ATHLEISURE MAG #100 APR ISSUE

This

We're always looking to our playlists to set the mood and even more so when we continue to transition from the Spring to the Summer! We're excited that our 100th issue is covered by Singer/songwriter, rapper, and record producer, Jeremih. This musician also is well versed in playing the saxaphone, several percussion instruments such as congas and timbales, and piano/keyboards.

In 2009, his debut single Birthday Sex dropped and in addition to being a song that we enjoyed hearing, it came to #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. After its release he continued to create hits with his 2010 single, Down on Me (featuring 50 Cent), and this single enjoyed successes that included sextuple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Don't Tell 'Em (featuring YG) was a 2014 single that was his 3rd topten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. He also continued releasing more singles with Oui and Planez (featuring J. Cole) with both receiving quintuple platinum certification by RIAA.

He also formed the duo MihTy with Ty Dolla Sign in 2018 where they had a collaborative album that was released in 2018. He has worked with a number of artists including 50 Cent, DJ Khaled, Ty Dolla Sign, YG, J. Cole, Flo Rida, Big Sean, Future, Lil Wayne, Fabolous, Chris Brown, French Montana, Wiz Khalifa, and more. He has also written songs for Kanye West , and Nicki Minaj.

His work has received additional recognition from winning an iHeartRadio Music Awards in 2015 for Hip Hop/R&B Song of the Year, 2X Nominee for Billboard Music Awards for Top R&B Song, Grammy Nominated for Best R&B Performance, and being Nominated for the American Music Awards R&B Breakout Artist to name a few.

We have enjoyed listening to Late Nights: The Album (Slowed Down) as well as seeing him on 50 Cent's The Final Lap Tour and as he is always working on projects, collaborations, features, we enjoyed seeing him

play Elijah Linden in S1 of Power Book IV: Force.

We wanted to know more about how he was introduced to music, talking about the success of his single Birthday Sex, how he became involved in Birthday Sex Wine, and more.

AM: From a young age you cultivated being a musician by learning how to play the drums, saxophone, percussion instruments, and piano/keyboards! What is it that you love about playing those instruments and incorporating them into your music?

JEREMIH: My primary choice of instruments currently is playing the keys and drums. Playing instruments is like speaking a different language of emotion. Each instrument carries its own unique tone and character, allowing me to express myself in diverse ways. Incorporating them into my music adds layers of richness and authenticity, creating a deeper connection with the audience.

AM: Your debut single, Birthday Sex, peaked at #4 on Billboard's Hot 100. What did it feel like to have all the successes that were associated with that song?

J: It was an incredible moment of validation and gratitude. Birthday Sex continues to resonate with so many people, and seeing it climb the charts was surreal. It was a testament to the hard work and dedication I had put into my craft.

AM: How did Birthday Sex Wine come about and why did you want to get into the wine industry?

J: For the past few years, white wine has been my drink of choice. Birthday Sex Wine was born out of a desire to create something special that would enhance celebrations and memorable moments. I've always been intrigued by the wine industry and saw an opportunity to blend my passion for music with the art of winemaking. It's a way to share joy

and elevate experiences through a unique product that reflects my personality and style.

AM: In creating this wine, how much was your involvement?

J: I was all in on the process, from choosing the perfect blend of grapes to the look and feel of the label. My respect for winemaking came from hanging with winemaker Russell Bevan, who is known for an impressive collection of over fifteen 100-point wines. We spent time together in Napa developing the taste profile and educating me on the process of winemaking.

We wanted to know more about Birthday Sex Wine as Russell Bevan who is known as one of Nappa Valley's most acclaimed winemakers. We wanted to find out where his passion for wine came from, his successful wine company, how he came to Birthday Sex Wine and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you had a passion for wine?

RUSSELL BEVAN: I have had an intimate relationship with wine most of my life. Even as a child, I asked if I could go back for seconds during mass. For my whole life, wine has captivated my pallet and mind.

AM: Prior to launching your own wine companies, can you tell us about your background in this industry?

RB: I wrote a wine column through the Minneapolis Star Tribune and worked for the Gallo Winery doing sales while in college.

AM: How did Birthday Sex Wine come about?

RB: Jeremih and I met at a friend's house (Rob Ellin) and started talking about our mutual love affair with wine and that seed has grown into Birthday Sex.

AM: Can you walk us through the process of what it is like to create a wine? Where do you start?

RB: Everything starts with mother nature -- the soil microclimate we grow the grapes in and the growing season. We are the caretakers of what she gives us with this project. Our goal is to craft something that has delicious, pure flavors and a seductive mouthfeel.

AM: This wine is a Naked Chardonnay, do you foresee that there will be other varieties under this brand?

RB: The door is always open, Jeremih and I just have to find enough time together to taste wines that inspire us.

AM: Outside of Birthday Sex Wine, are there other wines that you're creating that will be launching that we should keep an eye out for?

RB: Adversity Cellars! Massively concentrated Cabernets with lush textures and pure fruit flavors.

@jeremih

@birthdaysexwine @adversitycellars

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 16 - 21, 9PLAYLIST PG 22 + 23, 9DRIP PG 24 - 27 | Jeremih

Relationships and their dynamics can be difficult, but they are also fruitful as well! We sat down with veteran NBA Champion Matt Barnes (All The Smoke, (R)Evolution, JUN ISSUE #54 in 2020 cover) and his fiancé, top model Anansa Sims to talk about their Reality TV show that dropped this month on WE TV, The Barnes Bunch which focuses on their relationship, their busy lives, their family, and how they keep it all together!

We wanted to know more about why they wanted to do this series, how it came about, why they wanted to make sure that they were realistically sharing their lives, and what they have learned to do in the process. We talked about this and more as the keep it all together with their family and busy lives!

ATHLEISURE MAG: So, why did you guys want to share how you’re navigating a family, being a dynamic couple, and your busy schedules in this show?

ANANSA SIMS: For me, it was more so an opportunity that was given to us! I do a lot of sharing already on my Instagram. So, a good friend of mine Datari Turner (Day Shift, They Cloned Tyrone, The Burial) who is partners with Jamie Foxx (Ray, Miami Vice, The Amazing Spider-Man 2) who Matt is friends with said, “you know that your family is dope and this could be a show.” I’m like, really? I never thought about it because I just share to share because I love them so much. The more he started talking to me, I brought it to Matt and he was a little hesitant at first and over time you know, we built trust and decided that we had a good team around us, maybe we could make it into a positive thing and I think that it is more about trusting the people that you are working with. So we decided to go for it.

AM: That’s really interesting. We watched the first screener a bit ago. The vulnerability that is laid bare here and the amount of ground that you guys cover – couple’s therapy, talking about your journey together, your family, and your friends! What

about that we get to see this season?

MATT BARNES: I think normalizing Black positivity in the reality space. Because you see that in the first episode, we are already arguing and we are in counseling and everything, but it’s real you know what I mean? I just think that there’s been such a negative portrayal of the Black community through Reality TV unfortunately. That was one thing that I know that we had both discussed and to just normalize that we are all not crazy and throwing drinks and fighting all the time! I mean, I might fight sometimes haha but not all the time.

AM: Right ha ha not all the time!

MB: But normalizing 1, positivity through the Black family and also normalizing blended Black families which in families in many ways is kind of the new norm. To be able to bring 3 kids from her previous marriage, 2 kids from my previous marriage, and creating a baby together – people out there are going through that. To be able to see us navigate that and for the world to see, not only again promotes positivity, but also realness and humanizes us and lets people know that you’re not alone out here on this journey. Whether you’re going to couples counseling, individual counseling, whether you’re trying to blend a family, trying to get pregnant, or you’re doing all of these things in your 40s like us – it's just about again promoting positivity and letting people know that they’re not out there on your own. Just hang in there!

AM: Anansa your mom, Beverly Johnson (Editors' Note: Beverly Johnson is a model, actress, singer, NY Times Best Selling Author, and entrepreneur who became the first Black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in Aug 1974 after Donyale Luna was the first Black model to appear on British Vogue in 1966. In many ways her placement as

the cover in this magazine created a change by 1975 where every major American fashion designer began using Black models.) is an icon and a trailblazer! Years ago I had the pleasure of accepting a fashion award in the same award ceremony where she was being honored for her legendary career!

AS: Oh, that is very nice!

AM: She is stunning, beautiful, and so poised! She also isn’t a stranger to Reality TV as I enjoyed Beverly’s Full House. So what were your thoughts when it came to you guys deciding to have her on the show and to be able to see her in an entirely different light which I love her! Then there’s also the fact that you have your children in this show as well! That’s a big decision to make!

AS: Well, my mom, you know we wanted the show to be real to our lives. My mom is a big fixture in our lives. She helps with the kids, she helps with Matt and I in our relationship as far as giving advice and just being around. She’s always just there and so for me, it’s a no-brainer to just have her to be part of it! I’m happy of course that she agreed to be on and she’s happy to support Matt and I in anything that we do – especially the kids! They top us now as they’re her favorites!

As far as the kids you know, Matt and the twins – Isaiah and Carter are already so visible on social media. The twins have their own podcast, The Barnes Boyz. Matt has been posting them since they were little kids so they are very visible. I also made my kids visible on my Instagram from when they were little so I think that having them on the show, we know what we instilled in them. So we weren’t as worried about it, we’re very hands on parents you know. We have a super open line of communication and we talk to the kids about everything so we check in with them to make sure that they are comfortable and good! None of our kids are shy! These are like 6 very outgoing children. So no one felt like, "oh my God, we don't

want to do this.” No, it was the opposite! They wanted to know when we were filming, are they going to be on again, are they in the next scene, why did Matt and I have so much screen time haha! They’re telling the crew when we’re not around that they can do a cartwheel and that they can show them various things. So, they’re willing and ready and we’re super hands on so we don’t let anybody mess with our kids or our family! I feel like we know that we can hold it down and that they will be ok.

AM: What are the biggest takeaways that you guys learned in this experience? It’s a lot of weeks of filming and you talk about a lot of things in that time on and off camera!

MB: It’s a lot of weeks of filming, holy shit!

AS: I think that we filmed double than the normal shows because of our busy schedules! All 6 kids play 1 to 2 to 3 sports, Matt at times is traveling 3-4 days out of the week, and I’m running kids all around town. So, it was a lot and we filmed over a long period of time – we did, we really did!

Luckily, we had a really great crew that we were blessed to have people in our home so it wasn’t dreadful. But it was a long time.

MB: And I mean, you just learn again. We have both done this in the past! I was shoo 15 years ago and I don’t know how long ago that she did it –

AS: 13 years ago.

MB: It’s a lot of work! People think that shooting a show is easy and you’re just capturing what’s going on, but it’s a lot. It’s a lot and then when you’re bringing 6 kids into it – that’s just a lot of communication, a lot of bribing when it came to the kids, when they're not on camera, you're trying to keep

them quiet when they are in other parts of the house. Again, I think that it was super important for Anansa and I to be on the same page which we were, but at the same time, you got to see a dynamic of a real couple. Shit isn’t always sweet! We argue like everyone else, we get along, we have bouts where we’re not talking, and then there are bouts where we’re all over each other. So us being on the same page to kind of set the tone for the crew, our kids, and the show in general.

AM: What are some upcoming projects that you guys are working on. Obviously All the Smoke always has something going on and it’s always exciting to the podcast and was just listening to the episode with Deion Sanders earlier today – so what are some things that you’re working on and then Anansa what can we keep an eye out for that you have going on?

MB: Well we’ve built a production company for All the Smoke so we now have All the Smoke Productions now so we have a list of people from Rachel Nichols (Headliners with Rachel Nichols, Hometown with Rachel Nichols, MAR ISSUE #51 in 2020 cover) from ESPN, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, and DeMarcus Cousins, so we’re just kind of building a monster over here and through that, we’re not only in sports, but we’re crossing over to different genres and opportunities.

And also, with this show, one of the things that I really wanted to be able to do is to brand our kids. We love our kids and we think that they’re all unique in their own ways and they’re all funny and crazy in their own little ways. So to be able to kind of get them out there a little bit more and to see what opportunities can come from that.

AS: For me, my fulltime job right now is the kids and supporting Matt. You never know, tables can turn in a couple of years when they’re older and Matt will be supporting me in whatever I’m doing. Right now, that is a lot! David and Dean both play baseball, basketball, and football sea -

season is about to start. Ava plays basketball and she is running track, and Ashton plays basketball. Of course you know that the twins play basketball and they are in high school so they have AAU tournaments and Matt’s traveling all around the country with them for these tournaments so it’s a lot to navigate on top of them wanting to be A/B students. I spend most of my time yelling and checking homework, rushing to different practices and games from literally 8am to sometimes 7pm on a Saturday and of course, there’s another practice on a Sunday. Those are my projects right now, so making 6 amazing humans that are good people and that can be successful when they go out there in life and when they step outside of our doors, they know what they are doing and they have a good head on their shoulders. They can be successful in life in their own right.

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | PG 28 - 32 WE TV/The Barnes Bunch | PG 35 All the Smoke/Paramount Plus |

We think that it's always a good idea to find the workout that speaks to you whether you do it at home, take it outside, to your favorite studio, or the gym! We've been enjoying our Micro by Lgree Fitness which allows us to do so many workouts to target our desired areas and we also love their Lagree On Demand where we have a number of options that we can do depending on what we're feeling.

We've had a few weeks to use it and defintiely enjoy using, but we always like to check in to see how we can optimize what we're doing. We previously interviewed the Founder and creator of Lagree Fitness, Sebastien Lagree. But we wanted to ask a few questions specifically about this machine to ensure that we're staying on target! So we sat down with the man himself to find out a bit more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Why did you want to create the Micro and why is it great for home use?

SEBASTIEN LAGREE: In 2019, we were getting an overwhelming amount of inquiries for an at home machine but the Megaformer was simply too big to fit in most people's home, so I created the Micro to go and fit anywhere.

You can now do your favorite class or exercises on our micros from the comfort and safety of your home! You can also transport your micro anywhere and do a class anywhere you want!

AM: For those who have never worked out at Lagree Fitness and it's their first time having the Micro, are there any tips that you suggest that we should know so that we can be ready for our workouts?

SL: Yes, we have all the tips and tutorials available at www.lagreeod.com; the most important tip is to move slowly; Lagree is a slow speed and isokinetic method, so super slow and constant speed.

AM: Can you tell us about the springs on the machine and how we can optimize our

workout by understanding how they work or in what combination they should be used in?

