Ah, the holidays, a time for eating, drinking, and being merry.
Of course, with all that merriment comes a very serious question: What does one wear to be warm, stylish, and most of all, comfy? Thankfully, Australian workout wear brand Cleo Harper makes it easy to run errands, squeeze in a workout, and celebrate the holidays to our hearts’ content (hello, stretchy pants!). The fashion-forward styles feature asymmetrical details, luxe embellishments, and barely-there seams to make for a jaw-dropping outfit.
Take the Forte Leggings in a stunning emerald green shade, for example. Sure, we could easily run a few miles in them (OK, so not so easily) and at the same time look like we’ve just left a glam squad. The leggings have a convenient side pocket and a flattering high-waisted fit, made from Cleo Harper’s signature Body Base fabric. The durable leggings have a compression feel and a stay-dry nature that stops sweat. No wonder the Forte Leggings are a signature Cleo Harper bestseller.
The latest Electric Field exclusive limited collection also includes the form-fitting Vashti Bralet in a new neon pink. Made from a breathable fabric, the sports bra gets an upgrade thanks to flashy gold buckle details. The small mesh cutout also has a wink to every woman’s inherent sexiness.
The Cleo Edit also makes for the perfect starter kit at just $119 to sample three pieces.
The Knockturnal sat down with Cleo Harper brand manager Courtney Hogan-Catley to discuss how the brand came to be.
The Knockturnal: What differentiates Cleo Harper, in your eyes, from other workout and athleisure apparel brands?
Courtney Hogan-Catley: First and foremost, Cleo Harper was created to make women feel beautiful in their activewear – something that matches the style they bring in their daily wardrobes. Our fabrics are custom made for our brand and as soon as women receive their first Cleo Harper order they just get it at the first touch of our pieces. Each collection is limited edition so once it’s sold out it’s gone forever and all those who made their purchase can rest assured they have something exclusive from Cleo Harper.
The Knockturnal: Where do you find inspiration as a brand manager, and how do you craft new campaigns and styles?
Courtney Hogan-Catley: It’s all very much a team effort. Our Head Designer comes up with the concept for a new collection, drawing inspiration from everywhere! Places around the world are especially inspirational to the design team. The collection is then created based around key colours and signature styles, and is built out from there. Once the collection is complete, we make sure that we have something for everyone, and it goes from there.
The Knockturnal: Cleo Harper is on the cutting edge of price point and quality, as well as style. What are the long-term goals for the brand?
Courtney Hogan-Catley: We love that our customers come from all over the globe and how personal and close-by in proximity we feel to everyone, with our lightning-fast shipping & customer service. We are always focused on creating each collection more unique and diverse from the last and delivering products that our customer enjoys wearing to and from the gym daily. We get excited when ladies wear Cleo Harper with pride and tell all their friends about our brand.
The Knockturnal: How do you describe your customer?
Courtney Hogan-Catley: She is stylish, social and appreciates the finer things in life (without the designer price tag). She lives an active life that allows her to feel her best and give the best of herself to those around her. Once she finds Cleo Harper, she is a part of the #CleoFam and gets a thrill out of every collection we release.
The Knockturnal: This holiday season, what are some of your top picks from the collection?
Courtney Hogan-Catley: Our latest collection, Electric Field is one of my favorite collections to date. I love the bright colors, perfect coming into our Australian summer but also perfect to add a bit of brightness to our international customers #CleoWardrobes who are heading into winter. My current favourite outfit is either our Vista set which is a brand new colour for us – the set is the Zeppelin Bralet & Soul 3.0 Legging – the most comfortable set I own and feels amazing on. Another favourite for the whole #CleoTeam is the District Oversized Sweater in Oatmeal with the Spin Shorts in Pink. It’s an outfit that has been on repeat and is one that I would definitely gift – a classic & chic look to take you from a workout to a coffee date without missing a beat.
What’s next for Cleo Harper?
Courtney Hogan-Catley: We have a very exciting 2022 planned. As you will see in collections to come, there is no limit to our colour palette, designs, and extravagant campaigns. Please come along for the ride with us and make sure you try your first Cleo Harper pieces before the year is out!
Runway shows are taken to new heights at cultural destination Lincoln Center and the beautiful hidden gardens at Rockefeller Center. Additionally, in the custom digital series “Project Runway Redemption,” which premieres on Thursday, September 9, with new episodes airing every week until the “Project Runway” premiere, alums from “Project Runway” seasons 17 and 18 go head to head for a chance to win $25,000.
