It’s official: our love for activewear isn’t going anywhere soon. Head-to-toe sporting attire has become the go-to look for stylish women around the globe (and you don’t need to break into a sweat to wear it)...
Just ask Sydney-based Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning, who have just launched a new activewear label called P.E Nation. Edwards – ex-Ksubi and Sass & Bide – partnered with Tregoning – ex-Sass & Bide – to create the brand earlier this year. They’re the dream duo and the debut collection is sporty, cool and basically the kind of gear you’ll want to live in. They’re both mothers – Edwards has a nine-year-old son Justice and Tregoning has a three-year-old son Tuck and one-year-old daughter Cleo – juggling building a brand with motherhood. We caught up with the cool duo to find out more… Photography: Julie Adams | Hair and makeup: Sarina Zoe | Videographer: Gus Kell | Claire and Pip wear P.E Nation
When I wake up...
Claire: It’s really dark. Pip: I climb into Justice’s bed for morning cuddles.
Before I go to bed...
Claire: I read and reply to emails and get lost in Instagram. Pip: I make a super strong liquorice tee and lose myself in Pinterest.
Life as a mother is..
Claire: So hectic, but beautiful. Pip: A daily juggle to fit everything in.
My approach to wellbeing is…
Claire: To eat organic, do regular Pilates, have kinesiology sessions and make the time to meditate. Pip: To find what’s right for you – from exercise to diet to lifestyle, just do what makes you happy and works for your body.
The food groups I avoid are…
Claire: Bread and pasta. Pip: Same!
I treat myself by...
Claire: Going out to dinner with my husband and friends. Pip: Having staycations at the QT Bondi.
The biggest misconception about me...
Claire: That I’m always angry, I’m actually just really shy. Pip: That I’m purely all about fashion and Instagram – I actually have a Law Degree and started my career working in Risk Management for PriceWaterhouseCoopers. I also studied Music and have my A.Mus.A in Piano.
My role model is…
Claire: My best friend, Alice Babidge. Pip: My mum.
The definition of success is...
Claire: True happiness in what you are doing and achieving everyday. Pip: Being comfortable and achieving in all aspects in your life and being in balance with work and life.
If I wasn't doing what I'm doing today…
Claire: There is nothing else I would be doing. This is it. Pip: Same as Claire.
My mother taught me…
Claire: To be independent, strong and how to cook and entertain Pip: Everything.
Happiness is...
Claire: My family. Pip: A choice. It’s super easy to be completely happy when you change your approach to what it actually is. Happiness is always right in front of you.
My career path has…
Claire: Led me to where I am today. Pip: Been convoluted but incredible. I have learnt something from each role and they have all contributed to where I am right now.
The future of activewear is…
Claire: Global. The world is becoming more and more health conscious and being active is not only a lifestyle choice, it’s fashionable – and therefore, so is activewear! This was portrayed by most of the top fashion houses at the latest fashion week. Pip: That it’s not going to be seen as active wear… That it is part of fashion and everyday life. Activewear will be continue to be multi-functional in the sense that you can wear day and night.
I’d describe P.E Nation as…
Claire: Tomboyish, street, a bit sexy and made for every day. Pip: Strong, confident and tomboyish. It has a nostalgic feel to it, in a retro kind of way, yet it is still modern. You can totally wear it from the gym and then on to the street, and get on with your day, without feeling like you’re in gym gear. Or you can wear it with denim for the perfect street-style look.
The P.E Nation Woman is…
Claire: A bit of a tomboy who loves fashion and a good workout. Pip: She’s also busy! She juggles work, friends, family, maybe her kids – but she wants versatile clothing that’s current, fashion forward and relevant – and of course stylish but comfortable as well!
My time management secrets are…
Claire: To make the most of any downtime by doing all my phone calls in the car. Pip: Having a good support network and lots of reminders on Post It notes!
Today I’m wearing…
Claire: Head to toe P.E! Grey marl Number One Hoodie, the Rookie trackpant in black and the A-Train jacket around my waist. Pip: Bassike pants, trainers and the Tough Juice Pullover.
The last meal I ate was….
Claire: An Orchard Street salad. Pip: My mum’s bolognaise on a bed of kumara.
My style essentials are…
Claire: Sneakers – with everything! Pip: Trainers, layers and oversized silhouettes.
My children have taught me...
Claire: To turn off from work and to leave it at the door. Pip: To calm down and to take things at face value.
I relax by…
Claire: Swimming in the ocean. Pip: Sun baking at the beach.
I get stressed when…
Claire: I generally don’t get stressed. Nothing is ever worth getting yourself worked up over. Pip: The juggle becomes a struggle… I sometimes find it hard to prioritise as everything is important to me.
My next travel destination is...
Claire: NY Pip: LA
After I finish writing this I’m going to...
Claire: Write a to do list. Pip: Head into the office.