Kicking around Bristol’s streets as a kid, designer Lily Pawley channels a gritty urban vibe into sportswear brand, Lexie

“From playing football seriously as a kid, to spin classes today, I’ve always been into sport as a lifestyle. My decision to specialise in sportswear came when I could never find the type of training gear I wanted to wear. It seemed that everything was designed by men, convinced that wanted to work out in pink. Lexie fills this gap for attractive womens’ sportswear – cool, a bit street, and very, very British. 

Our vision is to encourage women to get into, and stay with sport, empowering them through fashion. The Lexie girl comes from all walks of life, ages and sports, and although we’re not designed for the pro athlete, we do have some gold medalist wearers. That’s what I love about the brand – its inclusivity.

After a stint at UWE, Bristol, I studied at Central Saint Martins in London, popped over to Australia, and then finished off my degree in Falmouth, Cornwall – the first UK graduate to hold a First in Unique Performance Sportswear Design. The London and Bristol vibes really influence Lexie’s aesthetic, while the Cornish and Australian lifestyles are apparent, too. 

I’m constantly clearing my phone of photos I’ve taken for inspiration, but initially, the Art Deco period was a huge design influence. Recently, I’ve been looking to the work of Tamara De Lempicka – an amazing artist of this period. For creative block? Put down the day job and get out. Our third collection, which is about to drop, was named after a sign I saw while shopping in Shoreditch.

I was especially proud when the Editor of Elle Magazine wore our t-shirt to meet the Minister for Sport, Tourism & Equalities, Helen Grant. Ultimately, I’m most delighted when I see girls in our kit. There’s nothing more thrilling than a Tweet or an Instagram where someone loves the pieces as much as you do.

Now, for AW 2014, we’re excited about some new styles we haven’t tried before. We’re also in talks with some big retailers, continuing to manufacture in Britain, and looking at a kickstarter-style campaign to help us get a semi-permanent retail space that can double up a cool hub for women’s sports.

I’m 27, covered in tattoos and currently have pink hair – when I turn up for meetings I get mistaken for the intern! Gaining respect is difficult, as it is with anything, but ultimately, I like to think Lexie’s work speaks for itself. We have a lot of loyal customers and I think it just goes to show that the industry needs to evolve and reconsider its approach to women and womens’ kit.”

www.lexiesport.co.uk

@Lexiesport