SL: Yes, the springs are the best source of tension for the body (better than a bungee or rubber tension; and far superior than weights).

The springs also allow you to quickly adjust the tension simply by positioning yourself differently, so either by sitting or standing further forward or back, you can lessen or augment the tension.

AM: Can you tell us about the accessories that can be used with the machine for our workouts?

SL: Of course, you can use our equipment on its own without the accessories. The accessories either add an element of safety, like the platform or carriage straps; or an accessory can allow you to perform new and additional movements like the long black cables that add hundreds of new exercises and variations.

You can perform well over 1,000 exercises on any of our machines.

AM: What are workouts that you suggest that we can do on this machine to target abs, arms, legs, and glutes? Please let us know the accessories that would be used in order to do those workouts.

SL: To target these muscles, you don't need any accessories, you can just use the machine on its own; however, the cables will allow you to target these muscles more efficiently.

AM: Tell us about Lagree on Demand and what are workout videos you suggest that we can use when we are on our Micro.

SL: Lagreeod.com is a new virtual platform that I created for both students

and teachers, to make sure that they teach the method correctly (many studios will actually add their own technique to the method which is not good).

This platform demonstrates how each exercise must be performed and we also have almost 2,000 workouts already available on demand.

It is is the official source for everything Lagree.

AM: If there is a Micro video that includes an attachment/accessory that a user may not have, are you able to modify so that you can still do it?

SL: Sure, you can always modify on any of our models.

AM: Can you tell us about Seb's 6 week course as well as Michael's?

SL: Yes, the 6 week course is for people to get acquainted with the machine.

We are adding more 6 week courses and will also offer an 8, 10, and 12 week courses as well. These seems to be very popular.

AM: Is there anything that you would like to share that we haven't covered that we should know?

SL: Lagree is a live method, the method is evolving as the technology evolves. Watch out for our new digital line coming very soon.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 39 + 40 Lagree Fitness

Having a great workout is essential but also making sure that your body has the tools it needs to engage in proper recovery is also an essential. We've been a long time fan of the suite of products by Hyperice that allow us to target desired areas on

our body pre and post workout. We also love that with all of the options you can have a great stretching session. In addition, they also have included meditation which if great for a wellness needs. We have been a fan of using this to work on our breathwork and to also utilize practices that will allow us to reduce our anxieties and to give us the mental space that we need to navigate throughout our day.

We caught up with the Jim Huether, CEO at Hyperice to find out more about the brand, their products, and how we can implement them within our routines.

ATHLEISURE MAG: At Athleisure Mag, Hyperice's products have been our go-to when it comes to recovery post workouts. You have a number of devices that target various areas. When you're thinking of creating a new device or upgrading one that may already exist, what are the things that you think about when it comes to bringing them into your assortment?

JIM HUETHER: Hyperice’s mission is to help everyone on Earth move better. We make innovative products to help everyone from elite athletes, weekend warriors, executives who are always on the move, or the busy parent prevent injury, and increase longevity and overall performance in their day-today routine.

In the early stages of Hyperice, much of the focus was on elite athlete performance and had not yet spilled over to the everyday consumer. During that time, we listened to and worked closely with athletes and trainers to develop technology that can be utilized and trusted in the locker rooms or on the sidelines.

Today, as consumers are becoming more aware and in tune with their health, we are seeing Hyperice products becoming ingrained into everyday

wellness routines. As a result, Hyperice prioritizes listening to our core consumers and partners to push our existing offerings to new heights and further use cases. We aim to broaden our portfolio to offer more products at varying price points, providing access to a broader consumer base for recovery technology, while prioritizing a premium experience with the latest innovation.

AM: Your devices target muscles in various ways whether it focuses on Percussion, Air Compression, Heat, Contrast, Vibration, and Ice Compression. Can you tell us why these methods work well for the body?

JH: Hyperice’s diverse product line promotes recovery in various ways, from percussion technology to air compression and contrast therapy. Each of these methods is beneficial in relieving muscle tension, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, optimizing blood flow, and speeding up muscle recovery. This also goes back to listening to athletes and trainers across multiple sports disciplines to see where the needs were, and how could we come in and provide a more premium experience with the same recovery modality.

AM: For those that are working out at home or do their post workout recovery there, what are 3 products from Hyperice that you suggest that we should have on hand?

JH: Normatec technology is great for those who have an at-home workout routine. The Normatec line features specialized products for different body parts including legs, hips, and arms, offering dynamic air compression while you relax on the couch. Normatec delivers dynamic air compression, which promotes increased blood flow and range of motion.

The Hypervolt, our line of percussive massage guns, is our most universally used technology. The device offers users the ability to work on sore or stiff muscles to help with pain sensitivity as well as en -

hanced mobility. This past year, we added a new heated head attachment, compatible with all of our Hypervolt models, that heats up to 120℉ (think of blending a Swedish Massage and hot stone into one massage experience). This brings a new element to the athome massage gun experience that cannot be replicated.

Lastly, I’d recommend the Venom 2 Back. Back issues can creep up on anyone, especially as we age, and we know how debilitating back issues can be from a pain and mobility perspective. The Venom 2 Back is a heat and vibration wearable that offers nine different combinations of the two features while reaching temperatures of up to 130 degrees. Whether you are managing a stiff or sore lower back, or you make this a proactive part of your daily wellness routine to promote preventative care, the Venom 2 Back is a great tool.

AM: If we're traveling or even working out with friends, what should we add into our bag when we're on the go that you suggest?

JH: Hyperice’s Go line is specifically designed for easy use on the go. Venom Go, our revolutionary heat and vibration wearable is a compact device that provides spot treatment to loosen and relax muscles anywhere on the body. Its convenient size is especially useful when traveling. At only 1.5 pounds, Hypervolt Go 2 is another great tool to use for percussion massages on the go. The Normatec Go has become very popular with air travel, as they are designed to be worn on the calves (which are known as the “second heart” because they promote blood flow back upwards in the body).

AM: If someone has never used a Hyperice product such as the Hypervolt, Normatec, or Hypersphere, what would be your advice in using them so that they can get the most out of it?

JH: For those who are new to using Hyperice products, I recommend following the guided warmup, recovery, and maintenance routines available through the Hyperice app. The routines are professionally curated by the world’s best athletes, trainers, and physiotherapists who guide users through their exclusive routines and share personal tips. I’d also recommend that people look to find ways to integrate these into their daily routines in an effort to promote and enhance movement and overall wellness. Too often, we associate “recovery” with the idea that something has happened, or an injury has taken place. Recovery should be a standard practice to help enhance longevity.

AM: We have enjoyed using the Core by Hyperice and love how it has actually helped us get into guided meditation/ breath practice that was previously difficult to do. Why is it important to have this as part of your product offerings and can you talk a bit about its design?

JH: Core is designed to help individuals develop consistent meditation and mindfulness habits. Mindfulness is a foundational part of elite performance and is essential for a holistic approach to wellness.

AM: There are a number of options for practices that one can engage in when using the Core by Hyperice. How do you go about deciding what experts are available on the app for this?

JH: Similar to the guided warmups, cooldowns, and maintenance routines in the Hyperice app, where we worked with the best trainers and practitioners to develop routines and protocols for almost any wellness lifestyle or fitness modality, the Core app features such of the brightest minds in the mindfulness space to deliver a premium experience to the users. In some cases, there has been cross-over from our athletes, such as Naomi Osaka, as well as collaborations with other notable names, such as Chris Hemsworth, another outspoken poroponent of meditation.

AM: What should we keep an eye out for from Hyperice as we continue to navigate 2024?

JH: Hyperice continues to push the limits on innovation and how people can find ways to improve or enhance their approach to or adoption of wellness technology. We will continue to provide innovative technology and bestin-class resources so individuals can align the products to meet their needs and lifestyles.

@hyperice

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 43 + 44

Hyperice

On May 2nd, The Idea of You debuts on Prime Video. This movie was adapted from the book of the same name by Robinne Lee. With a stellar cast, we see how relationships can ignite in many ways even when you don't expect it! When a 40-yearold woman falls in love with a 24-year-old man who is in the hottest band, August Moon, we get to come along on a global journey with her as she explores this reality. It's the perfect escapism that you'll enjoy reading as well as seeing it on screen!

We had the opportunity to attend the Global Press Conference of this movie with Michael Showalter (Grace & Frankie, The Dropout, The Eyes of Tammy Faye) who was involved in the screenplay, producer, and he also directed the film. He was joined by fellow producer, Cathy Schulman (Crash, The First Lady, The Woman King). Anne Hathaway (The Devil Wears Prada, Bride Wars, Ocean Eight) who is also a producer and star of the film, was also joined by castmembers Nicholas Galitzine (Bottoms, Red, White, and Royal Blue; Mary & George), Ella Rubin (Billions, Gossip Girl, Masters of the Air), and Reid Scott (Veep, Venom franchise, Law & Order). Moderated by Jenelle Riley is the Deputy Awards and Features Editor at Variety. We found out more about the film, how it came together, and what it was like to film this production.

JENELLE RILEY: Hi everyone, thank you so much for joining us, my name is Jenelle Riley and I am so thrilled to be here for this press conference with the Idea of You! Please join me in welcoming star and Producer, Anne Hathaway and we have star Nicholas Galitzine, Ella Rubin, and Reid Scott, Director/Co-Writer Michael Showalter, and Producer Cathy Schulman!

Congratulations on a fantastic movie! I want to start with Michael because you’ve really become known as such an actor’s director particularly coming off of The Eyes of Tammy Faye, The Dropout, and this movie has an amazing cast! Can you talk about what not only excit ed you about this project, but working with this group

of actors?

MICHAEL SHOWALTER: I mean, for me, that’s what it’s all about! It’s about working with actors, going off on the journey together into these stories and into these worlds and I couldn’t have asked for a better cast! It very much so set a bar for everybody in terms of the work that Anne was doing and Nicholas is incredible and from the very first minute that I met him I felt that we had found Hayes and Ella and Reid – for me as a somewhat failed actor, I think that you and I have talked about this Jenelle, I get to get my acting jones about by directing. So I get to play and I get to be in there with them. I have seen this movie about 1,000 times and we had just been impersonating all of these guys performances because I love their performances so much and impersonation is the highest form of flattery – it really is. I’ve loved working with all of them and seeing the work that they have done has been such a joy for me.

JR: Cathy, your company started developing this script I believe from the very start and I understand that you only had 1 actress in mind for the lead!

CATHY SCHULMAN: I did and I had Anne in mind from the very beginning of the development process and it’s this thing that I always teach my young executives not to do which is – don’t develop an entire project hoping that you’re going to be able to get 1 actress because it never works! Only in this particular case, she’s the only person that read it, she was our first choice, she said yes, and it was a dream come true that that actually happened and you know, we just felt that we wanted to take the character from the book and to continue to personalize her in a way that she felt that she could be any of us. And I believed that Annie would be able to bring that aspect to Solène’s character and she really did.

JR: And Anne, I have seen you do every genre and medium and this performance still feels so fresh and new. There have been a lot of questions from journalists and they keep using the word luminous for you in this movie. They just want to know, what brought you back to the RomCom genre because I’m sure that it had to be something special for you to want to be able to revisit that.

ANNE HATHAWAY: Well first of all, thanks that’s an awesome word! I really do want to tip it to Jim Frohna our cinematographer because he had a lot to do with it. I didn’t notice that it was happening, but I had received a lot of romantic scripts in my 20s and then in my 30s I was so focused on my family life, motherhood, and kind of trying to find whatever my path was gong to be in me being an actress while having this really really rich personal life, and so I didn’t notice that I hadn’t been sent a romantic script in a really long time!

So when this found its way to me, and I’m so honored to have been the first choice for this, it was such a beautiful character and such an amazing world – a part of me did ask the question, where have these stories gone and why do they stop? And then those questions, I saw all of the answers and the path to them in the script and in the story. And I just thought, woah, what an unbelievable sort of meta exploration that all of this can be. One of the first conversations that I had with Cathy was, you know, if we kind of hit our targets, we can start this when I am 39 and make this and I will turn 40 when we are filming. That’s actually what ended up happening. Without me or anyone else even designing it, it became so personal to me and then the way it came together!

I mean Michael Showalter, who is here, I never say his whole name in front of him, so it’s kind of weird. But anyway, it has to be said, Michael Showalter who does not like to admit the legend that he is, but he absolutely is and there is a reason why he keeps making brilliant film after brilliant

after brilliant film – some of my favorite movies because he’s just incredible! So when the cast came together, it was like game over. I could go on and on about it, but there are other people here!

JR: Nicholas, this is such a complicated role because you have to strike the right balance between maturity and worldliness and you also have to hold your own against Anne Hathaway. Oh and by the way, you’re going to sing and dance as well! Was it ever intimidating?

NICHOLAS GALITZINE: I mean, obviously, the dancing and the performing was tricky because it’s not something that I have ever done before and you know, you always want more hours in the day to be able to hone those skills, but when it came to sort of the human side of Hayes which I think is sort of the side that I was most interested in, you know, I just had such a wonderful partner and I felt the chemistry and the connection between us immediately and the sympatico. You know, that first day with Michael and Cathy as well, it was this 20 hour behemoth thing where we’re jumping in cold water and in France and in Italy –

AH: And in Savannah.

AH: Without ever leaving Savannah!

NG: Without ever leaving Savannah! It was just a feeling of excitement that I was filled with coming into work every single day and that’s not always the case!

JR: And this flawless ensemble is rounded out by Reid and Ella you really feel like a family for all of the good and the bad that it entails! I’m curious about how you went about building that chemistry and that history. Ella especially for you and Anne as you really feel this mother/ daughter bond.

ELLA RUBIN: Well thanks, I feel that

that is the best compliment you could get when you’re playing family with someone. I have said this before, but it’s really true. When you meet Annie, she’s not such an interesting person – she is, but she is also interested – like the bond, at least for me felt really natural and really easy despite all of my nervousness. I think that she is such an inquisitive person in the most warm way possible and so just having the privilege of getting to know each other and just to talk and to kind of spend time together just by way of being able to be around her – a bond just naturally forms around someone that is just so willing to hear you and to try to see you. So, I just felt that for me at least, it was quite natural.

With Reid, it was very much so the same. It was him just making me feel really comfortable and welcome as well as willing to be ok with my mess up to nervousness!

JR: And Reid, bless you because you have a very difficult role here and you know there are a lot of people who are going to be angry at you. At the same time, how do you sort of approach the character and make him dimensional and complex when we’re sort of set up to want to boo your character!

