INTERVIEW: Designer Nili Lotan On Her Limited-Edition Collaboration With Champion Athleticwear, Namesake Label, And Much More

Over the past year, many have grown increasingly fond of athleisure wear. New York-based women’s ready-to-wear and accessories designer Nili Lotan is elevating the look with a new limited-edition collection that she partnered with Champion Athleticwear on. Champion x Nili Lotan encompasses a sports bra, biker short, leggings, tracksuit, zip-up hoodie and sweat suit, which pair well with Nili Lotan’s core RTW collections – of course, can be worn as a matching set, or with other athlesure wear favorites.

“Working with Nili Lotan has brought us fresh and exciting styles for the season,” said Jon Ram, group president of global activewear for HanesBrands. “Nili Lotan is renowned for her unique style and positioning within the luxury women’s category. As we continue to work at the intersection of activewear and lifestyle, the opportunity to blend Champion’s timeless athletic heritage with a premium, ready-to-wear capsule made perfect sense.”

We caught up with Lotan about her inaugural collaboration, minimalist designs, inspiration, and much more.

Eighteen years after the debut of your namesake label, you’re launching your first activewear collection. Tell us about the limited-edition merch and why you wanted to partner with Champion.

NL: I was introduced by a friend to the CEO of Champion Europe. We chatted before COVID-19, and they were very much interested in partnering on an elevated womenswear capsule collection. For me, it’s really about how athletic meets luxury, and how these athletic clothes can be styled beyond the workout. The collaboration will be sold on NiliLotan.com, Nili Lotan retail stores in Manhattan, East Hampton and Aspen, and by retailers who carry our clothing including Net-a-Porter, Goop, Matches, TNT, Forward and Intermix.

Why venture into athleisure wear now?

NL: My collections have always been informed by my active lifestyle, but what makes this collaboration different is that it’s not just about athleticwear, it’s about putting together a mini collection, where you wear my signature collection pieces back to biker shorts, leggings, track pants, sweatshirts and sports bras.

What else can we expect from Nili Lotan this year?

NL: Expect to see more accessories including bags and belts, and get ready for another special project coming this fall.

What has been inspiring you lately?

NL: The return to life! We are back and the world around us has changed, but I’m feeling inspired by new perspectives, new priorities, renewed hope and the want and need to live life to the fullest, with joy and gratitude.

What are some of your favorite looks and trends for this summer?

NL: These are my three favorite looks for the summer: 1. The Nova chambray shirt, the Lana crewneck tee in white, and the Florence denim in vintage wash. 2. The Serge jacket in white with the white Camden wool shorts, and a white Lana tee. 3. The navy Serge jacket over the long sleeve striped tee and the Mollie denim short.

When visiting your East Hampton store, what does an ideal day/evening in the Hamptons look like?

NL: I love to stop by the beach and to visit friends.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

NL: I’m very grateful to have my store in the Hamptons (open year-round) and to be able to bring my collection to my client base who lives there.

Champion x Nili Lotan launches on Wednesday, June 23.