While out for dinner with the design team on a work trip to Taipei – Aly, our run fit model, casually mentioned, “if Steve (her boyfriend) proposed to me tomorrow, I would definitely say yes”. Having only dated for a year, it was bold statement to make. Little did she know, it was exactly what was going to happen the very next day.

meet aly

Meet Aly. When she’s not busy working as a personal trainer, we’re toting her around the office (and the globe for that matter) asking her to try on new product so we can ensure a perfect fit. Aly’s been our run fit model since 2007 and is also the star of this little love story that landed her a boy, a ring and bra named after her.

it’s a love story…

It was a fit session with our vendors in Taipei, like every other. Long hours spent poking and pinning and twirling Aly, followed by outfit changes and more poking, pinning and twirling. What Aly didn’t know was that her boyfriend, Steve, had flown in all the way from Vancouver and was plotting an epic surprise for her that involved popping the question, “will you marry me?”

With the help of one of our run designers, Niamh, the whole team (including the lovely folks at our vendor) were in on the surprise and anxiously waiting Steve’s arrival. The vision: Steve would arrive while Aly was in the change room and as she came out from behind the curtain he would be waiting there, down on one knee.

how the engage bra came to be

But of course, plans rarely go as planned. When Steve arrived, Aly was working with the team outside the fitting room making the surprise entrance nearly impossible. Luckily Niamh thinks fast on her feet. She grabbed a bra and sent Aly into the fitting room to “try it on”. The rest happened exactly as intended - well, with the help of the encouraging look Niamh shot Steve when he appeared to be a bit frozen.

The lovely people we work with in Taipei gave Aly and Steve this book after the engagement!

she said yes!

Not to anyone’s surprise (given the conversation that had occurred the night prior) Aly said yes, but not before exclaiming, “I’M WEARING A SPORTS BRA” first. In hindsight, Aly jokes with Niamh, “couldn’t you have asked me to put on a beautiful dress or something!?” Then again, nothing says ‘a long life of happiness, togetherness and support’ like a full support bra, right?

Editor’s Disclaimer: we can’t guarantee that you’ll get engaged if you wear the Engage Bra – but then again, Aly did, so you just never know. Best wishes to Aly and Steve on their summer wedding – we love you!

meet antonia, lead yoga designer here at lululemon
Meet Antonia, (you know her as the creative brains behind many of the yoga pieces you love to love). Spending the first half of her life mostly en pointe, Antonia was the perfect candidate to take on the tutu project. We caught up with the dancer turned designer to score all the deats:

how did you get from dance to design?
I danced for 13 years, doing everything from Ballet to Jazz to Modern. I just loved to move! As a long-legged girl (who could never find pants that were long enough) my mom took to sewing me leotards and dance pants as well as all of the costumes for my studio. Without ever really realizing it, I was ‘designing’ from a really young age, making requests and adjustments to the dancewear my mom was constructing for me. When I wasn’t dancing I was sewing up little projects of my own (in third grade I designed scrunchies that I sold to my classmates).

Although I didn’t pursue dance professionally, the 13 years of competitions and costumes seemed like it was the perfect training for what would later become my career in athletic apparel design. It wasn’t something I’d planned but more so something I fell into.

the national ballet and lululemon, long-time besties?
What many people don’t know is that we’ve been in relationship with The National Ballet of Canada since we launched our dance line in 2007. At the time of the initial launch, the relationship involved design meetings with the dancers and having them test the gear for feedback. Even though we don’t design a specific dancewear line any longer, our Toronto stores have maintained a strong relationship with The National Ballet. It was this ongoing partnership that made us a great fit to participate in the tutu project.

tell us about the tutu!
The inspiration for creating this tutu was drawn from the famous ballet, Swan Lake. Swan Lake is the most demanding ballet for the principal dancer to preform technically and athletically. As an athletic apparel brand that focuses on functional gear (that looks great too) it felt so perfect to draw my inspiration from here. The tutu had to be able to deliver technical features to allow the dancer to think of nothing but her performance and, of course, look elegant and classic as well.

can you tell us a bit about the technology in the tutu?
The key technology used in the piece is called Naked Seam. This is a seam that is constructed without the use of thread. Many of the garments we design use this bonded seam in areas to reduce friction and abrasion the wearer may feel (see: chafing). Oh, and of course, we used our signature lightweight fabrics!

from design to sketches to construction, who else was involved in the project?
This project was great to work on as a side project to my regular role. In order to use the best talents of those around me, I enlisted my mom, Shirley Iamartino, to be the seamstress on the project and bring the tutu I envisioned to life. (Side note: in addition to my dance costumes, my mom was also the seamstress behind my wedding gown!). The illustrations and mood board was the work of Lauren Powell, one of our other yoga designers (and also a former dancer).  Without the collaboration and help of these ladies the tutu would still be only a vision in my mind.

Bravo Antonia! We love this tutu (and you!). Wanna see the other 59 tutus? Check them out here.

