We heart Charli Cohen
We chat to our top fitness fashion designer about her gorgeous sport luxe brand. We heart Charli Cohen
What made you decide to set up your own brand?
That had always been the plan – I’m just one of those people that’s supposed to be self-employed I guess! I started my first fashion brand, a t-shirt label, when I was 15 and I knew that would be the long-term career choice. During my fashion degree (when I also qualified as a personal trainer), I realised that sportswear was where my passion lies, and the rest is history!
What’s been the best bit?
The support has been incredible, from my friends, family and extended network, as well as all the media attention the brand has received. A real high point was raising over £30k in 30 days through Kickstarter at the end of last year, to fund stock for a series of pop-up events.
What’s been the toughest?
Running a business brings with it a lot of responsibility and being primarily a one-woman show means crazy hours and possibly more stress than is strictly healthy.
Fitness fashion is big news these days, why do you think that is?
We’re increasingly interested in being fit and healthy but also increasingly time poor, so there’s now a huge demand for transitional fashion – something that works for the office, a coffee and the gym.
We saw your collection in Vogue and on billboards in Piccadilly circus! How exciting was that for you?
As if seeing Kate Upton wearing Charli Cohen shot by Mario Testino for Vogue wasn’t exciting enough, seeing it on the Piccadilly billboard really topped it! It was fantastic and a total surprise – I knew the pieces had been used but I had no idea what for until the magazine came out!
What are your favourite pieces?
Probably the Laser Leggings – they’ve become a signature piece through my collections and are just so versatile. They’re super comfy for travelling in too.
What’s next for the brand?
My third collection launches at London Fashion Week in September and there are also a couple of very exciting collaborations I’m involved in at the moment – you’ll know more about these at the end of the year!
Follow Charli on Twitter at @trainwithcharli
We Heart Living – We heart Charli Cohen