REID SCOTT: I am embrace it! I think that part of the fun for me is the challenge of bringing more dimension to – I wouldn’t call Daniel the villain, but that kind of role can tend to lay a little flat. It’s necessary because there has to be this sort of obstacle to this love story. But just like in real life, everyone is more colorful than whatever you are getting out of a given moment. I love to give these characters as many colors as I can and I think that it is really important, especially for Daniel, that you have to like something about him because he is a bit of a reflection on Annie’s character. You would never believe that someone as warm and loving as Solène would ever fall for him if he was just purely an asshole. So you have to see that at some point, they must have connected and there must have been some -

thing that brought them together and also to produce this wonderful child!

JR: Exactly!

RS: Michael was really fantastic in being able to foster this environment of exploration and play that we could find this and Annie and I had these wonderful conversations late at night on the phone in between shooting and giving our characters some sort of backstory and just getting to know one another. It really helped and it lent to this wonderful, warm, and playful environment. That really allowed us all to thrive!

MS: I just want to say that I think that it’s a testament to Reid that people do want to boo him! I really mean that! I love Reid’s performance in this movie and it has really revealed itself to me. I know that this is sort of a weird backhanded compliment that I have given you before, but it’s unfurled more since we shot it. It’s sort of evolved in post and it has grown. I knew that he was great when we were shooting and everything but it’s really that he has created this really compelling villain – whatever you want to call it and I also think that at the end of the movie when Izzy wants to go to Daniel’s house and he’s waiting for her at the door, you see a very caring person there. You also see something between Daniel and Solène that I think is very complicated. The eye contact that they make with each other at the end is the eye contact that you see between 2 people that have a lot of history with each other and there is a lot of mileage between these adults and I just love what Reid has done and I really do mean it. It’s a huge testament to his performance that audiences are so riled up about him!

JR: Even the character that he is currently with in the film, she seems pretty cool to. There’s a reason why this guy attracts awesome women.

MS: He has a lot of positive qualities, but he needs to work on himself a little and if I had to imagine what the movie about Daniel would be, he’s going to spend a little bit of time working on himself.

JR: In therapy! I would watch that! I would watch a movie about Daniel in therapy.

For Anne and Nicholas, how did you work together to bring this romance to life in a way that feels authentic and to avoid feeding into stereotypes?

AH: It’s so funny, we have been asked this a number of times on what work did we do. The things that I think that we both like to approach things Is that we are very playful people. Once we got that down, we established a friendship really and so it kind of works in the way that a friendship would work. In that, it doesn’t feel like work at all and I’m really – I think that what is happening for Nick in his career is so exciting, but I’m really just so happy to have made friends with such a wonderful person and someone that is just so talented and who has so much ahead of him! I felt really really cared for and supported by him in this movie. I knew that whatever I was doing, he was just right there with me step for step. It was a really beautiful and very vulnerable experience, but we always kept it light with each other and we always kept it light with each other and we were allowed to make mistakes with each other. Nothing had to be perfect and it wasn’t tense in that way. Am I missing anything?

NG: No, I think that the communication was always really good!

AH: Yes!

NG: We always had open channels.

AH: We checked in with each other a lot.

NG: Yeah, exactly. It never – you know, it’s so funny, so much onus is put on the chemistry because it’s very palpable I think in the movie. It’s not so much some -

thing that I think you feel that you’re consciously working or building to create. It’s just a human connectivity and it flows. It’s very water.

AH: Whenever we had that raw spark, it was shaped by Michael and by the entire production team. I think that sometimes actors get a lot of attention, but as everybody knows, this is a team medium. We have a lot of people that are experts at their field and they’re designing their whole talented selves towards making it believable so that the 2 of us have chemistry. So, we had good fighting odds and Jennifer Westfeldt (Younger, The First Lady, Will Trent) adapted a beautiful book. We just had so much working for us in our favor.

JR: Cathy, what were some of the biggest challenges in bringing this idea from the book to the screen and what is the main message that you hope to convey to the audience of this film?

CS: Well I think that you know, in starting the development process, the first thing that we saw was necessary was to age up the daughter from what she had been in the book. This is because, we wanted Solène’s character to have someone to speak to and to really be able to be open about the changes that were happening in her own life. And the reason that I bring that up is that the message in the end is that women shouldn’t be put in boxes. You can be more than a mother, you can be more than a grandmother, you can be between a mother and a grandmother – I don’t know what you are but you can be an other. You can work, you can do a lot of different things and it was really important that we could look at what it was like to go through one phase of mothering in a first marriage to possibilities of more happiness while also bringing a young person into her womanhood. I think that those are the messages that we hope that the movie will leave which is the possibility for

happiness and the importance of keeping yourself vulnerable to allow happiness to come back in. I just think for women that you hit a certain point in age and it’s easy to say, hey I did it. I’ve been a mom, I’ve had a job, I’ve been a wife, and now I’m really happy to find and shut off a lot of other things to self-actualize in a yurt which is what Solène was about to do and that would have been fine. But in our movie, we wanted to say that it’s not done and there’s so much more and that was sort of the message. So the whole development process was in opening that story to get us there.

JR: I didn’t realize that you aged up the daughter. Ella that’s great news for you!

ER: I am 13, I just don’t look it ha! I’m very lucky that they aged it up. I remember I got a note or saw it on Instagram and it said, Anne Hathaway in this new movie or whatever. I read something about her having a daughter in it and I didn’t even know any information about it and I sent a screenshot to my agents and I said, “I have to audition for this,” and literally as I sent the text, I got an email in my inbox with the audition and then I realized that the daughter was 13 and they told me that they were aging her up and it was this serendipitous and very lucky thing!

JR: Had you been told over the years that you looked like Anne Hathaway?

ER: Yes and it’s the most flattering compliment that one can get!

AH: I’m so thrilled! I’m so thrilled that I look like you!

ER: I’m so thrilled that I look like you!

AH: I would just stare into screen and say, this is so awesome!

ER: Right back at you, my whole life I have been staring at you like that! It’s always been the most absolute greatest compliment and now I have some evidence to back it up!

AH: It was so fun when I saw Ella’s audition because I saw her audition tape before we met and I just remember turning to Michael and Cathy and I was like, “oh my God, that’s like aaa I didn’t know that I had a daughter!” But apparently – it was just so wild. Our timing was just so similar and Ella just has funny bones and just crazy crazy dramatic talent and I have mentioned it earlier here, but we just struck gold with this cast! It was insane to have someone like Reid come in to be able to build instant history with someone and it’s like chemistry, love, history, and all of these big things! Audiences are really smart. They know when there is air being let out. They know when something doesn’t hold water. So to have and to be part of this cast where everybody really meant it and to do just such incredible work, I’m really just so stunned.

@primevideo

@annehathaway

@nicholasgalitzine

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Prime Video/The Idea of You

When we began working in the fashion industry, there are a number of memories that we will never forget that allowed us to see the work of those who have brands that focus on the importance of heritage and artistry. One of our NYFW experiences involved a stunning runway show that showcased dramatic crisp white shirts with architectural collars and accessorized with belts and earrings. We also attended an intimate fragrance launch at her home where she not only played piano for us, but allowed us to see how her brand is truly one that runs seamlessly in your life beyond just what one wears on one's body. Josie Natori is the epitome of refined style, luxury, and the ultimate in self-care.

We sat down with the Founder and Chief Executive of The Natori Co. in her offices in NYC to talk about being a child prodigy in piano, how she climbed the corporate ladder at Merrill Lynch, and how her passion for creativity led to her launching her namesake company which includes a number of coveted labels, and the importance of having brand authenticity and integrity.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It is such a pleasure to see you again! We met many years ago!

JOSIE NATORI: Yes, you were at one of my fragrance launches, I don’t remember which one it was.

AM: Yes it was awhile ago and it was such a beautiful event as I was able to hear you play the piano, and you hosted it at your home. I have been such a fan of the brand for so long so it’s amazing to be here now to talk to you!

When did you realize that you loved fashion and wanted to design?

JN: No, I never said that I wanted to design. I loved fashion, when you grow up in the Philippines, you love clothes. So it was never a dream or an aim or a goal. It was a total accident as it was not something that I would have thought about.

I started out in Wall Street for 9 years and

it was a great business to be in. But then I also had this artistic background as a pianist as I had been playing since I was 4 and that creative and artistic aspect as well. I never dreamt of nor wanted to and I don’t like to be called a clothing designer. I’m an artist and a businesswoman. I like beautiful things and I have figured out how to do them.

AM: What do you love about playing the piano?

JN: It’s kind of second nature. You’re born, you dance, you play, you sing, you dance, you act, and my mother, she was also a pianist. So everyone had to play an instrument, you didn’t question it –you just did it. I started playing when I was 4, I performed concerts and at the age of 9, I played solo with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Thank God that I did it and I love to play the piano because it’s a great way for me to express myself through the piano.

AM: That really nice.

You came to the US and attended Manhattanville College with your focus in Economics and you’re such a trailblazer, as you climbed the corporate ladder at Merrill Lynch in the 70s.

JN: Yes, I was the first female VP of Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch.

AM: Well what did it mean to you to have that position especially as a woman?

JN: You know what, when I was on Wall Street, that never really occurred to me. Growing up in Manila, I came from a place with strong matriarchal society where the women were very strong. My mother was an entrepreneur, my grandmother was also a businesswoman. I never questioned that. So when other people would look at what I did and say how unique it was, for me I never had that as an issue, I never confronted it, I didn’t worry about it, I just

did it. I know that those looking at me felt that as a woman and a minority, I checked 2 boxes, but I never saw it that way. I think that I was just at the right place at the right time and I think that with my background and my upbringing, I had no fear.

AM: What took place for you to transition from being in finance and doing well, to move on to fashion?

JN: Yes, I got bored after being there for 9 years and I came to the decision that I had no desire to be the President of Merrill Lynch. It’s not that I was given that opportunity, but I knew that that wasn’t something that I wanted. I felt that I had climbed the mountain, and I woke up in the morning and I felt that I didn’t have -

AM: That fire.

JN: Yes. So I always knew that I would have my own business because my grandmother is entrepreneurial, my father started his business and he was a selfmade man. It was only a question of what business. Then Ken and I got married and I was thinking of what business we could do. We explored a brokerage firm, but we didn’t have the resources and it wasn’t the right time in the Stock Market. So I started exploring and thinking about other businesses like opening up a McDonald’s and other ideas. But it was just by accident that the business of import/export in the Philippines came up. Not in a million years was I thinking about design, it was about the trade of product. It evolved and I was really fortunate and the left brain and the right brain aligned. That’s what was missing. Wall Street had made me work in one way and there is a lot of creativity in that field that people find exciting, but for me, it was boring. In terms of finance I did enjoy making the deals. But in fashion you’re making deals and also working with product. It was exciting and I have always enjoyed fashion, I’m a shopaholic.

AM: What was your vision initially when you first launched the label?

JN: There was no vision, it was just buying and selling. It was just me seeing items and purchasing it and you just keep going. It was only later on when I brought in an embroidered blouse to a buyer and she felt that it would be great as a sleep shirt and so that was lingerie. At the time, lingerie was either lewd or frumpy. So I was lucky that I was able to get into that area and I was also very persistent and I learned on the job!

AM: It’s the best way to go about it sometimes.

JN: No one taught me.

AM: Looking at your brand today, you have a number of labels. What is your process in deciding what pieces will go with what portion of the label and the corresponding design?

JN: I think that over the years we have been fortunate to be able to have some tiers because you have Josie Natori which is the most luxurious, distinctive, and most expensive label and that’s not for everybody and it’s available at Saks in terms of its distribution. Natori is more everyday and it’s at Dillard's and N Natori at Von Maur. It’s for that day-to-day life. We also have Josie which is a bit dormant right now, but it is for that younger customer. We’re just really fortunate to be able to have that a brand that has different tiers and also includes various categories. I think that we have something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re buying a caftan for $6,000, $900, or $198 you see the difference in materials, but the integrity of the brand is there.

AM: I have had the pleasure to wear some of your caftan dresses from Josie Natori and they are the most stunning and beautiful pieces to wear.

JN: Thank you!

AM: One of the things that I like so much about your lines is that you do have a

number of licensees and categories that are within the brand. What is your process in terms of how you decide on including accessories, home goods, candles, fragrances, etc?

JN: Well, I think that it was after 5 years. You know, you’re not really a brand until the customer tells you so. When the customer tells you, that’s when you can look at things differently and Natori really is a state of mind. There is a whole philosophy about it. I thought that the brand is about feeling good and there is a sociological element about the brand and there is also a design element. The brand is about having feel good products and being true to yourself as well as feminine. Then there is the actual aesthetic of the design which is the East-West and the modern aspects of it and you can see it in a number of the pieces that we have. It is about bringing art into life.

But when it comes to products, I’m not going to do pots and pans, that doesn’t relate to the brand. We’re focused on the inside and out as well as head-to-toe. Because you can create that East- West in so many places in the home and under the covers. A feel good brand means you’re going to think about fragrances, fabrics, and what makes you feel good. As a brand, I think that we have a point of view and that’s what makes us distinctive and there is also that psychographic where when you buy Natori, it’s a gift to yourself. It’s about feeling feminine, loving yourself, why not? It’s indulgence.

AM: One of my favorite bras is actually from your line as it’s a T-Shirt style super light and comfortable while feeling luxurious. It’s always easy to wear and I agree with you on how the brand inherently has that feel good nature about it.

In looking at the collections that you have, it allows that woman to go out to for a night on the town, to work, to being casual and to really navigate her life. What would be 3 pieces that are essential across your whole brand or for each individual label?

JN: That’s really hard and you know, my philosophy is that we make clothes that make you feel good, feminine, comfortable, elegant, and stylish. But where you wear it, that’s your decision! I’m not telling you what to do! Some people like to take our slip dress and wear it to sleep in, but someone else is wearing it to go out in. So for me, it’s a range of possibilities and a point of view. It’s a sensibility of how you dress you know? It’s a statement, it’s feminine, and to me, it’s about wearing it wherever you want!

In terms of pieces, you want to have that great foundation, so you want to make sure that your underwear is comfortable. Then you have those options of wearing a caftan, or a lovely kimono or a dress. Of course, there’s accessories and it’s hard to point out just one as there are so many options! To me, the items that are closest to your skin are the most important as opposed to what’s outside.

AM: I couldn’t agree more!

There was a runway show that you did years ago and I know my mom and I attended this show. Most of the looks were dynamic white crisp shirts paired with your accessories. I just remember seeing beautiful collars, elements of Geometria, and belts – it was just stunning.