Our designers are an awesome bunch. They're like a hive of busy little creative bees, always buzzing around thinking of ways to make our lives and work outs easier. Unlike real bees, our designers also like to stop and have fun. This black and white striped bee, with her grapeseed Retro Groove Bag, is our accessories designer Katie. She's never without her moleskine (and a pencil) to jot down inspiration when it strikes.

katie and the broken pencil

Designers always have a spare pencil...somewhere.

want more?

• Organize your life with a new bag.
• Meet some of our other designers.

OK, maybe not, but it's the funniest thing we read online this week. Say hello to our newest print: Unicorn Tears.

If brevity is the soul of wit, we'll keep this brief. Don't let this be you.

so how do you wear prints?

We're all about function when it comes to our products. Print or no print, our gear has the technology you need to perform on your mat, on the pavement or in the gym. It's fun talking about the colorful side of the equation though, and technically speaking, we're all for it. Here's what our designers say about wearing prints.

Start small. Less is more for beginners. If you're on the fence, start with adding a hint of print to your workout repertoire. Think small accessories - a headband here, a bag there.

Don't be afraid to dabble. Adding a colourful tank or bra does wonders for the workout wardrobe.

Consider mixing textures. Combining prints of varying intensities creates interest (and you're one interesting person, so go for it.)

Go big and stay balanced. If you've got the colourful personality to boldy rock a loud print, keep things anchored. Our designers love big splashes of Unicorn Tears (like the Downtime Jacket pictured above) with any of our solid black or charcoal pants or crops.

(The Downtime Jacket is going to be an online-only item. If you're interested, sign up for our email to find out when it goes live.)

want more?

• Learn about what you're wearing. Read about the technical fabrics you love.
• Tell our designers why you love it - or hate it. We love feedback. Speak your mind.
• Watch unicorns cry. See what is currently available in Unicorn Tears.
• Browse by colour and print. We've got something for men and women.

Talk about too much of a good thing. Tread carefully.

Don't let the unicorns' tears be in vain. Wear your prints well. Special thanks to Colin, our Graphic Artist, for creating such amazing prints. We love Unicorn Tears. Do you?

In celebration of moms everywhere, we asked some of the lululemon product designers to introduce us to their moms.

cara and her mom gail

Mum, thanks for encouraging me to follow my passion no matter what - I wouldn’t have turned my hobby into my career if it wasn’t for you! I <3 U!!
- Cara: Assistant Designer, Men's

chelsea and her mom, elaine

I want to thank my mom for being my best friend and never treating me like a kid. She’s always looked at me as an equal and been there for me. I couldn’t ask for anything else. She’s the best mom ever! Love you mom!
- Chelsea: Assistant Designer, Yoga

natalie and her mom colleen

I want to thank my mom for always believing in me and helping me with all my unfinished sewing projects until all hours of the night. Mom, you are my best friend and I am so lucky to have you. You are always up for anything, whether its a shopping marathon or an afternoon run. Thanks for being you! I love you!
- Natalie: Assistant Designer, Yoga

janine and her mom, marilyn

thanks for being strong and gentle at the same time, for doing what you love and inspiring me to do the same, for being truly the best listener i've ever met, and for teaching me what both family and a beautiful relationship look like.
- Janine: Design Manager

colin and his mom, lydia

I want to thank my mom for letting me draw, paint and doodle on my bedrooms walls growing up. Most kids get into trouble when they do that, but not with my mom, she encouraged it! Now I just happen to draw all day for work, so thanks mom! I love you.
- Colin: Graphic Designer

lina and her mom, vickie

I truly treasure every moment we get to spend together. I appreciate all you contribute to my life and all the life experience that you so graciously share with me. I feel so fortunate to have such a successful, resilient, passionate and powerful woman as a role model in my life. Thank you forever and always for all the support and encouragement.
- Lina: Assistant Designer, Run

What do you get when you mix 10 of the world’s best athletes, one of the world’s best yogis, two of the world’s best designers, two of the world’s best lululemon-leaders, and one of the most beautiful places on earth? Well, you get the lululemon elite retreat 2009 -- and obviously a really great time.

Early July 2009 saw myself and our fearless community leader, Eric, take some of our amazing elite ambassadors on the annual-legendary elite retreat to Tofino, BC. I am undeniably biased about the wonder of Tofino (being from Vancouver Island myself) but seriously, people - Google it and go!

To best describe this surreal experience, here’s a day in the life of an elite retreater. And I should know, as I was the diligent itinerary creator.

6:30 - 7:30am The athletes suit up and head in to the water for an early morning surf session

7:30am We grab a quick bite and head over to the yoga studio

8:00 - 9:30am Eoin Finn leads us through a true Eoin-esque practice. There is laughter, challenge, surf quotes, and an overwhelming confidence in us all that yoga truly does enhance elite athletic pursuits.

9:30am We eat again! The athletes should be - Eric and I are just indulging and pretending to be training for the Olympics like the rest of them.

10:00am - 12:00pm The athletes head out for their individual training sessions. Yes, if you are counting, this is the third time they have worked out already today. The bobsledders head to the gym to squat imaginable amounts of weight as the Nordic combined skier goes off for a wee 2.5 hr run. All in pursuit of Olympic gold. Terribly inspiring.

