ANDAR; ATHLEISURE GOES HIGH END AT VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

October 21, 2019 | 4:24 pm

ANDAR

When looking for a success story, I didn't have to go too far to find ANDAR. This Korean athletic and casual fitness brand is the major purveyor of athleisure wear in Korea. Shin Ae-yeon founder and ceo brought Andar to Vancouver Fashion Week for the brands first runway show. In fact, Shin Ae-yeon told me it was a honor to show at VFW.

Certainly, Vancouver is ground zero for athleisure wear. The evidence of this athletic wear revolution is everywhere in Vancouver. Often, much to my disdain it seems appropriate to wear yoga and sweat wear anywhere in Vancouver. Of course this has a lot to do with the outdoor life style of the city. How I long for the days when it wasn't acceptable to wear leggings to dinner, but I digress. What is exciting is that labels like ANDAR are upping the game with collections that are runway worthy.

ANDAR AT VFW

The first fashion week collection of ANDAR shows brand slogan “stretch your story” to reflect the modern woman’s affinity and confidence in their approach of high—low styling with comfortable and flexible fabric utility. excerpt from Vancouver Fashion Week website.

ANDAR

"STRETCH YOUR STYLE"

In my brief interview with Shin Ae-yeon, I learned she is a self taught designer. In fact her background as a yoga instructor lead to the creation of ANDAR. From the first model to the last I was aware that we were watching a strongly branded label. Moreover, this detailed lifestyle brand is body positive and has a selection of items designed for every woman. By selecting from a large variety of fashion forward pieces a woman can easily add elements to their personal style.

Spandex and lycra make up the main fabrics in the collection however the silhouettes are softened by the use of sheer and mesh fabrics. The first plus size model wears a sports bra and leggings, with a sheer zip up jacket. The entire look is softened by the addition of the sheer jacket. This all black ensemble is highlighted with branded black and white fabric on the one leg. Details like this add visual interest to the designs.

Certainly, black and white make up a large portion of the collection however softer more feminine tones appear throughout. In fact, soft pastels in an almost cloud like pattern give the silhouettes a more delicate appearance. Additionally, pale blue and mauve are used to blend the colors throughout making a soft dreamy palette. A silver opalescent legging and sports bra are stand out pieces.

ANDAR; SOPHISTICATED SPORTSWEAR

I'm really not one to be impressed with work out gear. However what makes this collection worthy of my attention is it's overall sophistication. Certainly this is not your average althleisure wear , what sets it apart is the refined designs. High tech lycra and spandex are juxtaposed with gauzy flowing materials . A long gauzy shift dress over black tights tells the alternative story of this collection. That story is one of a hip young woman who goes from the yoga studio, to the cafe, to the daycare, to her favorite vacation spot. Rarely have the words chic and cool been used to describe athleisure wear. In fact, I can easily see the likes of Rihanna and other high end clients finding ANDAR as cool as I do.

ANDAR

Certainly, the competition in the women's sportswear market is huge. However it is evident to me that ANDAR is well positioned in this market. In fact, I asked Shin Ae-yeon about her future plans for her successful brand and her goal is to take on the International market.

Again I look to my theme of diversity and am grateful that we in Vancouver have exposure to brands from diverse cultures like Korea. From what I see this brand has a hot product. I encourage all of you to visit the ANDAR website and see the wide array of available products.

ANDAR WEBSITE ; https://www.andar.co.kr/

Instagram: @andar_kr https://www.instagram.com/andar_kr/

Facebook: andar Korea official https://www.facebook.com/ANDARKOREA.OFFICIAL

WHAT'S HOT

First, I think it has been raining pretty well non stop for three days. Certainly , Vancouver has some downfalls one and of them is the rain. However this can be true for other places as well London, Amsterdam and Tokyo are among the rainiest cities . While, this has put a hindrance in my daily walks it has also given way to my annual look for the HOTTEST raincoats . Therefore I've found six of the latest, most stylish raincoats out there for this F/W 2019 .