JN: Oh great!

AM: It was like a Dynasty moment which I am a huge fan of as I love the glamour and drama that came through with the way that the characters were styled on that show.

JN: I am very proud of the artistry that we have created for this brand and the handwork comes from the Philippines. We have been able to bring that craftsmanship to our collections and it’s about bringing the best of the past and to apply it to modern luxury whether

it’s on your body or your bed. I just think that we deserve it. We work so hard on this Earth!

AM: Where do you see the brand going whether it’s collaborations or big product launches that we should keep an eye out for?

JN: We are fortunate that we have built a following and a customer base and we have never taken that for granted! We need to continue to be relevant to the next generation. We want to continue only do the categories that relate to the brand and we always have to think about who our customer is. Each generation is different and I am always thinking about who we can speak to what they are looking for and what makes sense for who we are. We can’t be stuck. My son is the President of Natori and we’re always looking forward and keeping things fresh.

AM: What does it mean to you to have Natori as a member of the CFDA?

JN: Obviously, it’s a wonderful organization that really showcases and supports its members and it’s great to have a voice and I appreciate that. I don’t really consider myself a designer, but I think it is important to be involved whether it’s hosting a function/event, to mentor as well as to advise and to have that representation.

AM: Absolutely.

What are you the most proud of in terms of what you have done with this Empire?

JN: Well, it’s not an empire number 1.

AM: I think it is a big deal to be around as long as you have with your distribution channels, licenses and being a multi-million dollar brand. To start as a sleepwear/lingerie brand and to have an array of celebs like Lady Gaga, Kate Beckinsale, and Rose Huntingon-Whiteley wearing your labels.

JN: I have to say that we are very proud. There aren’t too many brands, I don’t

think that have lasted this long and are independent. So I feel that that is something that my family is very proud of. My son Ken taking over as President, but I’m not retiring anytime soon! I’m getting close to 77, but I don’t feel old you know? It’s really a mindset to me and I think young! When I’m traveling with our team, sometimes they say, “can we rest?” and I say, “what do you mean rest? It’s time to go!” They are more than half my age. So it’s fun and I think that we are just proud that we are able to build this brand and we are proud of the connections to the Philippines because I think that without my Asian heritage, and I am very proud about that, it is what distinguishes me and it is my point of differentiation to bring that heritage and background and to bring the essence of that in an art form into our prints and patterns is great to add and to infuse in our modern way of living. It’s been an exciting journey you know? We’re known for our prints and I think that being able to have that distinctive point of view we are proud of what we have offered and continue to do. We are proud of being a privately held and family owned company. But, there is no sitting on your laurels. It’s a very tough environment and we’re just navigating that is the business climate is different and has its challenges. But it’s exciting when you’re doing this and to see what you have built and will continue to do as you evolve and to present yourself the way that you want to present yourself. There is freedom in being able to do that. I’m proud of that and I think the real test is that I want the brand to live beyond me. It has to keep on going and we can’t bastardize the brand. I’d rather keep the brand like this and to have integrity which is important to me.

AM: You have been such a trailblazer and it has been such an honor to have you talk with us about the brand so that we can share with our fans and readers of Athleisure Mag!

JN: I’ve looked at your magazine and Athleisure doesn’t mean that you’re just wearing the sweats, track suits, or activewear. I think the term and how you present it is redefining it. Natori is a way of dressing. It’s a way of dressing that’s feminine, glamorous, statement, full of color, happy, and it feels good. It’s a mindset of how you want to be whether I’m relaxing and reading the paper on the couch. Athleisure is my time! It’s me time! That’s why Natori is about buying for yourself! You can buy it and afford the pieces that you want and I think it is interesting!

@natori

@josienatori

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Natori

Photo Credit: Mercedes Mehling, Unsplash, Royalty-free

SOUTH STREET SEAPORT MUSEUM – PIER 16 & THE SEAPORT – PIER 17

LAMBDA LOUNGE BK | SAT | 22 JUNE | 2:00 P.M. GREENWICH VILLAGE | SUN | 30 JUNE | 12:00 P.M. NEW YORK, NY | SUN | 30 JUNE | 12:00 P.M. | SAT | 29 JUNE | 12:00 P.M.

THE DL | SUN | 30 JUNE | 2:00 P.M.

THEARTOF THESNACK: CASABOND

As we continue to navigate the Spring and get closer to the warmer Summer months, the art of going out and enjoying wearing less layers and having meals with initmate and large groups becomes more of an event! We want to celebrate the little and the large moments around the table with a great meal.

We enjoyed having an epic meal at Casa Bond located in NoHo which took our tastes to the next level with dishes that are filled with heritage and passion. We sat down with Managing Partner, Luis Villanueva to find out more about this fine dining Mexican cuisine, the ambiance of the restaurant, and what we should have our eye on in their menu.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We thoroughly enjoyed having dinner at Casa Bond and love the Tulum Vibe at this chic restaurant on Bowery. What is it about Tulum that you wanted to bring to this restaurant?

LUIS VILLANUEVA: At Casa Bond, we aim to transport guests to the spirited atmosphere of Tulum right in the heart of Noho. Inspired by the vibrant Tuluminati lifestyle, our concept embodies youthful vitality, artistic creativity, and Bohemian chic. Our goal is to offer a unique and creative flavor experience that captures the essence of refined Mexican cuisine.

AM: We've had the pleasure of vacationing in Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Tulum, and love the food of this region but for those who are not familiar with the Mexican Riviera, what are the regional dishes that are indicative of this area.

LV: In the Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Tulum regions, two iconic dishes that showcase the essence of the area's cuisine are Cochinita Pibil and Panuchos. Cochinita Pibil is a traditional Mayan dish featuring slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and achiote, while Panuchos are crispy tortillas filled with refried beans and topped with various savory ingredients.

These dishes encapsulate the rich flavors

and culinary heritage of the Mexican Riviera, offering a delightful taste of the region's cuisine.

AM: What are the spices and ingredients that are common in this?

LV: In the Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Tulum regions, Achiote is a key ingredient in Cochinita Pibil, contributing to its distinctive and unique flavor. Additionally, common spices and ingredients in this area include oregano, black pepper, and sage. These ingredients are integral to the region's culinary heritage, infusing dishes with rich, vibrant flavors that are characteristic of the area.

AM: When did Casa Bond launch?

LV: We officially launched Casa Bond NoHo on November 1st 2023.

AM: For those who are coming into Casa Bond, what can they expect from the ambiance as there is a sense of being in a luxury residential home that just so happens to be a restaurant.

LV: Inspired by the Tuluminati lifestyle, Interior Designer-Creative Director Michael Arguello crafted the concept at Casa Bond to embody youthful exuberance, artistic expression, and Bohemian chic style. Guests can expect an ambiance evocative of an exclusive private dinner party, blending Michael's expertise in luxury residential design with hospitality to create a unique atmosphere resembling a lavish home-turnedrestaurant. This intentional design ensures that our guests feel comfortable, welcomed, and at home.

AM: Who are the owners and the managing partner of Casa Bond and what are their backgrounds in terms of where they trained and kitchens/restaurants they worked in prior to coming here?

LV: Executive Chef-Owner Rodrigo Abrajan, of Casa Bond, first achieved neighborhood acclaim with El Paso Taqueria

in Harlem. He began his culinary journey with a humble taco pushcart in 1993 on the corner of Third Avenue and East 104th Street, which eventually grew into a full-service restaurant with three locations. El Paso was perennially lauded as one of the best restaurants in East Harlem by the media and locals alike.

Growing up in central Mexico, as the Beverage Director-Managing Partner I honed my skill for blending diverse flavors and aromas from a young age, learning family recipes and kitchen traditions. Moving to New York at 18, I pursued my passion for mixology while working my way up through various roles in restaurant kitchens, simultaneously studying Hospitality Management and English. My journey led me to roles at Havana Alma de Cuba and Cuba in Greenwich Village, where I crafted cocktail menus deeply rooted in Latin flavors. As Beverage Manager at La Pulperia (FEB ISSUE #86), I developed menus reflecting the cuisines of Latin America. Joining Casa Bond in November 2023 as Managing Partner and Mixologist, I fulfilled my dream of connecting with diners through mixology, enhancing their experience with refined Mexican fare.

AM: What are 3 dishes from the To Share portion of the many that we should consider when we come in for dinner?

LV: Among our enticing selections for sharing from the entrées section of the menu are the Cochinita Pibil, Mixiote de Cordero (lamb shank), and Prime Bone-in Rib Eye. Each dish is served with an accompaniment of rice, esquites, and freshly handpressed tortillas, making them perfect to share with friends and loved ones.

AM: From the Ceviche & More, what are 3 dishes that you suggest that we should enjoy with friends and family?

LV: A must-try from the Ceviche & More section, is our Aguachile. We also highly recommend the Ribeye Tiradito for those who want a little heat, and the Lobster Ceviche for those who seek sweet, tropi -

cal flavors.

AM: We love tacos and we have to say that the Gobernador was everything that we could imagine. What are 3 that you suggest that we should consider?

LV: We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the Gobernador Taco! It is one of our most popular menu items. So, of course, we highly recommend your readers try it as well.

In addition to that, we highly recommend trying our Baja Fish Taco, which is equally delightful. Additionally, we suggest trying our weekly taco specials. This week, we featured a Soft-Shell Crab Taco, prepared with pan-seared softshell crab, and jicama-chayote coleslaw, habanero aioli, and served in a blue corn tortilla.

AM: Tell us about the Entrees and what are 3 that should be on our list?

LV: Highlights of the Entree selection are: Duck Confit served in the house signature mole made from 24 ingredients including pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds ground to a paste with white chocolate, hoja santa, and pine nuts; Cochinita Pibil, pork shoulder wrapped in banana leaf with achiote paste, habanero, and chile tatemado; and Pescado Zarandeado, a broiled butterflied branzino marinated in annatto-guajillo, served with hand-pressed tortillas.

AM: For the sides, what are 3 that we should have to share at our next meal?

LV: For Sides, we recommend the Esquites, Mexican street corn salad with chile piquín, Jicama Salad, mixed gem lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and tossed in poblano vinaigrette, and the Grilled White Asparagus.

AM: It's always great to end the meal with desserts can you tell us about your Dessert Chefs, their culinary backgrounds and kitchens they worked in pri-

or to coming to this restaurant?

LV: Molecular Dessert Chefs Erica Huertas and Daniella Castro both were born in Colombia, where they grew up and honed their passion for pastries and desserts while working in their families’ bakeries. Here, they not only developed their technical skills but also cultivated a deep appreciation for the craft.

Their journey led them to the United States, where they pursued their dream of establishing their own pastry and dessert business. During the pandemic, they dedicated themselves to enhancing their skills, focusing on mastering entrements—elaborate, multi-layered French desserts featuring a sponge cake base, mousse filling, and layers of creams, jellies, and compotes.

Drawing on their upbringing and newly acquired expertise, Erica and Daniella launched America Entremets. This bakery specializes in creating visually stunning and intricately designed entremets, offering their creations to restaurants, like Casa Bond, and private customers alike.

AM: Tell us about the desserts, the Tres Leches in a geometric shape was beyond expectations!

LV: The dessert selection features a twist on Traditional Mexican pastries. Molecular Dessert Chefs Erica Huertas and Daniella Castro have created a trifecta of fun-sized desserts that come in beautiful shapes and colors.

The presentation of the Tres Leches was designed to mirror the geometric, diamond-shaped glass chandeliers in our dining room that were selected by Interior Designer-Creative Director Michael Arguello. This seamless collaboration between our culinary team and design visionaries elevates the dining experience, ensuring a harmonious and refined ambiance that complements the meal.

AM: We had the pleasure of meeting you

and enjoying your selections first hand. Can you tell us about the Beverage Program that is offered?

LV: Our cocktail program is a testament to my creation of classic and innovative cocktails by uniting the perfect balance of spirits and liqueurs.

The Couture is made with McQueen Gin, Colt 43, and Luxardo. When mixing McQueen gin with the fresh lemon juice, the cocktail changes color from purple to pink. The Deluxe Margherita is made with Casa de Dragones silver tequila, made by the first woman-owned distillery in Mexico, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. The Señor Bond is a play on the Old Fashioned, using Woodford Reserve bourbon, aromatic bitters, smoked maple, and Amarena cherries.

AM: What are 3 tequila cocktails that you suggest we should keep in mind?

LV: For those who want a classic tequila drink, you cannot go wrong with our Deluxe Margherita, made with Casa de Dragones silver tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. For those who want something sweet and tropical, we recommend the Bond•ing Cocktail, a delicious fusion of Del Maguey Mezcal, Herradura Silver Tequila, Malibu rum, passion fruit, and pomegranate juice. And finally, for the tequila enthusiast, we recommend the XXVII Karat Cocktail, made with Herradura Legend, Grand Marnier Cuvée Louis-Alexandre, yuzu, and local honey.

AM: We enjoy Mezcal and had the pleasure of enjoying these cocktails - what are 3 that you suggest?

We also highly recommend trying the Couture, made with McQueen Gin, Colt 43, and Luxardo. When mixing McQueen gin with the fresh lemon juice, the cocktail changes color from purple to pink. The Señor Bond is a play on the Old Fashioned, using Woodford Reserve

bourbon, aromatic bitters, smoked maple, and Amarena cherries. And, the Downtown, a mélange of grapefruit, pineapple, orange, Meyer lemons, lime, and Pisco Liquor, making for a sweet cocktail that complements the spicier dishes.

AM: You have a Beverage cart that has 15 premium tequilas, can you tell us more about this?

LV: We take pride in showcasing the latest and finest tequilas to our guests. To that end, we feature a display cart housing our top-tier premium selections, including renowned brands such as Clase Azul, Don Julio 1942, Esperanto Extra Añejo, Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino, and Herradura Legend, among others. This curated collection offers a diverse array of exceptional and exquisite tequilas for our guests to enjoy.

AM: Tell us about Bonding Hour!

LV: Bonding Hour reimagines the classic happy hour experience, running Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 PM at the bar and front tables. Featuring specially priced cocktails and small plates, guests can indulge in handcrafted drinks made with premium liquor for $9, including our signature margarita, espresso martini, and coconut mojito, alongside delicious bites. Outdoor seating is also available on our sidewalk café, weather permitting.

AM: We love a great brunch, what can you tell us about this portion of the menu when we come in with friends and family?

