Cutting through the market for an activewear brand is no small feat. It’s one of the most saturated categories when it comes to fashion, with every brand claiming to make the best shorts, the most squat-proof tights and the lightest tops for running. But P.E Nation has managed to do just that. The cult favourite has carved out a high-fashion niche crafting athleisure that walks the line between practical and cool. This year, the brand is presenting on its biggest stage yet: Australian Fashion Week.  

Off the back of a highly successful presentation at the consumer-focused Melbourne Fashion Festival, P.E Nation is returning to the runway to make their fashion week debut this May. The only athleisure brand to show a collection this year, P.E Nation will be among industry heavyweights like Carla Zampatti and Albus Lumen, and fellow Galeries retailer Blanca, sending offerings down the runway. Undoubtedly, P.E Nation’s signature edginess will be present — something that was dialled up in the brand’s newest collection ‘Departure Lounge.’  

In the range, black was the hue du jour, though accents of forest green and leopard print added a hefty dose of everyday wearability. The classic shapes remained, like the leggings, crops and bombers the brand has become famous for, while vintage-style T-shirts and structured bags brought the collection a streetwear element.  

Though it’s impossible to predict what designer Pip Edwards will send down the runway, we’re confident the brand’s signature boldness and unapologetic approach will be a throughline of the collection. P.E Nation’s fashion week collection won’t hit stores till later in the year, but you can get your hands on the brand year-round on Ground Level at The Galeries.