23 Apr Ahnu Partners with Blake Brody
Ahnu, a division of Deckers Brands, has joined forces with Blake Brody, a manufacturer of high-quality indoor performance footwear, to officially launch Blake Brody for Ahnu – a women’s on-the-mat yoga studio footwear product that is part of the Ahnu YogaSport collection.
In January 2015 during the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, Ahnu unveiled its initial plans to create an all-new yoga performance footwear category, marked by the introduction of its first-to-market collection, Ahnu YogaSport. The YogaSport products are a natural fit for consumers pursuing hybrid fitness regimens that combine both mental and physical challenges, and position the budding Deckers’ incubator brand as a 360-degree yoga fitness lifestyle company.
Ahnu will showcase the Blake Brody for Ahnu collaboration, including other products from its YogaSport collection, at an exclusive press event on Thursday, April 23rd at Exhale at The Gansevoort Hotel, located in New York City’s Meatpacking District. Attendees will be treated to a pair of the Blake Brody on-the-mat footwear, dubbed In Studio-Om, to test out during a yoga class led by instructor Stefanie Eris, who is the National Yoga Director at Exhale Spa. The class will then be followed by a cocktail reception to meet-and-greet both Blake Brody and Jacqueline Van Dine, vice president and co-founder of Ahnu.
“The Blake Brody for Ahnu partnership is centered on our shared expertise within the yoga lifestyle market. Together with Blake, we’ve built a truly unique on-the-mat product that incorporates fashion-forward style with innovative footwear technology and lightweight comfort for the yoga enthusiast,” said Van Dine. “Ahnu is not only aiming to establish its position in the yoga studio footwear category, we’ve created a brand new category with the debut of our entire YogaSport collection to super-serve consumers’ passion for fusion exercise and adventure routines that take them from the yoga mat to the trail to the gym.”
Blake Brody is the creator of Blake Brody In-Studio Footwear, a brand currently in the U.S. marketplace dedicated to indoor studio-based activities. Ahnu and Blake Brody have a relationship that dates back to April 2013 when Van Dine approached Brody to team up for a yoga footwear concept. During this time, the two have been working on the collaboration to exceed consumers’ needs for desired on-the-mat performance.
“Collaborating with Ahnu has been a great experience,” said Brody. “Our shared commitment to producing innovative products that marry design and function made our partnership a natural fit. I look forward to the launch of the Blake Brody for Ahnu In-Studio-Om, and I expect that consumers of both of our brands will embrace its beautiful design and performance-enhancing features.”
The Ahnu YogaSport™ collection is comprised of four styles that span 16 SKUs – one style and three SKUs of which include Blake Brody for Ahnu. Starting July 15, 2015, all styles will be available for consumer purchase via Ahnu.com, as well as at select retail stores and yoga studios across the U.S.
§ Blake Brody for Ahnu – The In Studio-Om, designed for on-the-mat use – MSRP: $49.95
§ The Yoga Split, a low impact workout style with crisscross straps – MSRP: $99.95
§ The Yoga Flex, a high impact workout style with a mesh upper – MSRP: $119.95
§ The Yoga Poise, a high impact workout style with a garment leather upper – MSRP: $129.95
YogaSport emphasizes greater forefoot flexibility to maximize physical stretching moves, as well as a centered heel base, ideal for standing poses where balance is key. Included among the products’ significant technology-driven attributes are integrated YogaSport™ Flex Zone for added flexibility and agility; second density EVA heel pod, featuring Numentum™ technology that provides added stability and cushioning; extra light weight EVA midsole, which provides full support without the weight; 8mm of dual-density memory foam footbed, ergonomically designed to provide arch support and comfort through an intensive workout, as well as all day wear; and a non-marking carbon rubber tread that provides exceptional grip at an ultra-light weight.
Ahnu unveiled its first après yoga footwear line in 2012, which has been met by much consumer and retailer validation. With focused efforts in yoga over the last two years, Ahnu has developed close ties with the yoga community through its Yoga Teacher Ambassador Program – a network of 2,000-plus professional instructors that benefit from membership rewards, product sneak peeks and exclusive networking opportunities. Further underscoring its commitment to the yoga lifestyle space, Ahnu introduced a yoga apparel line via Ahnu.com in September 2014.