LV: Executive Chef-Owner Rodrigo Abrajan has designed the brunch menu with a focus on the best seafood dishes from the Mexican coast and put his twist on classic American breakfast items.

Brunch highlights include: Benedictinos: blue corn masa memelita (masa cakes), Cochinita Pibil, poached eggs, and habanero hollandaise sauce, Hamburguesa Blue Demon: 8 oz. prime sirloin, brioche bun, caramelized onions, and blue cheese,

served with wedge fries, and Chilaquiles Verde: crispy corn tortilla smeared in a green tomatillo sauce, topped with onions sour cream, and queso fresco with choice of eggs, steak, or shrimp.

For those looking to elevate their Tulum-inspired experience, Casa Bond offers live DJ sets on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in collaboration with Housematic Entertainment, which has specially curated a selection of deep house beats infused with Tulum vibes.

Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and outdoor seating will be offered, weather permitting.

@casabondnoho

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Casa Bond

When we're thinking of where to eat and to stay, we're always looking for superb recommendations! The MICHELIN Guide is one of the most revered resources when it comes to finding a number of restaurants and hotels that you can enjoy in your desired city whether you're a local or traveling! We were honored to chat with them to know more about how this Guide from 1900 began in France; evolved; the criteria for restaurants and hotels that are included; who their Inspectors are; and the difference between being recognized versus receiving Stars and Keys!

We're so pleased that we got to find out this and more from the incredible team at MICHELIN who values the importance of focusing on your customer and seamlessly sends their teams in to evaluate the hard work that is done by restaurants and hotels that could be given honors.

ATHLEISURE MAG: The MICHELIN Guide was created in the 1900's. What is the correlation between MICHELIN Tires and the creation/purpose of this Guide?

MICHELIN: The story of the MICHELIN Guide began in 1900. At that time, before it became the international benchmark for restaurant and hotel guides, it was a 400-page guidebook containing practical information for travelers. It was given to motorists free of charge; its aim being to facilitate their travels and develop mobility. It started in Clermont-Ferrand in central France in 1889, when brothers Andre and Edourard Michelin founded their eponymous tire company, fuelled by a grand vision for the French automobile industry at a time when there were fewer than 3,000 cars in the country.

In order to help motorists develop their trips – thereby boosting car sales and in turn, tire sales – the Michelin brothers produced a small guide filled with information for travelers such as maps, information on how to change a tire, where to fill up on petrol, and for those looking for a respite from the adventures of the day, a listing of places to eat and to stay for

for the night.

For 2 decades, this information was available at no cost! That was until Andre Michelin arrived at a tire shop to see his beloved guides being used to prop up a workbench. Based on the principle that “man only truly respects what he pays for,” a brand new MICHELIN Guide was launched in 1920 and sold for 7 francs.

For the first time, it included a list of hotels in Paris, lists of restaurants according to specific categories, as well as the abandonment of paid-for advertisements in the guide. The brothers also recruited a team of mystery diners, now called restaurant inspectors as we know them today, to visit and review restaurants anonymously.

In 1926, the guide awarded stars for fine dining establishments and they were initially marked with a single star. In 1931, the hierarchy of zero, one, two, and three stars were introduced and in 1936, the criteria for the starred rankings were published.

The MICHELIN Guides now rate over 30,000 establishments in over 30 territories across three continents and more than 30 million MICHELIN Guides have been sold worldwide since. Due to the foresight of the founding Michelin brothers, the company maintains its mission and relevancy that it has had since 1900 to make driving, tourism, and the search for unforgettable experiences available to all.

AM: Can you tell us about the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors and what are the qualities or background that you look for in terms of finding those individuals who contribute to the Guide?

M: These former hospitality professionals all have at least 10 years of experience, which ensures that they have a precise and technical knowledge of the field. They also receive two years of training in the MICHELIN Guide’s meth -

odology, which is based on objective and universally deployable criteria.

The team, which includes local and international inspectors, are fully capable of evolving in international gastronomic scenes and finding the best talents. MICHELIN Guide Inspectors enjoy complete independence in choosing the restaurants they visit. Only their knowledge of the local gastronomic scene – through research, monitoring and documentation –enable them to find their way around.

No one can tell the difference between a regular customer and a Guide Inspector. Their identity, when they are visiting, and where they are all kept secret. They pay their own bills, just as any other restaurant-goer.

Consistency is very important when awarding MICHELIN Stars, so we need to be sure that the customers will receive the same high standard of cooking whenever they visit. Various Inspectors will visit throughout the seasons: for lunch as well as for dinner, both at the weekend and during the week. We try to eat as many dishes as possible over the course of the year, as we do need to try as much of the chef’s food as we can. We have to be sure that all the dishes that come out of the kitchen are of a consistently high standard. Sometimes we eat alone, sometimes in pairs, and occasionally even as a group. Once several inspectors have eaten at a restaurant, they can discuss their experiences as a team in order to make a final decision.

AM: Do the Inspectors work throughout the year to visit restaurants and hotels around the world?

M: Yes, the MICHELIN Guide selection is provided annually, based on the anonymous and independent dining & travel experiences of the inspection team, and they are re-evaluated each year.

AM: In looking at the US, The MICHELIN North American Guide first launched in

2005 starting with New York, Chicago debuted in 2011, Washington DC followed in 2017, California started with San Francisco in 2008 and it was statewide in 2019, in 2022 Miami/Orlando/Tampa, FL launched, Toronto joined in 2022 along with Vancouver, and both Colorado and Atlanta launched last year! How do cities in the US that have yet to be included go about getting MICHELIN's attention for their restaurants and hotels to be considered for inclusion?

M: The MICHELIN Guide inspection team is always evaluating new destinations for the Guide, around the world. MICHELIN decides whether to have its anonymous inspectors conduct a destination assessment. Once all the conditions are present to highlight the quality of the culinary scene in a given city, region or country, the MICHELIN Guide begins its process. Only the inspectors, based on their expert research, choose destinations.

AM: We have had the pleasure of interviewing a number of chefs that have received MICHELIN stars. Can you tell us about what each star means and what the criteria is?

M: A MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking.Any restaurant of any style and cuisine type can qualify for a Star. We take into account 5 universal criteria: the quality of ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through the cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time.

One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants using top quality ingredients, where dishes with distinct flavors are prepared to a consistently high standard.

Two MICHELIN Stars are awarded when the personality and talent of the chef are evident in their expertly crafted dishes;

their food is refined and inspired.

Three MICHELIN Stars is our highest award, given for the superlative cooking of chefs at the peak of their profession; their cooking is elevated to an art form and some of their dishes are destined to become classics.

If the restaurant is currently in the MICHELIN Guide then they don’t need to apply for a Star, as all restaurants in the guide are re-assessed regularly. If we feel that the cooking at a restaurant is no longer at the same level that it was, then we would not re-award the Star the following year. Any restaurant can ask us to consider them for inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide and we love receiving recommendations from our readers too.

AM: We know that the first star came in 1926 and between 1931 and 1933 there is the 3-star system. Do you think that there will be a point where an additional star may be added to the system?

M: At this time, we don’t have news to share about the star system being extended.

AM: We talked about the MICHELIN Star. What is the difference between a Green Star and a Bib Gourmands?

M: The Green Star is our newest award. It was introduced to the MICHELIN Guide France in 2020 and is now featured in every country covered by the MICHELIN Guide. It is awarded to restaurants that are role models when it comes to sustainable gastronomy.

The Bib Gourmand is our award for great value, and highlights simple yet skillful cooking at an affordable price. (But we should also say that we are looking for a high standard of cooking just for a restaurant to be recommended in the MICHELIN Guide).

AM: Why do MICHELIN Guides have different times that they are awarded in terms

of destination?

M: The MICHELIN Guide distinctions are awarded annually for each destination. The selections are revealed at different times throughout the year based on event planning, which is done in partnership with MICHELIN and the destination marketing organization.

AM: What advice would you give to a young chef?

M: There are three things:

• Great cooking starts with great ingredients, so use the best produce you can find – whether that’s a tomato or a chicken.

• Take pleasure in cooking for your customers, rather than cooking to try and win awards.

• Eat out as much as you can, but also eat your own dishes – sometimes it’s not until you’re halfway through a dish that you realize it’s not quite right.

AM: The MICHELIN Key is a new distinction that is available to hotels! Can you tell us more about this and on Apr 8th the first Keys were announced for hotels in Paris, when will they be announced for other guides like those in the US?

M: The latest addition to the MICHELIN Guide accolades is the MICHELIN Keys which highlights establishments in the Guide’s hotel selection offering the most exceptional stays. The first selection of MICHELIN Keys were awarded in France with a selection team that is based on anonymous stays or visits, independent of existing labels, tourism stars, and pre-established quotas. The MICHELIN Keys are becoming a new international benchmark for travelers helping them to find accommodations that stand out for their unique hospitality concept, distinctive character, warm welcome and very high level of service. These hotels can be booked on its digital platforms.

In this very first list, 189 hotels and ac commodations, among some 600 establishments already recommended by the MICHELIN Guide France, are honored with 24 Three MICHELIN Keys, 38 Two MICHELIN Keys and 127 One MICHELIN Keys.

Just like the famous Stars, that, in the MICHELIN Guide restaurant selection, indicate establishments offering the best culinary experiences, the Keys reveal accommodations in the Guide’s hotel selection that offer the most outstanding stays. They are a new benchmark for travelers, qualifying the experiences in broad terms, rather than focusing solely on amenities.

One MICHELIN Key: A Very Special Stay –This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mold, offer something different or simply be one of the best of its type. Service always goes the extra mile and it provides so much more than similarly priced establishments.

Two MICHELIN Keys: An Excellent Stay –Somewhere truly unique and exceptional in every way, where a memorable experience is always guaranteed. A hotel of character, personality and charm that’s run with obvious pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design or architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay.

Three MICHELIN Keys: An Extraordinary Stay – It’s all about astonishment and indulgence here – this is the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance. It is one of the world’s most remarkable and extraordinary hotels and a destination in itself for that trip of a lifetime. All the elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will stay long in the memory and hearts.

France is the first country to unveil its honorees of 189 establishments. After France, the MICHELIN Keys were announced on Apr 24th for the United States (Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida,

New York, and Washington DC.) Spain followed on Apr 29th, following with Italy on May 7th, and Japan on Jul 4th.

AM: You can also book hotels through the MICHELIN Guide, why should we do this here when we are organizing our next trip?

M: All of the MICHELIN Guide hotel recommendations can be found free of charge on the MICHELIN Guide website and app. On these digital platforms, all of the recommended hotels can be booked at the best available rate. To assist travelers throughout their stay, the MICHELIN Guide also provides a concierge service offered by a team of travel experts, employed by the MICHELIN Guide.

AM: Last fall, there was a MICHELIN Guide Ceremony that took place in Tribeca for New York, Chicago, and Washington DC to celebrate restaurants and professionals on one night! Chefs were invited to see if they received a Star. Will there be a ceremony this year that is like this?

M: The MICHELIN Guide selections are awarded annually for each destination. We don’t have news to share on the the format of the ceremonies for New York, DC or Chicago at this time for 2024.

AM: The MICHELIN Guide App is really informative in terms of seeing those restaurants that have varying distinctions or simply being recognized/listed, having access to articles, being able to book hotels/connect to restaurants etc. As we continue to navigate 2024, will there be additional offerings on the app for users to be able to enjoy or utilize?

M: You can stay tuned to our website guide.michelin.com for information about any new features regarding the apps. Updates will also periodically be available via the app store as they are released.

@michelinguide

Focusing on our health is multi-layered as it's about working out, nutrition, recovering our body, and wellness. By combining these elements together you're on the track to creating a 360 approach to doing what is best for your body.

We caught up with Jenna Willis who is know for her celebrity clientele that includes Liza Koshy (Boo! A Madea Halloween, Transformers: RIse of the Beast, Good Burger 2), Lala Kent (Vanderpump Rules, The Valley, MAY ISSUE #29 cover in 2018) and Camila Cabello. We've gotten to know her through seeing her on Vanderpump Rules as well as on her Instagram.

We wanted to find out how she became a celeb trainer, the impact of fitness on her life, her approach to working with clients, how we can approach our fitness goals, and her upcoming projects.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’re so excited to talk with you as the first time we became aware of you was when we had Lala Kent as the cover and we shot with her. In her interview we were asking about her physique and how she got to looking so amazing and she was like, “oh my God, Jenna Willis!”

JENNA WILLIS: Oh that’s so nice - so thank you! Truly and it makes me so happy.

I was literally with Lala today training with her as we’re now in her 2nd pregnancy now and we’ve gotta keep her body on track to snap back the day after!

AM: She always looks great and you also have other clients that I’m a fan of like Liza Koshy and I know our readers will love learning more about you and your fitness approach!

When was the moment that you fell in love with fitness?

JW: Wow, you know it’s one of those things where you look back and it all makes sense. But when you’re in it, you don’t realize how impactful it is and how

it has pretty much supported me my entire life! I started off doing Tiny Tots Gymnastics when I was 3 years old. So fitness – what’s interesting to me is that fitness is fun! A lot of people forget that. My true ah ha moment, I have actually had 2. I transferred colleges and I went to a school in NY called Wagner College where I was actually the tiniest Division I volleyball player in the nation so I was playing volleyball for this school. I always knew I wanted to move to LA to pursue acting because that was my dream. I was literally like going to my parents saying that I was up and moving and going to LA. They were like, “cool, good luck!” But they also added that I could do that or I could transfer and study whatever I wanted and graduate. So at the age of 19, I packed up a bag, moved across the country with 6 girls that I had never met before – this was back in the day! I was on a call with the girl in LA and she was like, “do you want to move into this house with us for the summer?” I was like sure. I show up and girl, we were sharing a bed for the summer and we had never met in my life – to this day, she is one of my best friends!

AM: Wow!

JW: The point of the story is that I moved to LA, I didn’t know what a sesh is like a Surf Sesh – all of these terms. All of these boys and all of this lifestyle stuff. I was like, I’m just going to live and enjoy extracurricular activities like Beer Pong right? About 5 months in to doing that, this was the first time in my life that I was not exercising. In the middle of a sorority meeting, I was laid out with a panic attack and it was the first time in my life that I had realized that fitness literally saves me. That was the first realization. I think that because it had always been part of my life because I always played sports, I played volleyball in college, and I never realized how impactful it truly was until that moment.

