California Apparel News

The husband-and-wife team behind the line Varley, Lara and Ben Mead, split their time between the U.S. and Europe, which gives the London-born, California-inspired luxury lifestyle brand the sophistication of London and the ease of California.

Varley features contrasting prints, solids and technical fabrics that bring functionality and style to the mat, gym or great outdoors. Originally launched in 2012 as a swimwear line, the brand grew into a fitness fashion line that bridges the gap between the “streets” and the “gym.”

Varley was conceived during the Meads’ first holiday together in Los Angeles. “I fell in love with the place; we have since spent between three to six months of our year in Los Angeles,” Lara Mead said. “[As a reflection], our collections epitomize European elegance in the prints and cuts that we use but always designed with the Californian lifestyle in mind.”

With offices based in London and Los Angeles, the brand has become a true hybrid of both cities. “My husband and I work together, and I think we are a constant source of inspiration for one another,” Lara Mead said. “Our styles and tastes have combined over the years to create this brand. I’m extremely athletic and have spent years working out in various countries, gyms and beaches, so athleticwear has always been a major player in my wardrobe.”

The 50-piece collection consists of compression tights, sports bras, technical sweats and T-shirts with a variation of styles that can be paired or layered together. There are matching crop tops and foldable, high-waistband compression tights as well as luxe prints such as marble, leopard and skyscape in addition to Varley’s popular white python print, which adds an edginess to the designs. A standout piece includes the “Ashland” hooded top, featuring a deep sleeveless cut and open back made in a brushed technical fabric that moderates body temperature and wicks away moisture. Varley’s best-selling pieces include the “Bicknell” tights with mesh panel insets on the thigh and the racerback “Terri” mesh crop.

Technical and compression fabrics are sourced from Italy and California. The fabrics are quick drying, resist pilling, and have four-way stretch and high levels of support. The bras and leggings are cut from a fabric made with a honeycomb construction for breathability.

Retail price points for compression tights average $100; sports bras, $65; and technical T-shirts, $65.

Varley recently collaborated with the activewear and swimwear site Carbon on an exclusive style for their customer. “They were one of our very first partners, and we absolutely loved working with them,” Lara Mead said. “They stocked our first collection before anyone had really heard of us, and it sold extremely well for them. We [thought it fitting to] team up with them to offer something special for their customer.”

Varley has over 200 accounts worldwide and is currently sold at major department stores including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and John Lewis and online retailers Revolve Clothing and Asos. In March, Varley will be launching with Selfridges in London.

For sales information, contact Nicole Odenwald from the Nicasa Showroom at nicole@nicasalosangeles.com.