Posted: April 5, 2011 On
April 8, LV2BFit hosted a trunk show for Blake Brody In-Studio
Footwear. The chic line of flexible flats are specifically designed for
working out in the studio, and truly are wonder shoes. The designer
Blake Brody is a longtime yoga and Pilates student and created the shoe
because of a clear need. Made of environmentally-conscious materials,
the shoes are flexible and supportive, allowing the foot to perform its
full range of motions (an important aspect of both yoga and Pilates).
At the same time, you won't find your feet getting sweaty and
uncomfortable: the innovative liner prevents the absorption of
perspiration while speeding evaporation. On top of discomfort, this
prevents bad odors and the growth of bacteria.
We posed a few questions to Brody about her footwear line as well as the experiences that have influenced her to create this product.
Why were you inspired to start a yoga/pilates footwear line? And why should customers consider your footwear instead of sneakers for working out?
A few years ago, my feet slipped off of the foot-bar during a Reformer Pilates class because I was sweating and I ended up falling into the springs. Luckily I was not hurt, but after that happened, I tried to find an alternative to going barefoot, but there was nothing besides socks with grip bottoms (these would never stay in place on my feet and made me slip even more!) or sneakers with a hard rubber sole that did not allow me to maintain my sensitivity to the equipment/ground or my natural range of movement. Also, I started noticing that the other women in my studio classes were hesitant to go barefoot because they were aware of germs in the studio or on the equipment, so I wanted to include an element to protect these women from any bacteria that they could pick up while in class. Socks are not enough, since they do not protect from germs and bacteria – therefore, I added an anti-microbial liner to In-Studio Footwear. It’s great because it also makes it non-marking and anti-odor, so you never have to clean the shoes!
In-Studio Footwear is not meant to be an alternative to sneakers; rather, they are “better than barefoot” alternative, since they include safety features like the traction pads on the bottom (so you don’t slip if your feet are sweating), the anti-microbial liner (protects from germs in the studio/on the equipment) and arch support (which is anti-cramping when used with props like a yoga strap or Magic Circle). You are able to maintain your sensitivity to the ground and the natural range of movements of your toe, foot and ankle. Sneakers offer unnecessary extra support and are constricting in a studio setting– all of the materials that we use for In-Studio Footwear are soft, stretchy, flexible materials, so that you always maintain your natural ability to point and flex. How long have you been doing yoga yourself? What affects has it had on you and your lifestyle?
I have been active in all different studio activities all of my life. I grew up as a competitive equestrian, around a decade ago I stopped. I started practicing Pilates in order to lengthen my muscles and improve my posture after so many years of horseback riding. I fell in love with how it made me look and feel, and I started practicing yoga to supplement my practice. Lately I have been adding barre classes to my schedule because I really feel and see it tightening my body!
Wellness is a very big part of my life. I have been a vegetarian for years (although I cheat sometimes and do eat sushi), I enjoy being active because it makes me feel good. I think it was very important for me to find activities that I love to do and make me feel good.
Did you have any background in shoe design, either on the aesthetic or technical side? Or was designing the shoes just a matter of knowing what you wanted because of your own experience with yoga?
Like every other woman in New York, I love shoes! I have no technical experience in shoe design, so I did collaborate with experts in the business who did, as well as my father. He is now my partner, but before that he was the CEO of a large apparel conglomerate, so he knows quite a bit about manufacturing! I also consulted with several yoga and Pilates instructors to test the prototypes at each step in the design process so I had a better idea of what everyone would be looking for in a studio shoe. With all of this extensive research in materials, design, and functionality, it wasn’t long before I too became an expert in the field. I wanted to create shoes that were made specifically for the end user and for this particular purpose, since there is nothing else available like it.
The shoes are very stylish! Can they be worn outside of the studio or would you suggest not to?
Thank you, and I definitely agree with you! In-Studio Footwear is meant specifically for studio use, since the sole is so minimal, soft and flexible (it lacks a hard, rubber sole that would protect the wearer from sharp objects). Just like one wouldn’t necessarily wear hiking boots to work out at the gym, the use of the footwear is very specified and tried and tested for most optimal use for particular studio activities.
Your family has a history of working in the garment industry, are you interested in designing outside of athletic wear?
Right now, I am sticking to footwear, but eventually I would love to!
Your line seems to be a natural fit for LV2BFit, how did you find out about them?
Last year I was exhibiting at Sole Commerce/Coterie in New York City, and Patty (owner) recognized that In-Studio Footwear would be a perfect fit for her studio-oriented clientele. She has been selling In-Studio Footwear since our first delivery!
Is there anything else you'd like to share about Blake Brody In-Studio Footwear? Or about the upcoming trunk show at LV2BFit?
I met Patty Palmieri, founder of LV2BFit, at Sole Commerce/Coterie last Fall, and while chatting I learned we shared the same philosophy on health and fitness, as well as the same concerns on studio hygiene and foot protection while still being mindful of functionality for the studio activities. I am so excited to have the trunk show at LV2BFIT and to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and the Blake Brody products with LV2BFIT’s members and the Armonk community.
LV2BFit at 480 Main Street Armonk, NY
Bangles By Amanda Boyle
Posted April 14, 2011 The bangle is one of many 70s fashion trends coming back this spring. While the thick, brightly colored bangle is a lot of fun, we're interested in something a little less costume-y and more timeless. Opt for the slimmer version of the bangle for a touch of spark to any outfit.
This Giles & Brother spiked bangle is a chic textured version, adding a touch of punk to the look at shopbird.com.
Model turned designer Erin Wasson's version for her line Low Luv features a compelling cut-out design and comes in either gold or silver at Shopbop.com.
If you yearn for a touch of color, look no further than Anthropologie for their lush orange lucite version, made in a fluid shape at anthropologie.com.
Fashion Tips with Amanda Boyle
Posted: April 4, 2011 The patterned pant is one of the best looks for the spring: comfortable, light-weight and playful. It's great for a day at the park, running errands or casual Fridays at work. To keep them from looking like pajama pants, add heels and a belt. Or a blazer and flats, but whatever it may be, keep the top tighter to not overwhelm your body with loose material. And it's perfect for April's in-between weather!
We love these great hazel and white printed trousers from Madewell, which can be paired with any number of colors--navy, white, light pink or even burnt sienna. http://www.madewell.com
Susan Blake celebrated Mother's Day with a splash of bling mixed with a wine tasting from Wine Geeks Armonk.
Flip-Flops By Amanda Boyle
May 1, 2011 Nothing can ruin a lovely outfit like a ratty pair of flip-flops. There's no reason why a woman can't be comfortable and stylish at the same time. We're sick of having to wear closed-toe shoes for so long; sandal weather couldn't have come sooner. A dressed up pair of sandals is perfect for day and night looks, whether you're wearing pants, shorts or a maxi skirt.
Lanvin's made a beautiful leather pair, in the t-strap style with a cool braided detail. We're partial to the fresh fruit orange color, but it also comes in black and light brown. Available at Barney's. barneys.com/Thin-Braided-Sandal
Cole Haan gives us a totally different look. A rectangular panel of metal mesh puts a sparkle in your step. This geometric style is especially appealing in the contrasting cream color. Available at Bloomingdale's. bloomingdales.com
And then, to continue our delight in sporty chic from last week, there is Pixie Market's criss-crossed sandals. The alternating bands of snake skin and pure deep red are eye-catching enough, the addition of laces and metal hooks was truly original. Available at Pixie Market. pixiemarket.com/store
