Elisabeth Mestdagh, Studio M, Inge Rylant Activewear

More than ever, fashion is inspired by the world of sports. Cycling shorts, hoodies and sneakers conquered the catwalks. Designers are experimenting with tulle and technical materials like neoprene and elastane. Fashion houses are forging lucrative collaborations with athletes and sports labels. Activewear explores this exciting relationship between fashion and sport. It explores the compelling divide between sportswear, streetwear and sportswear, inviting the reader to reflect on why this is so.

Elodie Ouédraogo and Olivia Borlée, Belgian athletic stars and guest curators of the accompanying exhibition, joined their passion for fashion and sport in 2016 and launched their own sportswear brand: 42|54. Immortalized under the lens of Ronald Stoops, they are not only the face of activewear in Belgium, but also of the exhibition and this richly illustrated magazine. Together with other designers, fashion-conscious musicians, fashion actors and international researchers and journalists, they offer a glimpse into the wonderful world of activewear.