The beginning

If the search for “exercise clothing” and “active wear” still doesn’t leave you any closer to finding what you really want to wear to your Pilates/Yoga class then you’re probably not alone. As an ex dancer and former Pilates Instructor/ studio owner, with a strong interest in fashion, art and design I really struggled to find clothing to wear that would somehow bridge this gap.

Not really a fan of commercial sportswear, I truly wanted to find clothing I could wear for Pilates and Yoga that would double as great basics to complement the current leading fashion labels. Hence my label abi and joseph was born.

The name

The 'Abi' is, of course, myself. The styles came from my own wants and needs as a Pilates Instructor that wanted good looking clothes! However, it was the  talents of a leading Sydney designer and patternmaker Marianne Backhouse that brought the collection to fruition. With her extensive experience working with some of Australia's top fashion labels, fastidious attention to detail and true understanding of good design, she made 'simple' pieces into classic, multi-purpose essentials that stood out from the pack. What emerged was a truly refreshing change from the ill-fitting, mass marketed abundance of stretch clothing and exercise wear.

The name “Joseph” comes from Joseph Pilates, the originator of the Pilates method and an inspiration for the clothing I was developing. The range was originally designed as Pilates wear – perfectly cut Pilates pants, Yoga pants, camisoles with built in support, wrap tops, tee-shirts, non slip socks and towels. No Logos or Sporty stripes are a promise!

The popularity of these pieces was overwhelming, with the exercise fraternity really embracing the concept. Although only launched in 2006 the label has found a following from the Pilates and Yoga community, as well as high end lifestyle clothing and home ware stores.

Fabric Technology

Extensive research showed that Italy had the most technologically advanced fabrics the world had to offer with an irresistible sophistication and comfort factor. The range includes specialty fabrics infused with Vitamin C and essential oils that moisturise the skin and emit a delicate citrus fragrance. Top up ‘wash in wellness’ sachets are available to purchase to reinfuse the garment after every 15 washes.