P.E Nation x H&M: Sustainably sourced athleisure
The line between athletics and leisure has never been this thin, and this new collab hits both ends in the perfect way. The Sydney-based brand P.E Nation, launched in 2016, has skyrocketed into the international fashion scene with their modern-with-a-nod-to-nostalgia performance wear that works wonders at the gym—and looks just as good in the club or at the office. This spring they team up with H&M for a collection made from sustainably sourced materials, that effortlessly mixes performance wear with street style fashion.
We had a chat with the two founders Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning, to get behind the scenes of this season’s most sought-after sports collaboration.
HOW AND WHY DID YOU FOUND P.E NATION?
Pip Edwards: “It was a purely organic, lightbulb moment with Claire, where it all began with taking note of my initials – P.E, as in “Physical Education” and Pip Edwards. Just from the initials, we knew exactly what the brand was, what it stood for, what it looked like and how it felt. The basis of P.E Nation was to accommodate a busy, active way of life that so many women juggle with. We thought if we were missing these multi-functional pieces in our wardrobe, then others must be too. Once we connected that idea with great quality products and a strong brand identity, it took off in a way that we never imagined.”
WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE P.E NATION ETHOS THAT APPEALS TO CUSTOMERS AROUND THE WORLD?
Pip: “There is an authentic personality and vibe to the brand, an obvious signature aesthetic. You can see and feel the fun and confident attitude that comes with wearing the brand. And when you wear the brand, you are immediately part of the P.E Nation team of like-minded global women who want to look good, feel good, who can multi-task and juggle their busy lives, who don’t want to miss a beat, and who want to do it all!”
TELL US ABOUT THE P.E NATION x H&M COLLABORATION!
Pip: “With H&M, we wanted to create an original P.E feel with a fresh new colour palette that uses recycled, organic or other more sustainable fabrications. We reimagined P.E signature silhouettes and remixed them with new fabrications, neon and unexpected trims. We went for the best-selling athleisure pieces and threw in some fashion tees and skirts, plus accessories, to complete the P.E Nation woman.”
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PIECES FROM THE COLLECTION?
Claire: “All the pieces work so well together – it’s very easy to mix and match the whole collection. I love the pleated skirt and the spray jacket as a look, the pink active set is super fun, and I also love the swimwear and the slides, of course. I love to mix feminine and masculine styles for the ultimate tomboy street look. The most exciting thing about this collaboration, however, is that it is a more sustainable, conscious collection.”
Made from sustainable sourced materials including organic cotton and recycled polyester, the collection includes activewear, t-shirts, skirts, swimwear and undergarments with the distinctive P.E Nation retro vibe in black, white, grey marl, sand, mint green, neon pink and pops of bright orange. Large logos and tie-dye patterns are set against contrast elastic waistbands and zip details. You will also find some of the already iconic P.E Nation silhouettes reimagined in sustainable fabrics.
