We spoke to Jonathan Schwartz and Keith Peterson, founders of Cali activewear brand Splits 59 to chat about their newly launched Fall 17 collection and what inspires their designs!

We’re so excited to re-introduce Splits59 back into our Hip & Healthy family, could you tell us what inspired you to create your amazing active wear brand?
A trip to Kona, Hawaii for the Ironman World Championships was the catalyst. The energy of the island, the beauty of the athletes, and the triumph of the human spirit were all on display during this ultimate test of endurance.

You pride yourself on your high quality, technical fabrics, can you tell us more about them and how they are unique from other activewear lines?
Founded by athletes, for athletes, we understand the importance of both form and function. Our garments are designed with ergonomic seaming to enhance movement, stitched with fluff threads to reduce chafing, and made of technical fabrics that breathe and that fit like a second skin. Our customers demand the most from their gear and we encourage them to share their needs with us. We’ve listened; and over the years this ‘conversation’ has pushed us to work closely with our manufacturing partners to deliver the best product to market.

With Summer in full swing, how should people style your Splits59 collection? What is the number one piece you want your customer to wear this season?
Our collections are always a balance of favourite wardrobe staples and sophisticated performance styles. Our Fall 17 collection is inspired by our days playing varsity or collegiate sports. In fact, our colour palette is from our high school colours! The pieces we hope our customers wear and love this Fall season is the Pace Pullover and the Cooldown Pant.

Leisurewear is the newest trend taking over the activewear scene, which pieces in the Splits59 line best cater for this trend?
For the Fall 17 collection, we brought in more lifestyle pieces as this is what our customers were demanding. The B-Ball Jacket, Warm-Up Pullover, Runway Culotte, and the Cooldown Pant are some of our favourite pieces that undoubtedly speak to this.

Splits59 embraces sleek designs and bold lines to create a slimming silhouette for your customer. Where do you draw your style inspiration from?
We take inspiration from everywhere! Art, architecture, photography, travel. And in the beauty of sport. Our collections have been inspired by specific moments in sporting history and by the athletes themselves. We often honour those who inspire us by naming styles after them.

The Splits59 woman is strong and always on the move, whether taking a ballet class or going for a run outdoors – what is your favourite way to keep fit?
We’re fortunate to have beautiful weather in Los Angeles.…so we love to get outdoors and get a good sweat.

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