/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2F1cafb0d9-2b3e-456f-8355-7c32ff4c1e53_DSC03195-copy.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C347%2C6000%2C3305%26w%3D2560%26h%3D1410)
Sweats have long been our reach-for of choice. This year cemented them as our uniform. But, after six months solid of wearing the same one day in and out, we’re pining for some structure.
Enter: Johnny Schembri’s BY JOHNNY Ath-Lounge collection. It’s a sportier breed of sweat, think lounge meets athletic. Locally made from left-over and aged stock fabrics, Schembri’s capsule collection makes you look GOOD: the Johnny Lounge Legging sits high in the waist, the doubled fabrication adds support and sculpting on the figure.
“Over the last few months we have dived into our archives and re-visited left over fabric treasures from collections past,” Schembri tells us, “as well as taking the time to source relevant dead stock/end of line fabrications to create newness. With a digital-first approach to design, I have been inspired by new opportunities to create and engage with our customer, designing styles for both her and him that are relevant to the ever changing surroundings. This new versatile focus, combined with the approach of ‘using what we have’ inspired the new BY JOHNNY Athletic Loungewear Collection.”
/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2Fe08a8b30-32e4-49b5-b53a-15aa7f3435ba_DSC07915.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D62%2C0%2C3642%2C5463%26w%3D1000%26h%3D1500)
/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2F63364bd8-fb99-46bf-be45-dd572d152922_DSC02316.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C0%2C4000%2C6000%26w%3D1000%26h%3D1500)
We checked in with Schembri, and while we were at it, conned him into sharing his go-to playlist. (Because, as good as Folklore is, there’s only so many more times we can listen to it without getting evicted.)
Tell us a little about your playlist - what was the inspo for it?
“Tracks that I play when designing, shooting, driving and bopping around the house on the weekend.”
And your play-again track?
“I have this on repeat: Robyn’s Ever Again (Planning To Rock Remix).”
/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2F25c6b5c9-4f99-41dd-8317-5391d95aa243_ISO-PLAYLIST-Edition-ByJohnny%2B%25281%2529.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C0%2C2207%2C1361%26w%3D2400%26h%3D1480)
/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2F74d16259-9046-419e-bdda-51beda498084_DSC04495.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C0%2C4000%2C6000%26w%3D840%26h%3D1260)
You chose to make locally - why was this important to you?
“For this capsule it was really important for us to be using what we had left over from past seasons and also dead stock/end of line fabrics from our local suppliers. There was a high level of innovation put into this project and testing that needed to be done to ensure quality standards were met. BY JOHNNY production had stopped over COVID and we wanted to support the local manufacturers we trust and have been working with for many years.”
/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2Fa19d389e-986e-4b88-a59d-c8c319f10e8c_DSC08732.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C0%2C4000%2C6000%26w%3D1000%26h%3D1500)
/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2F0990394c-3a3c-449d-a886-62b12615ef04_DSC02196.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C0%2C4000%2C6000%26w%3D1000%26h%3D1500)
What was it like to work revisit your fabric archive??
“The fabrications featured in our Ath-Lounge ranges have been used before however in different ways and for different end uses. These favourite fabrics and prints featured in previous collections including our Swimwear range, but have been re-worked in a new way. Building out the new Ath-Lounge product offering gave us exciting growth and also was very much aligned with the BY JOHNNY Lifestyle.”
The ultimate place to wear ath-lounge?
“This capsule is designed to share your busy life with you, getting from A to B in comfort and style. Starting on the weekend, pair the leggings back with a tee and jumper or for the men throw on the sweat with your denim. The more subtle pieces like the Sweat could be taken to work or dressed up out to dinner. The Sweat is a really versatile piece, it can be dressed up or down for any occasion and is designed for both him and her, the oversized fit on her is a more true to size fit on him.”
/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2F801905b4-596e-488d-9da7-c9fa5306f2a9_DSC08577.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C0%2C4000%2C6000%26w%3D1000%26h%3D1500)
/https%3A%2F%2Fimages.prismic.io%2Ftheiconic%2F8f81a484-bd9b-4e02-94e5-9c8abb2ebff1_DSC08559.jpg%3Fauto%3Dcompress%2Cformat%26rect%3D0%2C0%2C4000%2C6000%26w%3D1000%26h%3D1500)
