LACAUSA's New Activewear Collection Was Designed To Help You Practice Self-Care

Self-care. It’s certainly not a new phrase, but one you’ve probably heard more in the past year than over the course of your lifetime — and understandably so. The social isolation during a global pandemic affected people in a number of ways, but the time to focus on yourself was an opportunity for positive changes, too. And it’s this concept that’s at the heart of the latest launch from conscious, LA-based brand LACAUSA.

The label, which has already earned a loyal following for its easy-to-wear, California-tinged closet staples (think perfectly worn-in tees, dresses that work as well with sneakers as they do strappy sandals, and of course their coveted jumpsuits) — and the new Flow collection fits perfectly into this well-honed aesthetic. But it’s not just achieving a certain look that makes up the brand’s ethos: Sustainability and philanthropy are core principles. For example, the new activewear is made locally from recycled polyester (the Tech pieces) and organic cotton spandex (the Flex pieces) and a portion of proceeds is donated to one of several causes that benefit human and/or environmental rights.

We got the chance to speak to LACAUSA’s founder Rebecca Grenell, who shared a bit more about how the activewear collection came to be, how she’s prioritizing ethics including inclusivity, and how these pieces are incorporated into her own self-care routine. Those details and a closer look at the Flow Collection ahead.

"Keeping things moving and flowing in my body is how I keep myself well." — Rebecca Grenell

What inspired you to create an activewear collection?

2020 was such a reset: Not only did it help our team tap back into our individual movement practices that we had long pushed aside because of our busy schedules, it also gave us the space to take some time and develop a collection more intentionally, using more responsible materials and getting the fits just right.

What were some non-negotiables for the pieces you wanted to offer your customers?

First and foremost, we wanted the fabrics to be responsible. We know that as long as we are producing apparel we will never be 100 percent sustainable, but we felt that if we were going to bring a whole new sub-brand into the mix it needed to be made of materials that honored our planet! Secondly, we needed the fits to be perfect and the pieces to still feel super comfy while they support you in your practice.

How has the last year changed what LACAUSA represents? Or how have you had to evolve to adapt to customers' new lifestyles?

Up until 2020, we had been following a standard wholesale model when designing our collections, which meant that we had to design seasons ahead and show them way before of the actual delivery, developing tons of sample lines in the process and most of our photoshoots had to use traditional size small, “sample sizes." In 2020 we began designing differently and breaking away from these old systems so that we could create more intentional, inclusive clothing and imagery that we felt represented the whole of our LACAUSA community and allowed us to be less wasteful in the process.

Which FLOW pieces have you been living in lately? And how do you wear them?

The Prana Unitard was the first piece I snagged from our production. She’s our one-and-done piece. The little flare leg is so cute and nostalgic to me. I’ve been wearing it solo moving around the house, and with an oversized cardigan and sneakers for outdoor walks.

How have you personally been practicing self care at this time — and how do you find that what you wear can play a role in that?

Daily movement is so important to me. I haven’t been doing anything too traditional or following a specific practice, just really listening to my body as to whether it needs to stretch, walk, ride, bend, etc. Keeping things moving and flowing in my body is how I keep myself well — and I’ve found it’s often the most gentle movement that does the trick. The FLOW collection feels gentle to me. It was made to feel good in, both inside and out. I’m very happy with it.