The second time, it was 2015 and I was actually on Vanderpump Rules at that

time and I was also on a TV show called, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story - which was one of the best years of my life and then quickly went to one of the hardest years of my life. I stepped away from Vanderpump Rules, I was engaged to someone for 8 years and then we broke up and that ended, and then my management at the time left the industry and I just felt that I was left with nothing! My fiancé and I had broken up, I was no longer on Vanderpump Rules, and my acting career had not gone the way that I thought it would after booking the OJ series and I went into a very bad situational depression and my anxiety was through the roof and I summoned up the energy to get to the gym one day. I told myself that enough was enough. I go to the gym and I quickly realized that one of the few times out of my day that I felt present, I felt alive and felt good – that was how I became a trainer.

AM: That’s what I was going to ask you, how did you know that this was going to be your career because working out for yourself and knowing what to do for your body is so different than having clients and doing this for them.

JW: Yeah, I mean, honestly you can’t make this shit up! I was going to the gym and I knew I was feeling better. I got a call one day and a friend of a friend from college said, “hey, we need a fitness model for this job.” I thought, I’m not a model, but sure!

AM: I’m not a model, but I am today haha!

JW: This fun day of shooting and doing fitness stuff made me think, “wow, this is really cool!” So I'm going to the gym, I’m starting to workout and I’m feeling better, I’m doing this fitness modeling thing. I’m at the gym one day and I’m working out. Mind you, I’ve been let go from Villa Blanca which is how I ended up on Vanderpump Rules. They were like, “Jenna, you haven’t made a shift in a month.” It was a dream for me to not ever have to go back to a restaurant again and I mean

that in the most kindest way, but it was a goal that I had set for myself to try something new in life and to pursue my dream of acting.

I’m at the gym working out and a girl comes up to me and says, “oh my gosh, that move! Do you work here?” I told her no, but that this is how you do it. I kid you not, the next day I go to the gym, I’m on the cable machine, I’ll never forget it doing some chest on my massive non-existent boobs and another girl comes up and says, “woah, you’re really strong, do you work here?” I told her no, but this is what you do. Next day, at the gym, doing something for my butt of course, and a girl comes up and says, “I have really been trying to target the glutes” – she didn’t know what to call it, but I call it the Booty Dimples. Right like that little side part that we all want to focus on and I was hitting that real hard and she was like, “my gosh that move! Do you work here?” I’m not kidding, I looked at her and I said, “yes, I do!” I was like how can I help you? Then I helped her and I let her know that I didn’t really work there, but I went home and I was 30 at this point and I was like, if I have ever gotten a message in my life, this is it!

I went online and figured out the certification that I needed to get and which one I was going to do. I completed my certification in 2 months and it was a goal of mine to hit the ground running in 2017 and I got certified as a trainer and in CPR First Aid and I hit the ground running.

It changed my life! Yet again, fitness changed my life on a whole other level. I will tell you 1 thing. When I was 9 years old, I went to see a musical, The Newsies and I was sitting in the audience and I had this feeling of euphoria and that’s when I knew I wanted to be an actor because I wanted to give people the same thing I feel right now for the rest of my life. I get to do that now with training. I get to make people feel amazing. So you

put the dots together and you get this path together! Now, there’s a lot of road there and there’s going to be a lot of bumps on that path.

AM: Oh yeah!

JW: It makes sense.

AM: It will be a mix in terms of result and what happens along the way. So it’s amazing that you found it and made it make sense.

JW: It’s been really cool and what I will say is when I made that decision from being on Vanderpump and being in that world some what – all of the girls got very excited. Lala was literally like, start training me.

AM: You were just on an episode the other week of the current season.

JW: Yeah! So that’s so cool, well it’s full circle as I get to go back and I can train them on the show. It’s so cool!

AM: It’s amazing, you have trained her, Camila Cabello, Liza – you have has so many amazing people. How important is that client to trainer relationship? What are you looking for when it comes to deciding to train someone as a client?

JW: You know what’s funny? It’s such an intimate relationship to train someone. What someone looks for in me is what I am also looking for in them. Which is a partnership and the ability to go through thick and thin together as well as the high and lows with one another – there will be both. I am definitely a supporter kind of trainer. We’re going to laugh in our sessions and you’re as sure as shit going to feel the burn and hate me a little bit. But the session will be over and you’ll be like, wow that went fast! I think that that’s what a client looks for. You’re hanging out in very strange circumstances and in those circumstances, you’re going to feel the burn, you’ll hate me a little, but then you will love me because you walk away

feeling amazing.

AM: How would you describe your fitness method?

JW: My whole thing is that I have always been the weird kid and my thing is that we should embrace the awkward of fitness. I grew up an athlete, I have 3 older brothers, I had to be an athlete, I had to defend myself. My whole philosophy is to make fitness tangible and fun and something that can be done anywhere and anytime truly. People get so caught up in the major overhaul of life and what I like doing is to make it part of life.

AM: So for those just starting this journey, what would be the focus that they should be looking at or maybe beyond the goal of what it is that they want to do?

JW: Totally, there’s a few things that I recommend right off the bat. Start walking! It sounds so simple, but it makes such a difference. Once you create a routine of just getting up and walking outside, you’re creating that window to moveyou release those endorphins and serotonin to move. You’re awake and your body doesn’t feel as tight. When you realize that your body is moving and that you’re getting that energy, you’re more motivated to want to take it to that next step. I always say the 5 mins rule. Sometimes, you just need to get to the gym. You show up, you get to that treadmill for 5 mins and you can leave. It’s all about creating a habit or a routine.

Another thing that I like to do for someone who is just getting started is a calendar program. Look at your calendar for the week and the meetings that you have to go to – those things that you cannot move and schedule 20 mins in between whether that’s in the morning, your lunchbreak, or right after work. Because when you build it into your schedule, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

AM: Makes sense as you literally see it in

your calendar and you feel horrible clicking it off of Google calendar.

JW: That’s exactly right – it’s accountability!

The other thing that I love is just to find something that you enjoy! You know, some people feel that fitness has to be in the gym and lifting weights, I do it and I live for it. But not every person wants to do that. Maybe it’s that weekly dance class – it’s that one commitment that doesn’t feel overwhelming and that it’s social.

AM: How do you approach those that do have a specific goal that they’re looking to achieve in their workouts? Maybe it’s a wedding, an anniversary, reunions, etc? They’re looking at a set time and a set place where that goal is able to actualized.

JW: So that’s when I get a little more intense. If someone has a very specific goal, we talk about what that is, we look at the timeframe, and we break it down to what will truly heed results in that length of time. I am talking about a meal plan and a workout plan. Everybody is different. It also depends on the timeframe that we have.

AM: How important is the nutrition and recovery plan. What are all the things that people should be thinking about when it comes to a workout session on a given day and over time?

JW: Wellness. Truly and when I say wellness, I mean mind, body, spirit, and soul –all of that. I think that the goal for me with any of my clients is to create a program that is sustainable and enjoyable because if it doesn’t have those aspects, it won’t continue. I never want to feel like I am having to overhaul someone’s life. That’s not fun. It’s picking small goals that heed big change. Little things like the way that you eat your meals makes such a difference. People don’t realize that you start with your veggies – it creates a block so that you don’t get that glucose spike and it prevents having those crashes in the af-

ternoon. Then you move to your fats and your proteins and you finish with your complex cards. It’s little tips and tricks that make a huge difference. All of a sudden, you’re not eating as many of those snacks or craving those foods because you are satiating your body in other ways.

AM: How can we make sure that you’re establishing achievable goals as you’ve been talking about? Because I also have those friends who feel they have a goal and a plan, but in life, what they’re going for would not be able to happen whether the goal is off or the time allowed doesn’t make sense.

JW: Exactly, this is my philosophy. Anything that seems too good to be true, it probably is. And anything that comes so easy, goes easy. I truly believe that. A healthy amount is a pound a week and that’s an aggressive weight loss plan. If you are doing that, you are doing incredible. Anything over that, you’re kind of traumatizing the body to some degree and I hate to say that and to use those words.

AM: Well, it’s shocking the body.

JW: When people are leaning into taking things or doing things where this aggressive weight loss is happening, you can be losing muscle mass, you’re stressing your hunger, and how are you supplementing that to then create longevity?

I’m not just promoting myself so even if it’s not you working with me, maybe you are doing Pilates – you’re allowing your body to be supported and to create a strength for itself during that process. When you do go off of it, you’re still in a healthy mindset that will still support your mind and body.

AM: For those that may not be able to work with your 1:1. Tell us about Don’t Sweat It Alone! I love that everything in your world is so bright and approachable

as there are a number of methods or trainers that sometimes have a very different look to their site and their approach and for some people that can be a bit too much for them.

JW: Yesss! Thank you for saying that and I really do appreciate that!

Just going back for a moment on what we were talking about before, if you’re just starting out – you may want to consider breaking up your workout. For some people that only have 20mins like a lot of my clients are working moms. That’s a busy job and 20mins is better than no minutes. If you’re waiting to have that block of an hour, you may tell yourself you don’t have it today, but you will do it tomorrow, and then it just keeps happening and ultimately, you never worked out. Give yourself some grace and set that timer for 20mins, that’s time you put in for yourself, you nourished your body and gave it what it needed.

AM: I agree even for myself, I prefer to workout at 8am and be done by 9am, but then I may have a day of meetings, editor appointments, interviews, creative, etc – I know I will catch up with it again later in the day, and won’t let the day go on without it. But it can be tough as sometimes things start moving.

JW: I love that! That’s how I operate it and not everyday will go the way you want it to. Sometimes schedules are crazy and that is ok!

AM: You do the best you can, my newest component has been meditation as I have found that just as necessary as working out my body. I am not someone who likes to sit for a second in silence, but when I am in the meditation groove that follows after my workout, I can do it.

JW: You’re inspiring me – like meditation and affirmations is part of every morning of mine, but I would say that meditation is the one that I struggle with the most. So you're inspiring me right now so we're

always a work in progress.

AM: You have to find what works for you. I use Hyperice’s Core App and the fact that they break down the sessions to whether you’re feeling anxious, whether you want to be moved by music, or to have guided meditations, I have the group of instructors that I enjoy listening to and if I’m pushed for time I can find the one that is where I am at mentally within the time frame that I have to give.

JW: Do you ever do the nose breathing thing?

AM: Yes! I love Breathwrk App!

JW: Oh my gosh! It’s so good and if I’m having a crazy day, there are some days that you’re just not here! If I do that one technique, it’s like, “hey, I’m back!”

My Don’t Sweat It Alone, what’s really beautiful is that the only blessing in COVID that I experienced is that it gave me the ability to reach anyone all over the world. So what I do is that you don’t sweat it alone. I offer online programming, personalized monthto-month plans, and meal plans to anyone in the world. I’m also certified as a life coach as well through Jay Shetty, do you know him?

AM: Yeah!

JW: So, that’s a buddy of mine. I also do live check-ins as well. So you can be anywhere in the world and still have access to me. I call it the Power Hour and a member can sign on during that time and we set goals for the week, we talk about SHREDS – how’s your Sleep, how’s your Hunger, your Rest, your Energy, and your Digestion? We go over everything and go live every Monday and Friday with my HIIT workouts.

AM: I like that SHREDS thing and I’m all about gut health.

JW: It’s so important!

AM: During the pandemic, I also took time to really focus on my sleep and to change some things in that area as well. I feel it’s way more optimized then it was before. I still have moments that aren’t great, but it’s so much better than what it was before.

JW: I love that!

AM: Are there any retreats that you have coming up?

JW: Yes!!! Oh my gosh! Thank you for asking me! I’m a work horse.

AM: Same!

JW: Girl, of course you are! Look at what you’re doing. Teach me your ways!

I did my first retreat and because I’m a work horse, I had such a hard time stepping away truly. So I thought how could I step into my work while also exploring the world to do what I love? I got an opportunity last year to partner with a friend of mine and we did a wellness retreat in Bali. We called it Balanced to Bali and it was amazing! It was 6 nights/7 days, there were workouts every single day, yoga, meditation, it was so incredible and then I traveled before and after. It was such a hit, so euphoric, and so beautiful. I just announced Elevated in El Salvador 5 nights/6 days in El Salvador Dec 22nd –Dec 27th. It’s on the black sands of El Zonte. I am so excited. I have always wanted to explore Central America and to get down there that way. I can’t wait. I have been looking for a place and there is a beautiful and quaint resort right there on the ocean there will be yoga every single day and sound baths!

AM: The retreat seems amazing!

Obviously this can be different for everyone, but what are power and energy foods that when we’re running around and don’t want to snack idly and we want to put nu-

trients in our bodies intentionally –what are things that you suggest that we should have?

JW: Oh, I love this! Anything that supports the system more than process foods. I know that that is a very vague answer. But I can share some of my personal favorites – roasted chickpeas.

AM: We're such a fan of them!

JW: I love them – they’re just natural from the Earth, it’s a true whole food ingredient – it has the good fats, some carbs, great fiber – talk about what’s great for our digestive system! So, many great things, in one food! Another one that I enjoy and not everyone eats beef but grass fed beef sticks is absolutely amazing. Hard Boiled Eggs! It’s one of the best snacks that you can have! Protein bars are great and they are a great alternative to a protein bar, but I always say, look at the ingredients in those protein bars because a lot of time there is a lot of fillers and processors in those bars that we don’t even realize. Raw trail mix – I geek out. Some people geek out on wine tastings and don’t get me wrong, I love that! But I geek out on creating my own trail mix!

AM: Oh that’s so smart! Because then you know exactly what’s in it.

JW: Almonds are great or even pistachios.

AM: I’m ok with pistachios. I’ve also been someone who loves customizing and personalizing a number of things from clothes, office supplies etc, and a number of my foods – never thought to extend it to trail mix!

JW: Oh my gosh put a little goji berry in there and a little dark chocolate!

AM: Love both of those too!

JW: You have to live a little bit here

right? We don’t want anyone miserable –it’s about healthy choices 80% of the time!

AM: You also have resistance bands! I love and I think it’s so great. I always have a set in my luggage so no matter which bag I take with me, I have them with me when I’m traveling. Do you foresee expanding your brand into a workout line or more devices and gear?

JW: Girl, that’s the dream and we’re living in it. Yes, 100%. I have had some merch in the past. I have had requests to bring it back and I was so excited to bring these pink bands out with my slogan, Get Sweaty. I just like it because to be honest, I’m so inappropriate and I’m ok with who I am. Get Sweaty just means so many things and that’s why I love it so much! The dream is to come out with more products and I definitely have aspirations when it comes to that. Nothing that is locked in that I can share.

AM: I can so see it and how the brand lends itself to being able to hammock so many things.

