Maison Leoty created a name for himself in 19th century Paris as a corset maker with a difference. His ‘comfortable corsets’ gave women room to breath unlike other Parisian designers of the time. Today his original corsets are collector’s pieces and are housed at the V&A Museum and the Met Museum in New York. Inspired by his skilled craftsmanship and approach to design new athleisure brand Ernest Leoty is continuing the legacy with a couture inspired range of activewear.

Headed up by trained engineer Marion Rabate, the collection is an elegant take on activewear. Rabate’s love of ballet is a clear inspiration for the collection with corset inspired tops created from moisture wicking fabrics and elegant bodysuits that gracefully hug the frame.

The Romy corset top has moulded cups and adjustable skinny straps whilst the Alexa top has mesh side panels, a scoop neck and racerback with the UV protecting fabric making it perfect for outdoor activities. Whilst the Ilona bodysuit comes in bold colours and features a low cut bodice and high-waist leggings, wear to a barre class to look the epitome of elegance. The labels Saskia leggings have a two way stretch and stitching that flatters the shape of the body to create a slimming effect.

“It’s couture for leisure.”

The collection is dyed in-house and the colour block range includes burgundy, teal and ivory hues. Created in France in the same factories as Rapha and Eres, the end result is elegant performance pieces which are both feminine and functional.