Lululemon’s Latest Collaboration is for Prima Donnas

by Isabel Slone October 10, 2018

Lululemon, perhaps best known for its butt-lifting leggings, is shedding its reputation for off-duty yogawear with a limited-edition collection of gossamer-fine ballet-inspired separates launching in October. Co-created with Francesca Hayward, a principal dancer with The Royal Ballet, the Lululemon x Francesca Hayward collection eschews pale pink ballet clichés in favour of a decidedly darker palette suffused with shades of charcoal and dusty lilac. Many of the delicate details are borrowed from the costume archive of The Royal Opera House, where over 10,000 fantastical costumes are worn onstage each year. For example, the rigid boning of a corset is replicated much less painfully on a sporty balconette bra and leggings. Hayward says the separates are perfect for days when you’re feeling a little scrubby and want to throw on the sartorial equivalent of a hug. The clothes, made of cashmere jersey, merino wool and cupro, are immeasurably soft yet offer a semblance of togetherness when you’d rather be in bed. These cozy basics will have you Nutcracker-ready in no time—even if you’ve never danced a day in your life.