FASHTALKS WITH REBODY ACTIVEWEAR

When did you know you wanted to become a designer?

I’ve always wanted to create an activewear line that was based on an all-around lifestyle - made to workout, travel, commute, and lounge in.

What is your earliest design memory for your brand?

The Lexi Boot Cut Leggings. I took my favorite boot cut jeans and thought it would be cool to make them in stretchy functional material. I love jeans, but wanted to wear something more stretchy, lightweight, and comfy.

Where do you find inspiration?

The everyday woman who may not really workout but wears leggings with everything, as well as the woman who likes a good sweat doing her at home Chloe Ting workouts or taking a hike with your furry friend.

What is your favorite part about designing?

I take what’s in my wardrobe or on the market and figure out how to make this more functional and comfortable for women on the go and off duty, like myself.

“We are a fashion company that believes in product longevity and are environmentally conscious by using recycled/compostable packaging and trims.”

How would you describe your personal style?

Modern, comfort and moderately active with a pinch of edge and sexiness.

What is your favorite fashion film or show?

I admire Beth Dutton’s fashion wardrobe in the show Yellowstone because she wears a mix of a classy, sexy girl boss on duty looks, but also pulls off an easy going off-duty look with a t-shirt and cowgirl boots.

What was your previous work experience before launching your brand?

Apparel Import/Export and manufacturing for big retailers and small private labels. During this time, I lived and traveled in Asia for 5 years visiting factories, learning the ins and outs of clothing production and building relationships with suppliers. All these experiences have helped me get to where I am today. I feel so lucky and blessed that I had this experience before covid restrictions because I can’t imagine how much tougher it would be to travel and have in person meetings overseas nowadays.

What sets your brand apart from the rest?

Our fabrics and style. We focus on daily wear that is both comfortable and versatile so it can transition you from day to night. We are a fashion company that believes in product longevity and are environmentally conscious by using recycled/compostable packaging and trims.

What do you envision for the future of your brand?

We currently make versatile clothing that fits a leisure, active, and health-conscious lifestyle and want to continue doing so in the future. We’ve had many requests to make bigger sizes so are moving towards being size inclusive and plan on making colors that flatter all skin tones. We’re also here to create seasonally innovative fabrics that keep you warmer in the winter or cool during hot summers. Things like water resistant puffer jackets and fleece leggings and water repellent sports bras and biker shorts you could wear to the pool. We want our products to continue being functional, fun, easy to style, and make women feel confident daily.

Do you have a favorite piece that you have designed? 

I love the Maia Crop Bra because I literally can wear this everywhere and it makes me look playful yet sophisticated. What I had in mind when designing was to have the V neck moderately plunged so you can go about versatile activities. I wear this with high waisted leggings or my favorite jeans. Honestly, I wear it all the time - on dates, errands, and even on days I just binge Netflix in bed. They come with a built-in bra and removable pads. Maia’s adjustable straps have a plush underlayer so you can wear all day without discomfort to your skin. It’s made in our Cloudlux fabric which has a matte finish with a soft touch and is super breathable while being compressive. So, if you’re looking for a bra that transitions you from day to night, Maia is your girl.

What were some hurdles you had to overcome in your business?

Finding the right supplier who can produce in the approved colors, quality, and fit that Rebody customers enjoy is probably the hardest process to overcome.

“Our message to women is to do more on their own terms because being yourself is the ultimate activity.”

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a new designer?

Your brand is ultimately a reflection of you, whether it is outward or inward or both. So go with your instincts and put your work out there. There is a market for everyone (mass or niche). 

How important is social media to your brand?

It is a very useful tool to find people who resonate with your brand and for exposure.

How did your brand navigate and overcome the pandemic in 2020?

One of the biggest challenges for me was launching during the pandemic. The economy and marketplaces were unpredictable because I and the people around me didn’t have answers to get through a modern pandemic. But it pushed me to lean into the digital space. In a traditional sense, I expected to go to more in-person tradeshows and get brand exposure, but everything went online. So, I was able to learn more about communicating through brand mission, visuals, and colors.

What is the most important thing you would like your brand to be recognized for?

We want to be remembered for making clothes you can wear all day, that empower women by making them look good, feel good, so they can get more done. Our message to women is to do more on their own terms because being yourself is the ultimate activity. And with sustainability in mind, we design with intent and not just mass produce to get products on the market.

How would you define fashion?

Fashion to me, are clothes I enjoy wearing every day and then regret not buying another. But most importantly fashion is being able to mix and match different pieces with any outfit, feel confident and comfortable in our bodies, and ultimately being able to express ourselves.