Celebrating Diversity, Innovation, and Sustainability in Activewear: An Interview with Label Collective founder Julian Roberts on active wear market trends

We had the pleasure of speaking with Label Collective, a new activewear brand launching in May 2024 focused on cycling that's making waves in the global activewear market with its focus on diversity, innovation, and approach to sustainability.

Could you start by telling us a bit about the inspiration behind Label Collective and what sets you apart from other major brands in the cycling space as well as in the global activewear market?

Absolutely! Label Collective was founded with a simple yet powerful idea: labels are for clothing, not for people. It is why we have sewn it into our jerseys and bibs. We believe in celebrating diversity and authenticity, rejecting stereotypes, and embracing individuality. What sets us apart is our commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and environmental sustainability. We're not just selling apparel; we're championing a movement towards a more diverse, innovative, and eco-conscious future.

That's truly inspiring. Can you share more about how diversity and inclusivity are reflected in your brand's ethos and practices?

Of course, diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of everything we do. From our designs to our collaborations, we strive to represent and celebrate people from all walks of life. We believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation, which is why we actively seek out diverse perspectives and voices in our work. Our goal is to create a community where everyone feels welcome and valued away from the all too common pressures in sport.

It's great to hear about your commitment to diversity. Innovation is always cool so tell us about how Label Collective approach innovation in the activewear space? Specifically cycling as this is your current focus.

Innovation is key in our brand. We're constantly exploring new technologies and materials to push the boundaries of what's possible at our current level, I think that’s important to highlight. Whether it's working with sustainable fabrics or fabrics that change the game in performance,for our Summer Pro Shorts, we use quality fabrics called Revolutional®, which provides muscular support for cyclists because  the fabric’s extraordinary tenacity delays the formation of lactic acid. We're always looking for ways to innovate and improve. Our focus on cycling is just the beginning; we have exciting plans to expand into other activities while staying true to our core values of creativity and collaboration.

Sustainability is a hot topic in the fashion industry. How does Label Collective integrate sustainability into its business practices?

Julian Roberts: Sustainability is a core pillar of Label Collective. We understand the importance of balancing performance with eco-consciousness, which is why we're committed to using sustainable and recycled materials and reducing environmental impact where we can, reducing waste, and supporting environmental causes. We're proud to be a member of 1% for the Planet, contributing a portion of our revenue to environmental initiatives. We recognise that we do have some ways to go still, and as a young brand, we do have limitations, but being honest about this is more important than saying we are something we are not.

That's commendable. Lastly, what message would you like to share with your customers and the community?

Julian Roberts: We want to thank everyone for their support and for joining us on this journey towards a more diverse, innovative, and sustainable future. We invite everyone to be a part of the Label Collective community, where labels are celebrated for their uniqueness, and inclusivity is the norm. Together, we can make a positive impact and create a world where everyone feels empowered and valued.

Thank you, Label Collective, for sharing your inspiring vision and commitment to positive change. We look forward to seeing your continued success in the cycling activewear industry. You can check out Label Collective’s profile or visit their website here, where you can sign up for their official launch in May 2024.