Are there any projects that you’re able to share that you would like for our readers to know?

JW: Anyone who is looking for any kind of fit tips or workouts, I share those. I have more videos launching with PopSugar which I am very excited about, Fabletics is a great partnership of mine.

@msjennawillis

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | JENNA WILLIS

Accessories are always the favorite part of our look and it's always great to add to our collection. Over a decade ago, we learned about a boho brand that allowed us to wear them with a number of our outfits, no matter the style we were rocking at the time. This brand is known for their leathers, fabrication, style, and very quickly become a go-to that you enjoy wearing!

We caught up with CEO/Founder, and Chief Cheerleader, Tony Drockton of Hammitt . His passion for this brand and its growth is undeniable. He believes in having fun in the workplace and creating memories for those that will wear the brand as they make it their own. We wanted to know more about how the brand started, how he came to the brand, the design aesthetic, and upcoming projects that we should keep an eye out for.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It’s such a pleasure to connect with you as we have been a fan of the brand for as long as it has been around! I also love that we have a few things in common from both of us being from the Midwest!

TONY DROCKTON: I’m from Cleveland and I get to make fun of it because I was born there. It was great growing up there, but then I just absolutely wanted more. I like going back, I’m grateful to have family there, but I’m also grateful as you know –you being on the East Coast and me on the West Coast, it’s great to be here! Where in Indiana?

AM: Indianapolis and my parents met and graduated from your Alma mater, Bowling Green State University!

TD: Oh wow! I’ll be back there in BG this month.

AM: Nice, I went to Indiana University.

TD: Yup, that’s a good one! BG, they have a thing called Entrepreneurship Week every year and I started going back last year and I’m going back this year. I get to speak and judge a competition it’s so fun!

AM: Before we delve into talking about the brand, can you tell me about your background and how you came to Hammitt?

TD: Well we are in our 16th year, quick start, I bumped into Stephanie Hammitt when she was making the bags locally and I fell in love with her as a person as she’s wonderful. She was looking for an investor and I loved the designs and the brand and thought, “let’s give this a shot.” That’s the nexus and once I got into this industry, I fell in love with it.

AM: I remember being gifted a back back in 2009 at an Editor event and I love a lot of the things about that bag that are still cornerstones of the brand. The hardware – the rivets are one of my favorite things, the beautiful fabrication, just how easy it is to wear. I would take them with me to TV segments, a number of events, and travels. I think that it is a testament to the brand that it has really held true as well as having grown into other categories, which is great!

TD: Thank you! The DNA of the brand has been since Stephanie Hammitt and it has really iterated along what we felt would improve the functionality, keep it relevant on the design side, and more importantly to last multiple generations. It’s really about standing the test of time like you mentioned. That’s what we look to do with every new design and also some of our earliest designs are some of our best sellers.

AM: For those that aren’t familiar with the brand, how would you describe what Hammitt is and what are those main things about the brand that people can always see?

TD: I’d say the joy of the brand is how I like to describe it. Like you said, years ago you ran into it and you still remember it and wear it. I think that whether you’re manufacturing footwear or handbags or furniture or cars, when you make something that people get joy out

of being apart of, wearing, driving, being in a community of, you’ve nailed it. Think of the late Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos, I was just relistening to his biography and he talked about how he wasn’t a shoe guy, he was an experience guy and that he wanted to make sure that his internal team, his vendors, and his customers all had a great experience with Zappos. I follow that same lead with Hammitt.

AM: Being the CEO and the Co-Founder of the brand, tell me about your roles at Hammitt and I also love that you are the Chief Cheerleader which I think is awesome!

TD: Thank you! Well you know, when you’re the founder, you do it all. There’s just a couple of us in the office including our current designer, Jeanne Allen, she's on her 10th year. Then you grow into sort of more of a leadership role as a CEO. I stepped away and became Chairman and brought in a CEO for 7 years and then he just retired. We retired our first long time Hammitt person in March and now I'm CEO again! So I’m Founder, CEO, and also the Chief Cheerleader which has always sort of been my role. I go back to my football days where I was always the guy cheering them on whether I was on defense or offense saying, “we can do it, we can do it!” Whether we were down 1 or up as you want to keep up that energy.

I think it’s very important for people to have fun wherever they work and also cheerleading our team during some of the tougher years. It’s just as important to remind people to stay humble when things are going as well as they are right now and that’s a cheerleader right?

AM: Absolutely.

What’s an average day or week like for you at the brand?

TD: Ha! There isn’t one! You really want to have an open schedule for when people need you. I’m a big believer in keeping that so that I can have 1:1 time as needed. We also have a limited number of regular

meetings that we all have within the company and then I try to spend as much of my time in front of our customers or in front of our retail sales associates at our 3 stores, or with our vendors out in some of our Wholesale partners. That’s the joy of standing by our collection in the middle of Minneapolis, and having people try it on and to ask them how they know Hammitt or standing in my store. Or it’s about walking down the street when someone has it on in the wild and asking them how they know about the brand? The next words they say are the words that energize me. Most of the time it’s, “oh I just love this bag, it was given to me by somebody,” or “that it has traveled with me all around the world.” Sometimes it’s simply how many memories that it has created. That’s what they usually talk about. That’s what is so wonderful!

AM: Well, I love the fact that you are so in tune from the customer side and also with your team. My background was in Wholesale, I worked at Lacoste so I dealt with a lot of our accounts. When you see someone that is in the C-Suite that’s rolling their sleeves up, it’s actually energizing not only from a customer perspective, but the actual team of employees that works together. So that’s amazing.

TD: You know Kimmie, in the earliest days, every new person had to work in our in-house distribution center for at least a week. They got to run the products, they got to ship them, pack them, write the handwritten notes when people purchased them, look at the repairs when they came in, and check in new product. That sort of energy can’t be recreated by starting in the office. We’re much bigger now so not everyone is in our fulfillment center, but many of us still spend time on the retail floor, and if we don’t do that, we absolutely spend time at our events. We throw a lot of events and our team always shows up to support. Being in front of the people that love the brand, it’s not work. If it’s work, get out! The greatest companies

in the world do this all the time whether it’s in the fashion industry, or any other industry, or the service industry right?

AM: Yup! 100%

How would you define the Hammitt customer?

TD: Ooo. You know, laying aside demographics and laying aside the main psychographics, she loves life and that’s our customer.

AM: I love that! You never know what detailed answer will come with a question like that and it’s great when you hear it, but there is something simple and expansive about she loves life!

I love that the assortment is so diverse whether you’re minimal or not. Can you walk us through the assortment or major product types of the brand?

TD: Well, let’s start with some signature pieces that have been around for about 5-15 years. We have our Daniel which is our satchel and it’s carried all over the country. It can hold a notebook computer or it can hold just a couple of things for the day. We have the Bryant right next to that – those 2 go hand-in-hand. Our collectors have both. Then you go into our clutches and we have the VIP which has been around since almost the beginning and there is a whole series of VIP different styles around that. The belt bag is hot right now so Charles is in charge. There’s a slingback so you can wear it around or wear it as a crossbody it’s a great bag. Then we drop down into the bag that I like because it’s called The Tony!

AM: That’s fair!

TD: It’s a perennial winner when it comes to events. I’m sure for Athleisure Magazine, there are a couple of people that might like sports and you have to have a clear bag when you’re going into the stadiums! Then The Tony leather sits side by side that series. Then we have a new en -

trant called the Kyle. Kyle is small and goes everywhere for the woman who seeks joy and goes everywhere, she’s going to love Kyle!

AM: Wow! When does the Kyle come out?

TD: Let’s just say that it could be out by the time that people are reading this!

AM: Ok!

So if there had to be only 3 bags that a woman would take to start or round out her collection what would those essentials be in the world of Hammitt?

TD: If she’s going on a trip and she can only take 3, I think that she's going to pack the Charles for everyday and probably inside of that, she is going to have a Tony or a VIP to go out with friends or for some events. Those are the go-to bags that I see most women carrying.

I have to mention one more!

AM: See that’s what happens!

TD: It just came out and we just dropped our VIP Mobile which carries a mobile phone and everything that you need in a day.

AM: In terms of fabrication, I love that you just have so many colors and textures. What’s your approach when it comes to colorways in general or as it pertains to the different bodies?

TD: The beauty of having a brand that has been developed over this time, I have an amazing design team led By Jeanne and Collier Smith, they’re all about color theory and one just currently came back from over seas and the other is in Brazil right now. Additionally, they were in Paris, they have been to Milan, so they just finished choosing colors for Spring 25 and they’re already looking for colors for Summer 25. They really look at color as a combination of when the bags are going to come out and what is the inspi -

ration for the collection. So, they have some pastels in our Fall collection for 24 and they’re pastels – they’re right on the runway in the Fall collections. They really try to align both with that woman that loves to be a little bit on the fashion edge while also always wanting something that is timeless. So they walk that line with color theory.

AM: In terms of hardware, I have always loved that about the brand as well. Is that the same thought that goes into that by maintaining certain elements of it and deviating a bit here and there depending on the styles that it is on?

TD: You know, we’re really consistent on our hardware. The reason for that is the DNA of the brand is actually the look of the the brand from far away and across the street. So that signature rivet detail either comes down on the side, the bottom, or the front of every design. It’s 1 size rivet and it’s spaced pretty consistently and that’s the main hardware. Then the other piece of hardware is interchangeable, for example, all of our straps are removable so you can move them from bag to bag especially when trends change. So, we’re pretty consistent. But I will let you in on a secret – we might be working on a new custom piece of hardware that may come out sometime this year and that’s new for us! What we will do also is that within the rivet, we may change finishes and we might even change to a custom rivet for one of our collectible editions. We have done a lot of collaborations. So we have done collaborations with different brands so there will be some customization on the actual rivet for a specific collection which you might have seen in the past on a few items and you’re definitely going to see that later on this year.

AM: Well that’s exciting.

What is your process in terms of your inline items when you’re thinking of adding items to the heritage of the brand versus keeping the core?

TD: Again, the design team, their call to action is that when they see a need in the market, then they’re going to bring us a new silhouette. So we don’t hamper them and say that we need 4,000 new silhouettes every week. In general, it comes down to about 4 times a year that they’re going to bring out a silhouette that fills a need as functionality is the backbone of the brand, but that is also probably on trend as we do have the classic silhouettes that are already in place. It’s a combination of the two and I will let you in on another one, every time that we launch a new silhouette, a single H rivet that we put on it is on the right corner and it signifies that it is brand new. It’s only on it when we launch it.

AM: I like that, it’s almost like a hidden Mickey when you go to Disney. When you know where to look.

TD: Yeah! I heard of this thing about the first pickle at Disneyland, have you heard about it?

AM: Yeah I had heard something about it!

TD: We have some Disney girls that work for us and if you’re the first one in the park and you run to the pickle vendor, you get the first pickle and then a button! I love Easter Eggs.

AM: Same!

TD: When I was a young kid playing video games and you would bump into the secret doorway or you would have to tap the keys in a certain way to open up another level, we have a lot of those in this brand!

AM: I love it!

TD: This catalog right here is our latest one and it has multiple hidden Easter Eggs inside of it. We have the H rivet on our bags, inside of our bags is a little vintage tag which actually says when it was

made, every bag has a secret little red somewhere whether it’s outside or inside, and it goes on and on and on.

AM: That’s so fun because as people grow with the brand, they have these fun things to look for and there’s always something new to unveil which is what makes the brand so exciting.

TD: It is! People want familiarity, I believe and the familiarity is the consistency of our long term silhouettes and the signature of the detail and the high quality in the functionality. So they also want something new and when we launch a pure fashion collection, so right now it’s April, we just came out with a new colorway on the VIP that will only be launched now on that silhouette and when it’s gone it’s gone. So it’s a seasonal exclusive, now we also may have repeat seasonal colorways that we bring back every year and that would be normally on newer silhouettes or on other ones. So next year if a leather is really good and then we have our long time perennial leathers that we use over and over again and that’s what we call our bestseller collection. So we have the combination of the 3 and that really allows us to serve every customers needs.

AM: About how many launches would you say a year are taking place – or drops? Because I always love that in accessories it tends to be different then in apparel.

TD: They design in quarter periods. So this year, we call is 24.1, 24.2, 24.3, and 24.4, but traditionally they would call it I guess, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Holiday, Cruise but within each one of those quarters, we have our monthly collections and within our monthly, we also have our weekly drops. So really, every week we’re dropping a new leather family and/or a new leather family with a new silhouette. Every month we have new combinations of either leather families or silhouettes and for every quarter, we have a new collection that tells a story.

AM: Your Sales Meetings must be interest-

ing because that’s massive!

TD: Well, that’s our design team. I love it and they come up with everything. They get inspired and we’re in our 24.2 which is Summer. By the way, do you know Jose Canseco?

AM: Um of course one of the premier power hitters in MLB with the A’s and played for a number of teams including the Yankees!

TD: Well, our latest catalog as you can see here, this is his daughter Josie (Kygo Feat. Ella Henderson - Here for You video, Kith Park: SS2019 NYFW, The Surreal Life)! She’s adorable and amazing.

AM: When you first were talking about the catalog a few minutes back and I was looking at it, I thought wow Jessica looks really good but I know she is much older then the young girl that is on the cover, but wow that’s her daughter!

TD: That’s Josie, we shot her last month and this catalog is our summer collection and it was inspired by our hometown of Hermosa Beach which is where the brand is born and raised, where I live right now with my son, our offices, and Hermosa is a very eclectic town. It’s right next to Manhattan Beach, but it’s its own personality. They came back and that was about a year ago and they laid out what they thought would be a collection to honor our hometown and she was perfect. We shot her and everything came together in this collection of what I just told you about it. It has monthly drops, it has weekly drops, we had a big launch event on April 4th and that’s the first time that we have done this sort of launch. But it’s about bringing everyone together to honor our little town of Hermosa Beach – it’s been fun.

AM: How do you approach doing collaborations and partnerships. I love the work that you have been dong within Mary Fitzgerald of Netflix's Selling Sunset as I think she’s great and you can see

how she is aligned with the brand.

TD: We love Mary, she was truly a fan for a long time like you, she knew Hammitt. She was a real estate agent right here on the South Bay where we’re from and then she went out to the West side and had the show, she already had our bags so she was already wearing them. That’s one way that we do collaborations when it seems to be a match. Another way is when my design team and myself love art! Art is my personal inspiration. I go to Art Basel, whenever I travel I go to a lot of modern museums so does Jeanne so does Collier and we found Alex Alpert who is our latest collaboration and we found him at Art Basel a couple of years ago and we’re launching with him this quarter next month. It’s graffiti and when you at look at the design, it’s actually all Hermosa Beach, it’s our city, its waves, volleyball, our logo and he drew this on leather and then we made it into the collection. And that rivet which you can see is a melting rivet.

AM: Which is pretty cool.

TD: So Alex is a fulltime artist, young, very cool and he has a collaboration that I can’t mention coming out with a global brand. He’s gotten really lucky and I don’t even know if he is even 30 yet! The commonality between Mary and Alex – it’s the ones that we think have a great personality. They love life and we want to really collaborate with people where we enjoy the relationship.

AM: Are there other collaborations that we should also keep an eye out for? Are you thinking about LA28 which is coming up? I could see some amazing things there.

TD: Yeah, so there’s a women’s rally launching in the Fall called the Princess Rally and it’s a 100 women driving sports cars from Southern California up to Northern California and it’s sponsored by Richard Mille, a luxury watch brand. We’re doing a collaboration between us, Richard Mille, and them.

Every September we have what we call the September Issue. We have a collaborative bag that will be coming out for that this year as well. Then at the end of the year, there is an artist that we have a collaboration coming out with and she is a print artist and that’s Dani Dazey. She has already posted about it and she's lovely! She’s so great and she did a beautiful print and we have a whole collection that we will be dropping before the end of the year with her. We’re already working on our collaborations for ’25.

AM: Haha I’m always thinking of something. Being that my background is in fashion, being a Fashion Stylist, as well as being an Accessory Expert, I love seeing true collaborations between people or brands that are amazing on their own, but when they are brought together, you truly have a whole new way of looking at something that you really appreciate.

TD: You know, it’s wonderful right? One of the things that we do is these popups as we have 3 retail stores – Manhattan Beach, South Coast Plaza, and Le Jolla here in California. For Women’s Month in March last month, every Saturday, there were 5 of them and across 3 stores, we had 15 pop-ups of small artisans – candlemakers, hatmakers, flowers, and permanent jewelry. They came and set up in our stores on a Saturday and we welcomed in our customers to meet them and they brought their fans and we had champagne, drinks, and music pumping. It was a really great atmosphere and we will be bringing in a lot more of that as we go on throughout the year. It was very successful.

AM: Do you do pop-ups outside of California like here in NY? Or are you thinking of making a store in NY?

TD: We have had pop-ups throughout the country, not in the traditional open for 2 month set up. But we have sat inside a Kendra Scott store in The Hamptons or back in their hometown. We have been invited to do trunk shows all

over the country with our retail partners and we still do. We just celebrated National Hammitt Day with our largest partner on a Saturday and they had a small gift for all of their clients and it was a lot of fun. NYC, it’s still on my map and my bucket list. In our earliest day, we used to do a week in the windows of Henri Bendel for Hammitt when they were around.

AM: I remember! I loved that store and still miss it!

TD: I loved it too and I liked us being there. So I have always wanted to come back to NY in style and be on 5th Ave for our own pop-up and it will happen one day!

AM: That is so amazing and I can’t wait for that. Are there any pop-ups in your local area that you want to share that are taking place this Spring or Summer that we can keep an eye out for for our readers?

TD: I would say that in our 3 stores at least 1 to 2 times a month we have small artisans and makers that will be coming in and so look out for those. On May 17th is our Annual Investors Day. So we did a crowd funding and we have a lot of collectors who invested and we are bringing them all together and it’s a day of joy and fun. We can share our results and what we’re doing moving forward. This will be the first time that we have done that. So this will be great. Then once a year we usually have an in-person event that is in Nov where people fly in from all over the country and it’s a theme. Last year’s was Mama Mia and it was a Greek theme and people get to come and be in that theme to have fun, food, and great cocktails. It’s also a great way for them to be able to see all of our latest designs.

AM: Obviously as we’ve been talking, it’s a women’s brand, but there are a lot of pieces that translate for a man as well. Would you ever create a men’s capsule collection or go in that direction in some way?

TD: [Smiles]

AM: I thought so!

TD: I don’t know, maybe you’re on to something haha!

AM: What have been some of the things that you have been proud of for this brand?

TD: I mean, I’m always the proudest when someone comes up to me and tells me how much they have loved my Hammitt. It’s always what they do with them, where they traveled, who they got it from, what memories they have created, and the second piece of it is our team! I was so proud of Angel who was just in NYC.

AM: Yup, I saw him and had the chance to chat with him at the Accessories Council event at Tin Building by Jean-Georges.

TD: He started at our retail store 3 years ago and I asked him what he wanted to do and he told me that he wanted to work at our headquarters. I said great and I told him that when he was ready, let’s go.

AM: What are things that are taking place with the brand whether it’s holiday season or whatever that you’re able to share that it longer term that we can keep an eye out for.

TD: I just saw our Holiday collection. It just came in and it’s mind blowing. It’s the colors, the textures, and it’s going to take it to another level and is a celebration of who we are. I gave you the secrets of Fall – the Princess Rally is going to be great, our September Issue, wait until you see it. That’s all I can give you for now!

@hammittla @styleprofit

PHOTOGRAPHY

CREDITS

| Hammitt

ATHLEISURE LIST: Greenwich Village, NYC

SAVTA

A longtime Los Angeles resident, Vincent Benoliel is bringing his West Coast flair in the kitchen to New York with Savta, his California-inspired restaurant located in Greenwich Village. It is his second project in NYC following the opening of Pasta Corner in the summer of 2023 with friend French pop star Matt Pokora. Vincent owns another branch of Pasta Corner in LA, along with his bakery there, Michelina. The inspiration behind Savta (meaning grandmother in Hebrew) is Vincent’s grandmother Lisou Dahan, who ran two restaurants in the south of France and first taught Vincent about cooking.

The decor and ambiance at Savta is very Greenwich Village and cozy with exposed brick and inviting wood line

the intimate space that features a welcoming outdoor back garden that is heated during cooler months. There is a long bar that leads to the dining room and garden filled with plants.

Savta is offering lunch from 12-5pm Wednesdays - Fridays. We suggest these 3 dishes for your next meal here: The sandwiches on pizza dough have been a smash hit for lunch at Savta. Don't miss the Parma Affair with grilled chicken, prosciutto, burrata, pesto and basil; Skirt Steak with chimichurri and a spinach salad with shaved parmesan cheese; and the Mushroom Toast with creme fraiche and thyme.

Dinner is from 5pm Wednesay through Sunday, with pizza and drinks served until late on Fridays (1am) and Satur-

days (2am). The dinner menu is already packed with favorites like the Sauteed Corn with feta cheese, cilantro and a yogurt sauce; Spianata pizza with piccante calabrese salumi, grilled peppers and fior di latte cheese; and the Dry-aged Ribeye with hand cut fries. Vincent also recommends trying a new dish, the Sea Bass with mint tzatziki and roasted pumpkin seeds.

Brunch is on the weekend from 11am4pm. It's been a favorite on Bleecker Street since its opening weekend. We suggest the Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon on a homemade croissant; the Japanese Eggplant with agrodolce, tahini, sumac and cherry tomatoes; and new to the menu is the Bleecker Street Hot Dog — two beef sausages on pizza dough bread served with onions, mustard, ketchup and sweet relish.

They offer wines from California, Italy and France, including prosecco on tap, plus beer. Some low ABV cocktails Vincent recommends include the Bleecker

Mule (the house take on a Moscow Mule), Espresso Martini and Passion Margarita with passion fruit puree and a black-salt rim.

If you're swinging by for Happy Hour, it takes place from 5pm - 7pm Wednesday through Friday. You can enjoy a glass of Pinot Grigio or Malbec for $9, a glass of Prosecco for $11, and a Bleecker Mule for $14.

SAVTA 259 Bleecker St NY, NY 10014

savtanyc.com

@savtanyc

PHOTO CREDITS | Francesco Sapienza

ATHLEISURE LIST: SoCal BURKE WILLIAMS SPA

We enjoy beauty treatments tailored to our needs! Burke Williams' Chief of Treatments, Diane Hibbard talked with us about this spa. Although they launched in 1984, the origin of spa culture traces back to the healing properties of water. They embrace this tradition by offering a range of spa amenities designed to promote healing and wellness through water immersion. Their facilities boast an array of options, including showers, saunas, steam rooms, and jacuzzis, each meticulously crafted to enhance your journey to rejuvenation. Whether it's the simple relief of icing sore joints or the profound relaxation of submersion, water holds the power to soothe, heal, and restore your body, mind, and spirit. Across their 11 locations in California, Burke Williams integrates water experiences seamlessly into their serene settings, inviting you to embark on a transformative experience.

Guests can expect a sanctuary-like ambiance where their need for rest and rejuvenation is met with care. Each location offers a unique atmosphere and decor, providing a distinct and memorable experience. Quiet rooms offer tranquil spaces for relaxation, while the healing properties of water infuse the air, enhancing the sensory experience. From the soothing sounds of running water to the calming aroma of essential oils, every detail is meticulously curated to create a serene environment conducive to healing and renewal, enveloping guests in a cocoon of tranquility from the moment they arrive.

Treatments focus on 3 distinct intentions: Rest, Awaken, and Heal and you can choose the desired treatment that focuses on these categories.

For those seeking Rest, the Tranquility

Massage incorporates sound bowls and can be followed by a Nourishing Facial and Luxe Pedicure. These treatments include extended massages and essential elements to help you escape the stresses of everyday life.

For those looking to Awaken their bodies, we suggest their Regenerate Facial which has cutting-edge technology in anti-aging treatment to awaken collagen production and promote skin renewal. Their Vitality Massage offers a transdermal delivery of Vitamin B12.

To Heal, their Deep Tissue Massage targets muscle recovery and repair, while the Rescue Facial addresses breakouts and blemishes, delivering powerful results for pain relief, skin damage, and other concerns.

Their co-ed lounge is a serense space

designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Guests can unwind, socialize, and sip on tea while indulging in their spa experience.

BURKE WILLIAMS SPA 450 N. Oak St Inglewood, CA 90302 Click the link to find your

Stay connected and follow us across our social channels on @AthleisureMag!

Bingely Books

HAWAI'I GOLD: A CELEBRATION OF SURFING

Rizzoli

Carissa Moore

We had the pleasure of having Carissa Moore a Team USA Olympic Surfing Gold Medalist and 5X World Surf League Women's Champion as our FEB ISSUE #86 cover. We have always enjoyed seeing her compete and how she does so with a smile on her face!

Hawai'i Gold: A Celebration of Surfing shares her story and what she thinks about her sport, her love of Hawaii as well as surf legends on what it means to be a surfer from Hawaii.

In this book, we find out about the heritage of suring in Hawaii and of course the images in the book include the island, surf icons, surf prep, and so much more. It's defintiely a book that you will find on your coffee table that everyone will want to look through when they stop by.

EVEREST, INC.: THE RENEGADES AND ROGUES WHO BUILT AN INDUSTRY AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD

Gallery Books Will Cockrell

We know about those who climb Mount Everest and in Everest, Inc. The Renegades and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World, we get to know more about those who are instrumental in that effort - the guides and climbers!

We know that making the climb is not for the faint at heart as there is bad weather, severe altitudes, and it is congested for a number of people who make the attempt whether it's ego driven or to add to their social feeds.

The trip also has an impact on those who don't respect the mountain by leaving trash behind or even exploiting local Sherpas.

This book has a comprehensive focus on the history of the Himalayan guiding industry which started in the 1980's with gritty entrepreneurs who wanted to create a new style of expedition planning. You'll find quotes by those in the industry, writers, filmmakers, and Hollywood notables. All share their thoughts on the climbs to add their thoughts to this portion of the industry.

FASHION'S BIG NIGHT OUT: A MET GALA LOOKBOOK

Welbeck Publishing

Kristen Bateman

The first Mon of May is fashion's biggest night known as The Met Gala and in Fashion's Big Night Out: A Met Gala Lookbook, we look at a legendary event that fuses art, fashion and pop culture. You will learn about its history through imagery which started in 1948. It also looks at the ensembles that hit the carpet based on theme. There is also a foreward by iconic designer, Jeremy Scott who has created a number of looks for this event.

Bingely Streaming

FALLEN ANGELS: A STORY OF CALIFORNIA CORRUPTION

iHeartRadio + Best Case Studios Spotify

LA Times investigative reporter Paul Pringle got a tip in 2016 saying that a powerful dean of USC's medical school may have been involved in the overdose of a young woman in Pasadena. Initially, he assumed that that it would be a story about drugs and bad behavior by a high profile person - these kinds of stories are not surprising and in many ways can be typical.

But this tip ends up leading him and his team into a deeper story that involves money and influence at 2 of the most powerful institutions in LA!

Fallen Angels: A Story of California Corrup -

tion is adapted from his book, Bad City: Peril and Power in the City of Angels. Throughout the 10 episodes, we get to hear how Paul and a group of colleagues at his paper created a secret reporting team to get to the bottom of where this story takes them and how they get stonewalled from the university, law enforcement, and even their own paper!

RIPLEY

Netflix Originals Netflix

The Talented Mr. Ripley is one of our favorite movies that we will watch anytime that it happens to be on! The visuals, the story, the amazing talent - it's a must watch! When we heard about Ripley, we were hooked to see this serialized version tell the story that we knew while also expanding in ways that the movie didn't and even peeling the layers back on characters even more! Ripley is a stunning series that is shot in black and white and takes you on a journey to a number of locations. It lets you look at the events that took place in a completely different way!

For those that may not have seen the movie, can you watch one without the other? Of course, but we think having a weekend and tackling both or even rewatching the movie to have certain elements fresh in your mind would be wise!

Although this series was set to be a limited one, we can see where there is room to make another

season and if so, we're here for it!

INCONCEIVABLE TRUTH

Wavland + RP Apple Podcast

Knowing where you came from is important. In Inconceivable Truth, WNYC/NPR reporter, Matt Katz had been on a journey to find out who is biological father was since he was young. Realizing that those that were in his life, were not tied to him by blood, he felt that it was time to figure it out.

During his investigation, he realized that he was completely on the wrong track and that finding out who he was and who he is connected to opens up a number of secrets that he could never have imagined were involved in his story.

Through his process, he rethinks what identity means, fatherhood, what it means to have a family, and

more importantly - medical ethics! As a listener, in thinking about what medical ethics means, when new methods are being used, about the need to do good and to give people what they want, and to what extent will people with power go in order to get things done?