ActivewearUSA.com‘s Avi Woolman sat down for a nice chat with ALO Clothing Director of Design, Jennifer Kelley and discussed how ALO Clothing got started, the inspiration behind ALO and some of Jennifer’s favorite pieces.
Jennifer Kelley, ALO Clothing Director of Design
Hi Jennifer, thank you for taking the time to speak to us today about the fantastic ALO clothing brand! Lets get started!
Lets get straight to it, what’s the inspiration behind ALO?
The inspiration behind ALO was a love for exercise and an active lifestyle as well as the environment. We wanted to promote the belief that a healthy body and planet go hand in hand. ALO stands for the three main elements of Earth; Air, Land and Ocean. We wanted to provide customers with a choice that is respectful of the environment without sacrificing fashion. We produce high quality active and lifestyle wear through the use of sustainable materials and maintain a sustainable office environment at our headquarters. Our motto is ‘Define your green’, any act of “green-ness” is helpful to our planet.
How did ALO start?
ALO Clothing
For over 20 years, best friends and business partners- Danny Harris and Marco DeGeorge have fueled successful careers in the garment industry with a mutual passion for making beautiful clothes for women. Together they own Color Image Apparel; which includes Bella, Alo, Canvas, Alo Retail and BELLA LUXX.
It’s a question I always have to ask, why activewear, why not wedding dresses?
ALO Tops
We design activewear because we believe that in order to create a sense of well being between ourselves and the world we live in, we need not only to foster healthy minds but also healthy bodies. And what better way to clear your head and stay healthy than exercise and an active lifestyle? We wanted to create clothing that allows you to perform your favorite exercises, whether it’s yoga, going to the gym, running, dancing, pilates, tennis, or anything else you love to do, in clothing that offers function and incredible style. We believe that you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for performance in athletic wear. We also believe you should look great going to and from the yoga studio or gym, so we also offer a beautiful line of lifestyle pieces that help you transition seamlessly from your work-out to going out!
Where do you draw your inspiration from when creating your line?
Alo Activewear Reversible Tiered Waistband Pants
At ALO we are dedicated to preserving our environment and looking fabulous! So it makes sense that we draw inspiration from the world around us. I believe that the most beautiful shapes, colors and textures can be found right outside your door. Look at the way bold colors blend together in flowers and plants to create unexpected but gorgeous palettes, or the intricate, geometric patterns on the peeling bark of an old tree. We are also constantly drawing inspiration from art, architecture, music, movies and, of course, fashion. We are inspired by what others dream up in the world of fashion, taking cues from runway shows, popular movies, magazines and blogs to see what people are responding too. A crucial part of our job is identifying the cutting edge trends and translating them into fashion forward athletic and lifestyle pieces that always deliver on style, function, fit and quality.
What are your favorite three ALO items and why?
Alo Activewear Modern Hoodie
It’s so hard to pick just three! But if I have to narrow it down…….I am absolutely loving the Modern Hoodie (W4086R) which has this great asymmetrical placket at the over sized, draped neck and an adorable thumb hole detail at the sleeve cuff. It’s the perfect piece to pull over my tank on the way to the yoga studio because of it’s cozy ease and flattering fit.
Alo Activewear Yoga Refresh Tank
Which leads me to my next favorite piece, the Yoga Refresh tank (W2177R)! This tank is incredibly flattering, comfortable and my go-to piece for yoga or the gym because of the fit and support of the built-in shelf bra. It’s made of our super soft (and eco friendly!) bamboo jersey and has a beautiful scooped neck and sexy t-back. My favorite color? Desert Pink, a beautiful coral – pink that is not only flattering on any skin tone but happens to be the hot color for the Spring 2011 season!
Alo Activewear Modern Dolman Top
Finally I cannot live without my Modern Dolman Top (W3091R), it’s fashion forward asymmetrical, over sized, off-the-shoulder look is incredibly sexy as well as so comfortable. I love to throw it on over my work-out tank, or bra, and a pair of leggings!
What’s next for ALO?
We are constantly testing our own product to make sure we deliver not only on fashion, but also on fit, performance and function. So keep your eyes open for new details in the styling, fabrication and fit of our styles to help keep your work out fresh! We are always on the look out for the most fashion forward, beautiful trends to bring to life in our amazing athletic pieces, so get ready for cutting-edge detailing and bold, beautiful colors in our upcoming seasons!
Alo Activewear Watercolor Border Tank
Alo Activewear Ultimate Performance Hoodie
(FYI – Avi just bought the ALO Watercolor Border Tank for herself! She has also been seen around the office wearing more than one of the ALO hoodies!)
