like herbs and spices. They give zest and zing to an outfit."
Her love of style (as this is something that one should aim for as it embodies your personality) can be seen in the way she shared an anecdote with us about her mother. "My mother worshipped at the alter of accessories and I got the bug. She always said, if you have a good, little, simple black dress and you have different accessories, you can have 27 different outfits."
At 95, there are clearly no signs of stopping for this lady of style. In addition to seeing her pop up in campaigns for Alexis Bittar and Kate Spade, - she is honored in a multitude of ways. Last year, her documentary, Iris included her late husband Carl and brought her to the big screen. This year she was honored with the Women Together Special Award of the Year at the 12th Annual Women Together Gala at the United Nations, alongside Rosario Dawson, The Punta Cana Foundation and the Loewe Foundation.
Iris' style will also have a permanent home in The Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History in Boynton Beach, Florida as designs are currently underway for a dedicated gallery that will house her clothing, accessories, and furnishings.
Who knows what's next for this 95 year old cover girl?
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Aimee Kestenberg
The summer is a perfect time of year that allows every moment to be special simply due to the fact that the days are longer, the weather is warmer and any and every activity is possible. One of the most essential accessories that are carried (specifically during this time of year) is a handbag. Although we can debate on whether there are "IT" bags and how one is placed in the running - we all know that you want the perfect style that takes what you need and allows you to go about your day without having to change it within the same day.
We have a number of handbag brands that we're fans of and we took a moment to chat it up with Australian designer, Aimee Kestenberg who has a range of cute styles and fabrications within her line that includes handbags and shoes that are available in a number of specialty stores, department stores and QVC.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you wanted to create your handbag line and what was the initial process like?
AIMEE KESTENBERG: I was lucky enough to train with some of the best luxury accessory brands while studying at Parsons The New School for Design, which really gave me a foundation of knowledge and skill set in handbags and leather goods. Having had a background in Industrial Design and then Fashion Design, handbags and accessories seemed like the perfect fit for a fashion conscious engineering based mind like mine.
I launched my namesake brand, Aimee Kestenberg after realizing that nothing existed in the world of handbags that was right for me, my sisters and friends both in casual contemporary styling, luxury leathers and affordable prices.
Going out on my own was scary and a big risk financially, but was the most thrilling and rewarding experience of my life.
AM: Tell us more about your fashion background.
AK: My father is an entrepreneur, my grandparents were all jewelers so it's safe to say creativity is in the family. I studied Industrial design prior to moving to New York upon acceptance to Parsons School of Design. I interned and trained over the years with companies including Alexander McQueen, Ralph Lauren and Sass & Bide to name a few, as well as becoming a two time winner of the Independent Handbag Designer Awards. I also apprenticed for 3 years at The House of Couture where I ghost designed for luxury labels and celebrities before going out on my own.
AM: What inspired your Spring 16 collection and anything you can tell us about your upcoming Fall and Holiday collections?
AK: Spring 2016 was inspired by free spirited energy in a world of chaos. It focuses on bringing elements of peace and colors that evoke happiness and calmness in addition to unique hand crafted detailing to focus on the human element missing in fashion world today.
The upcoming Fall and Holiday collection continues to bring a beautiful earth tone color palette combined with unique exotics and soft slouchy shapes and leathers.
AM: What are your favorite styles in the collection?
AK: The belt bag and my Iconic Tamitha Backpack. Both are chic and made for girls on the go like me!
AM: Who is the Aimee Kestenberg girl?
AK: She's fearless, family oriented a free spirit, works hard but knows how to have fun. She is a lover of all things fashion, but not a sucker for those top dollar prices. She appreciates unique design and high quality at an affordable price point.
AM: Do you see yourself adding to the collection beyond handbags luggage, small accessories etc?
AK: Definitely! We are growing daily and have also recently launched footwear! We fully intend to take the Aimee Kestenberg brand to be full lifestyle.
