Let’s face it, when it comes to finding sports clothes that are practical yet fashionable, it’s hard to find a brand that ticks both boxes. That’s where Lexie Sport comes in…
Spotting a niche in the market for clothing that is both fashion-forward yet performance enhancing, designer Lily brought out her own range of clothing – Lexie Sport. We managed to find some time to talk to Lily all about the company and how it came about…
Lexie burst into the scene in 2012, pumped from the excitement of the Olympics, and ready to unleash her own sporting talent with the world. Designed by women, for women, Lexie aims to provide clothing for those who are just as serious about fashion as they are about their sporting performance.
We all feel better when we know we look better, and Lexie Sport ensures you feel fabulous and rearing to go. Fresh, edgy and smart, they leave you longing to head to the treadmill.
Lexie Sport is lead by founder and head designer Lily Rice who was the first UK graduate to hold a first in Unique Performance Sportswear Design BA at Central Saint Martins. Her designs have appeared in a variety of high-profile publications including Vogue, Drapers and BBC3’s ‘be your own boss’. It was whilst on this TV series that she secured investment from Innocent Smoothies main man Richard Reed. Lexie has also been recognised as one of Future’s 50 top young entrepreneurs. won Jacqueline Gold’s WOW awards, and was selected as one of Drapers ’30 under 30′ for 2014.
The collection consists of a range of t-shirts, leggings and shorts, ensuring you will have everything to need to hit the gym.
When we caught up with Lily, we found out she has always held an interest in fashion, and the creation of things that had to work with the body. She spoke of how it was challenging in the fact that there is so much freedom yet you are constrained as the body doesn’t change. Her biggest passion has been the challenge of combining fashion with function- something which is a key element when designing for sports.
This process is made a little easier due to her having always been interested in sport, with her interest in it going way back to her childhood where she had an interest in football. Nowadays Lily prefers the therapeutic elements of running as well as spinning and boot-camp.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be a designer:
I was always really interested in design and fashion in particular. I attended Central Saint Martins and then went on to study Performance Sportswear Design. I’ve always made things and had a creative nature.
Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?
Each season has slightly different inspirations but fundamentally it’s always the female form and the aesthetic of the brand which is heavily influenced by the Art Deco period. This was the real birth of woman’s sportswear and in many ways the emancipation of women into modern times so it’s a really rich source of inspiration.
What is your staple item of clothing?
I love our leggings, they are just the best! So easy to wear all day as well as perfect for the gym and actually I know some of our customers have rocked them on a night out!
Who is your style icon?
Tough one! I actually draw a lot of inspiration from street style, but to be fair I tend to do my own thing. I wear A LOT of monochrome. And Lexie Sport of course!
What is your proudest moment?
I’m always really excited to see women in Lexie. You design in 2D, get it made in 3D but it never really comes to life until it’s used, that’s an awesome moment.
One piece of style advice?
Dress for your life. There is literally nothing worse than seeing a poor girl stumbling around in heels she can’t walk it and a tiny mini. If I know I’ve loads of meetings to attend I pop on a pair of leggings or shorts with some nice sneaks or classic converse.
If you couldn’t be a designer, what would you be?
Hmm tough! I genuinely don’t think I could be anything else. I’m too creatively minded! Although I’d love to be a professional athlete but I think my love of popcorn might not mesh well with that!
Who would you most like to see wear your designs?
As long as my designs are worn with pride by strong minded girls it’s all good. We’re really passionate about feminism so women that are driven with aims and goals, whatever they might be!
Where do you most like to go for a drink in London?
Ha I’m usually too busy! But I do enjoy the tourist trap of the South bank and I popped into Shoreditch house last weekend which was an oasis in the heat!
Have you had any fashion fails?
My whole spice girl phase, = I know the 90s are back but believe me this is not what the 90s looked like. I hope I wasn’t the only one with the 2 bits of hair pulled down at the front from a ponytail? Oh and don’t talk to me about chunky highlights…
How long does it take to design your pieces?
It depends on the piece, there is a lot of design development. So while the initial sketch and idea can be very quick the development and testing can take a while. Plus we really take on board customer feedback so even if something is in production we might still tweak it.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
World domination? I’d like Lexie to be a household name, really contributing something back and getting more girls into sport, encouraging women to give stuff a go. Oh and I’ve my eye on a pair of Chanel sneakers so if I could own them by then that would be great!
You can view all of Lexie Sport’s pieces online here
Photos by: Natasha Colyer
Model: Milly Osborne
