STUDIO to STREET

If you’ve taken a workout class recently, or just walked down a boardwalk or city street, chances are you’ve spotted the Alo logo on the sleek activewear of many passersby. What began in Los Angeles in 2007 as an outfitter of yogis has grown to a globally recognized power player in the lifestyle clothing sector, boasting both fashion-conscious celebrity fans and athlete approval. Next on the agenda: Alo is coming for the Pilates category! We called up Abby Gordon, Alo’s longtime head of design, to ask the questions we end up daydreaming about when we’re mid-exercise ourselves.

By FREYA DROHAN

When did you join Alo, and tell us about your role as head of design?

I’ve been here since Alo started in 2007. My role is to ensure that we’re bringing styles to market that embody studio-to-street styling and that we remain true to our brand in all categories, whether it’s women’s, men’s, accessories, and beyond.

What keeps your job challenging and interesting?

Everything! No two days are the same. No two hours are the same! Managing a growing brand and staying true to its heart is a constant challenge, but I love it. How do you anticipate what the Alo customer wants and needs in each collection?

We can’t give away the secret sauce here, but I will say that I trust my gut and do my best to stay informed on relevant trends.

Alo always seems to have a high fashion element in its pieces. Do you look to the runways and designers’ collections for inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere, but I also go out of my way to surround myself with people I find inspiring. And, of course, I’m inspired by fashion, art, and just walking down the street.

Where else do you seek inspiration and ideas from?

I would say traveling to new places and back to favorite places are the things that fill my “inspiration cup” the most.

Tell us about the Spring/ Summer ’23 collection!

It’s one of our most beautiful and largest collections to date.

When we launched Alo, we designed mainly with yoga in mind; this

This season, you will see us launch some cool new accessories that are perfect for Pilates.

What other pieces are you and the team excited about?

Our first product launch from Spring ’23 is one of my favorites: The Soft Sculpt Collection. Its pieces are built in a longtime fan-favorite fabric, which has a super soft buttery feel, but it’s now been used in highly stylized pieces and slightly unexpected shapes that are just beautiful. And, of course, the new accessories for Pilates mentioned above.

In your eyes, what criteria does the perfect “activewear” piece you’ve designed have to meet?

There are four things for me: style, fit, fabric, and something about it that is slightly unexpected. What activities would we find you doing in your own Alo pieces? Working! I work in Alo every day. And I love working out; it’s one of the ways I decompress. My favorite workouts to do in my Alo are cardio or weight training with one of our trainers at Alo’s state-of-the-art wellness club. What are some other wellness favorites that get you through a busy workweek?

Meditation, walking my dogs, or going in the Alo HQ infrared saunas—and if I’m feeling brave enough— finishing with a cold plunge.

What’s the next big focus for Alo this year and beyond?

There are so many big things on the horizon for Alo that it’s hard to pick just one! But we’re continuing to find new and innovative ways to inspire wellness.