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Beyoncé wearing Ivy Park, the new active wear label she co-founded.

The hottest athleisure wear in Hong Kong, from Alala to Zara Sport

As well as the big brands and big-time celebrities such as Beyonce, there are smaller labels turning out fashion-conscious sportswear too. We pick the ones you should be looking at

Some call it athleisure, others call it sportswear chic. One thing’s for sure, this category is only set to grow as women continue to look for fashion-inspired activewear that can transition easily from the gym into their everyday lives.

Hong Kong has lagged behind New York and Los Angeles in adopting the trend, but with the fitness craze in the city showing no signs of abating, demand is high for stylish athleisure garb. Here’s our pick of the brands merging high performance and high style.

Olympic gold medallist sprinter Sanya Richards-Ross wearing NikeLab x RT.

NikeLab x RT

Nike’s partnership with high-fashion label Sacai last year was well received. Next in line is a much-hyped collaboration with Italian designer Riccardo Tisci. The collection of training apparel and footwear, called NikeLab x RT: Training Redefined, features bold new silhouettes and graphics all engineered with performance in mind (it also incorporates signature Nike technologies such as Dri-FIT and Flyknit).

The collection will be split into two lines with completely different styles The first is definitely more high fashion with its monochrome palette, while the second features a cool clash of floral and kaleidoscopic prints inspired by Rio de Janeiro, home of this year’s summer Olympics. The collection is expected to arrive into stores this July.

At Nike, Cityplaza, 18 Taikoo Shing Road

Ivy Park

Singer Beyoncé continues to grow her empire with her first line of activewear, launched in partnership with British high street chain Topshop. Called Ivy Park (after her daughter), the look is less high fashion and more urban, with logo-covered separates that you can imagine her dancers swanning around in. At the same time Lady B has ensured that the line is extremely functional and has used technical fabrics like mesh. Most of the styles are designed to be mixed and matched and there’s plenty on offer, from hoodies and bras to shorts and leggings.

Available at Topshop, 59 Queen’s Road Central, and netaporter.com

A look from LNDR.

LNDR

LNDR doesn’t have a fancy designer behind it. Instead it was established by a collective of industry professionals who have worked with various lifestyle fashion brands such as Paige Denim, Ted Baker and Victoria Beckham. The look is simple and casual with an emphasis on technical performance wear so expect fabrics that are weatherproof, antibacterial or that can even regulate body temperature.

While the line includes sporty must-haves such as zip-up jackets and leggings, it also offers everyday basics such as the chic Body Dress, which is constructed using silver technology yarns that are naturally antibacterial and prevent odour so you can sweat in style.

Available at matchesfashion.com

Two looks from Alala’s spring-summer 2016 collection.

Alala

Singaporean Denise Lee decided to develop Alala when she was training for her first triathlon in 2012. Based in New York, the line has a contemporary, downtown attitude with collections that could easily be photographed on street style icons thanks to their fashion-forward style. For the latest spring collection, Lee was inspired by the laid-back style of surf wear, which she has fused with classic fitness silhouettes made from nano-weight woven fabrics, so they are super comfortable. The fashion touch can be seen in the marble and stone prints, which are contrasted with bold colours.

Available at Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central

Two looks from No Ka’Oi.

No Ka’Oi

It’s hard to believe that yoga wear brand No Ka’Oi is inspired by the laid-back Hawaiian lifestyle (No Ka’Oi means the best in Hawaiian). As it turns out, its quirky and playful designs are created by a team based in Italy that works with major design houses in Europe.

Billed as “action couture”, the pieces wouldn’t look out of place on the Paris catwalks and are often inspired by the worlds of nature and art. For spring the theme is futurism, so expect bras and leggings decorated with blocks of rainbow colours, or abstract patterns based on light refraction. Highlights include the Noho v-neck white and red top with embellishments on the side.

Available at Lane Crawford

Cropped bow leggings and sneakers from Zara Sport.

Zara Sport

Zara is known for its affordable, on-trend basics and its new sports line is no exception. Expect mix-and-match staples made with fabrics designed to provide enhanced breathability and body temperature regulation.

The collection is divided into two categories – one dedicated to activewear, the other more wellness-focused, with loungewear separates such as sporty black trousers, cardigans and loose sweatshirts. Also new is a range of matching accessories from sneakers and pool slides to water bottles and duffel bags.

Available at Zara, IFC Mall, Central

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: active duty
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