12:30pm You guessed it- we eat again! The food Olympics.

1:00pm Marks the arrival of our two designers du choix - Shannon and MelEesa, and our vice-president of everything progressively inspiring - Sherry.

2:00 - 5:00pm The athletes immediately bond to the new lululemon family members that have arrived and the surf is up so our athletes drag the designers in to the water for a surf session.

5:30pm The design meeting to top all design meeting commences. Shannon and MelEesa create pandemonium with the new fantastic fall samples and our athletes provide us with what can only be described as mind-boggling feedback from the world’s best athletes (because that’s what they are).

7:30pm The conversation continues as we take down some real west coast sushi action.

8:30pm Bedtime. Having all become fast, furious friends, we share conversation and inspiration around a bonfire on the beach - oh, and of course we eat! S'mores!

I speak for us all when I say that to be on a trip like this one is truly inspirational. (Have I used that word already? ) I feel my position here is one of connector of inspirational people and I am honoured to be in this role. These athletes are members of our family and they absolutely love being supported by us with our culture and our movement of elevating the world from mediocrity to greatness. We feel they are true representatives of what it means to strive for greatness in your life and as they strive for Olympic gold next year, we will be there to support them as true family members do.

Our bra designer (aka Chief Ta Ta Tamer) Melissa (on the right) with MelEesa, also a lululemon designer.

In less then 3 days time, I’ll begin a 60km journey through the streets of Vancouver. I’ll be one of a couple of thousand participants in The Weekend To End Breast Cancer which benefits The BC Cancer Foundation. This is actually my third time participating, but my first time walking in Vancouver. I walked for the first time in 2005 in Toronto, and last year I took my walk to the streets of Rome, Italy – accomplishing two goals in one weekend.

This year I’m excited to walk through a city that I’ve come to call my home.

The beauty of this walk is that it’s not about the walk at all. It’s really about the journey we all embark on when we initially sign up for the walk. Since that moment, I’ve been fundraising and talking up a storm. It’s amazing to me to see my community come together to support me in achieving this goal of mine. Between word of mouth, a few emails, selling bags of candy at the office (a little known fact about lululemon’s product team is that we’ve all got a sweet tooth), and holding BBQ lunches on the rooftop for the whole Store Support Centre at lunch time. Friends and colleagues came together to help with the planning, prepping and execution, and their selfless support humbles me continuously.

Although I am still a few dollars short of reaching my minimum (mandatory) pledge of $2000 I know it will all come together in time.

If you aren't familiar with the walk, we start bright and early Saturday morning at Rocky Mountaineer Station and walk throughout the city, camping overnight on Saturday at Killarney Park. Another early rise on Sunday and we finish right back where we started. I'll be surrounded by thousands of other walkers, including survivors, supporters, women who are currently fighting, oodles of family members that are walking for someone they loved and lost, and others like me who walk simply because we can. I may not be walking with friends but I won't be walking alone.

Vancouver, when you see us walking through your neighborhood this weekend, cheer us on. We worked hard to raise an awful lot of money for the BC Cancer Foundation and would love to hear your support.

I’ll be videoing portions of my walk and will be posting a little video blog in the coming weeks, as well as tweeting along the route all day long documenting the journey.

Much love,
Your favorite Ta Ta Tamer

Melissa

You can support Melissa here: www.endcancer.ca/goto/tatatamer2009
Follow The Weekend to End Breast Cancer on twitter: http://twitter.com/Wkend2EndCancer
Follow Melissa's journey this weekend at http://twitter.com/Miss_Content

Recently the lululemon design team hooked up with the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC for the finale of the 'Urban Yogini' design contest. The challenge was for students in any year to design 3 outfits for the urban yogini: taking her from the studio to the street with style. There was no better city than New York for the debut of the designs, and no better school to work with than FIT, which is recognized as one of the top fashion design schools in North America!

The idea was born as way to reach out to young designers and get their fresh perspective on lululemon, keeping in mind function, innovation and aesthetic. From 30+ design submissions, 8 finalists were selected and given signature lululemon fabrics (luon, luxtreme, french terry and organic cotton) to create their designs.

lululemon Union Square hosted the finale event, which was an amazing coming together of all the educators, ambassadors, FIT students and faculty and a few of us from the Store Support Centre in Vancouver, for a fashion show and schmooze, lululemon style. The concept of the fashion show was literally turned it on its head by inviting four New York ambassadors to be the models. Jamie Windrow, Laurie Cole, Kelly Dwyer, and Natalia Petrzela each strutted down the runway, but instead of striking your average model pout there were dancer poses, warrior threes, full vinyasas and even a cartwheel!

After a Project Runway-style judging, the winner was chosen: Sunghee Bang (designs shown above). Her innovative geometric layered look out of organic cotton and french terry really blew us away. Second place went to Eunju Koh, who created a sporty and chic outfit which included body mapping tights and a scoop back hooded vest that was full of personality. There were so many amazing entries with great innovations like built in yoga straps, removable capes and adjustable hems, the FIT students really stepped up to the challenge!

Want to learn even more about the Urban Yogini Design Competition? Watch the video below: