It’s time for recess at this grown-up playground
MANILA, Philippines — Recess, the Filipino active lifestyle brand known for its relaxed approach to activewear, was born online during peak pandemic times. Now, it’s taking things offline so you can finally touch, feel, and try on its active and loungewear pieces IRL (in real life) at Rockwell’s Power Plant Mall.
Starting out as an online community with an inclusive approach to fitness and wellbeing, the brand’s signature use of mood-improving color and fabrics that feel soft and supportive has been sparking joy in customers, whether you’re someone who loves a high-intensity workout, a casual morning walk, or relaxing with a glass of wine on your couch.
“The key is to listen to your body and follow what feels good,” says co-founder Anne Curtis-Smith. “We’re all for a well-rounded approach to wellbeing and our products speak to this.”
The Recess pop-up space is inspired by the distinct graphic forms of the iconic Memphis design movement (founded by Ettore Sottsass in the ’80s) designed by an all-woman team led by architects Keena Vazquez-Laurel and Mariel Vazquez of Vaz Designs. The space’s pared-back yet inspired use of color, textures and monumental forms brings that nostalgic sense of play into a contemporary setting.
“We want people to step into the space and feel a sense of joy. Recess isn’t about a strict one-track approach to fitness. We want to encourage people to enjoy the process and practice of feeling good and we want the space to reflect this light-hearted attitude towards one’s wellbeing,” says co-founder and creative director Paulina Paige Ortega.
“What’s great about our pop-up space is that you get to see how all our pieces work well with one another, giving you a great opportunity to really customize your shopping haul to suit your lifestyle and how you like to Recess,” says co-founder Roxanne Farillas.
Customers can try on and physically mix-and-match popular Recess styles. They’ll get to touch and feel the brand’s signature fabrications such as the Do Everything (a gentle-compression, super-soft, breathable fabric that seamlessly transitions from lounge to activewear); the Personal Best (a lightweight, high-compression, sweat-wicking fabric for more active uses); the Lady Legend (a medium-compression, body-sculpting fabric great for selfies and sweat sessions alike); and the Comfort Zone (their breathable loungewear material made from 100-percent cotton terry, which is everyone’s work-from-home uniform). Recess offers their wide range of fabrications to cater to a diverse range of workouts, activities, body types (Recess carries sizes XS-XXXL), and lifestyles (breastfeeding-friendly sports bras and maternity shorts and leggings among them).
Exclusive to the pop-up are limited-edition customizable tees and sweatshirts available in four different print designs and four different tee and sweatshirt styles.
Co-founder Isabelle Daza shares, “I love the Recess Sports Club tee. The runner with the wine glass in-hand? That’s us on the daily — a bit of fitness, a bit of fun, a whole lot of dedication to feeling good. That’s the Recess philosophy right there.”
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The Recess pop-up is at Level 2, Power Plant Mall, R2 Bridgeway, until July 31.
