The Inside Scoop: Lara on the launch of Club and the rise of pickleball.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Varley's co-founder and CCO, Lara Mead, to discuss the inspiration behind our new Club collection and
her thoughts on the rise of pickleball.
Here's what she had to say:
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the new Club collection?
The Club collection was inspired by the desire to create a stylish, functional, and versatile capsule wardrobe of contemporary pieces that can be worn both on and off the court. The collection combines the
comfort and functionality of activewear with the sophistication and elegance of fashion, making it the perfect choice for the modern woman on the move.
How does the Club collection fit into the larger Varley brand aesthetic?
At Varley, we are rooted in movement and offer an elevated everyday wardrobe for the modern woman. Our Club collection is a natural
extension of this, offering a range of elevated essentials that can be mixed and matched to create a capsule wardrobe of clean, easy-to-wear looks. Our approach to design is always to capture with our aesthetic and retain our quality, and that's exactly what we've done with the Club collection.
What sets the Club collection apart from other activewear brands?
At Varley, we don't see ourselves as an activewear brand. The collection focuses on fashion-forward pieces that are driven by quality and versatility. Our pieces are designed so you can transition elegantly from one activity to the next, whether you’re picking up a racket or indulging in post-pickleball lunch with friends.
Can you walk us through the design process for the Club Collection?
The design process for the Club collection starts with a deep understanding of the needs of the Varley woman. We take into consideration factors such as the type of lifestyle they have, what sports they might be playing and most importantly the quality and versatility of each piece. From
there, our in-house design team works to create a collection that meets these needs.
What are your thoughts on the growing popularity
of pickleball?
I think it's fantastic to see the growth of pickleball as a sport. It's a fun, fast-paced game that is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. And just like tennis, it requires a unique type of activewear that is both stylish and functional. I believe that the growing popularity of pickleball presents a huge opportunity for us as a brand to meet
the needs of this growing market, both on and off the court.
How do you see the Club collection fitting into the world of pickleball and tennis?
Pickleball and tennis are two sports that are having a moment right now, and the Club collection is the perfect addition to this world. Whether you're looking to make a stylish statement on the court or simply want to feel comfortable and put-together during while enjoying some
downtime, our Club collection has you covered.
How does the Club collection cater to both tennis and
pickleball players?
With the Club collection, we aimed to create pieces that could seamlessly transition from the court to everyday life. Although our pieces cater to both tennis and pickleball players, the collection is primarily a fashion-first take on courtside dressing, that can take you from court to club with ease.
How do you see the Club collection evolving in
the future?
The Club collection is just the beginning for us. As the world of tennis and pickleball continues to grow and evolve, we plan to evolve with it, continuously creating new and innovative pieces that meet the changing needs of players.
New Club Collection is dropping April '23