AM: How did you enjoy being on QVC and what did that mean for the expansion and awareness of your brand?
AK: I love being on QVC! There is no other platform in the world that puts me inside of people's homes to have the ability to speak to people one on one and explain my inspiration as well as show them what I love about each piece I create. Not to mention that there is no marketing in the world that so seamlessly allows people to get to know you!
AM: In terms of balance, how do you keep it all together with working with your stores availability in a number of countries and taking time for yourself/family?
AK: It's tough, but when you're on 24/7 like I am, you just make it work. Giving up is not an option in the mind of a true entrepreneur. I have learned different management tools along the way that have also helped me to juggle everything. You learn that time is the most precious thing you have and learn to manage it carefully.
AM: Do you plan on making Aimee Kestenberg stores?
AK: I would love to launch a flagship store, both in New York City and my hometown in Melbourne, Australia!
AM: Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?
AK: Live to the fullest and remember that the only person that controls what you can or cannot do is you! Pushing through the hardest times will make you stronger and dreams are real and do come true. :)
Read more from the June Issue.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Carlos David
And we're live! The June issue is ready and we're so excited to unveil that we have Vicky Jeudy from Orange is the New Black on the cover! She plays Janae Watson in this Netflix show which goes live on June 17th and we enjoyed shooting with her. This issue also has a number of celebrity fitness trainers including Ky Evans and Tony Horton. We also have an indepth interview with Kevin Kerslake Director/Executive Producer of AS I AM: The Life and Time$ of DJ AM. Make sure to flip through the digital issue now!
Read more from the Jun Issue
You don't always have to work out with machines! It's always a good idea to have everything you need for a total workout, while being able to tuck it all away when you're not using it. Some of our favorite items to have on hand include a jump rope that sits easily in your hands (highly suggest the foam handles), a weighted disk that can be held when you do situps to add more resistance and the versatility of a weighted bar (one of our best friends).
| Foam Jump Rope OMEGA JUMP ROPES | 7lb Fusion Fit Disc EMPOWER | 3lb Body Bar BODY BAR | Headband SWEATY BETTY | Sparkling Wild Berry CELSIUS |
Read more from the May Issue
When you're hitting the studio to enjoy your favorite fitness session, you may want to add to the amenities that they have provided. We've rounded up some must have times that you can bring with you so that you're fresh and ready for the next thing on your list!
| TRANSIENCE NS Tote in Neoprene | PACIFICA Underarm Deodorant Wipes in Coconut Milk and Essential Oils | SIMPLY GUM Natural in Ginger | CHEF'S CUT Real Turkey Jerky in Teriyaki | YES TO CUCUMBERS Cooling Hydrating Mist | BOSCIA Green Tea Blotting Linens | THE BEACHWAVER Jetsetter Flat Iron | TATA HARPER Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint | SKINN Olive & Enzyme Makeup Wipes | ELEMENT SNACKS Strawberry Rice Cakes |
Read more from the April Issue
SHOT AT The Colorado | PHOTOGRAPHY Maria Panina | STYLIST Kimmie Smith | MUAH David Stella | MODEL Jenny Bapst |
OPENING SPREAD | Jumper SPENGLISH | Lariate Necklace, Bangle + Karma Color Bracelets SEQUIN JEWELRY | Socks LEMON COLLECTIONS | IMG 1 + 2 | Zipped Jacket NEW BALANCE | Sport Bra + Pant KIRA GRACE | Mesh Sport Bra JULES X MPG SPORT | Legging NEW BALANCE | Jewelry SEQUIN JEWELRY |
Read more from Apr 2016
PHOTOGRAPHY | Carlos David
Our 3rd issue is out and of course, we're all about Spring and everything that comes with it from fashion, style, beauty and tasty treats from our Athleisure Kitchen. Make sure that you check out our issue in full right here!
Find your favorite bracelet at Ylang23.
