As seen on Michael Baisden Live ( a paid partnership)
The first African-American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre has crossed another monumental milestone-this time in the fashion industry.
Misty Copeland has partnered with major retailer and manufacturer, Under Armour, to create her own clothing line. The Misty Copeland Signature Collection is the ideal set for woman who is active, sophisticated and always on the go. The collection includes workout gear, bodysuits, leather bomber jackets and studio dresses.
“Under Armour helped my vision become a reality and I’m so excited to share this collection with women everywhere,” said Copeland in the press release. “I wanted a line where we could feel fierce in the gym, and at the same time, feel confident wearing the same look out to dinner, running errands or living our everyday lives.”
Copeland adds it was important for her to highlight the strength of a woman’s body and as well as our curves, a prime element that is usually forgotten in athletic women.
“As someone that appreciates style and fashion as much as I do, it has been a dream come true to be so intimately involved in the design process,” said Copeland. “I wanted to showcase the versatility of my own personal style, and together with Under Armour, we are bringing a beautiful collection to life.”
The collection was recently unveiled at an invitation-only event hosted by former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief, Elaine Welteroth and general manager of Under Armour Women’s, Morgan Goerke, and was officially launched on Wednesday, May 2. During the Q&A session, she touched on her personal and professional experiences and their influence on the line, including the one time she worked with Prince.
“Working with Prince really pushed me to step outside my comfort zone,” the 35 year-old tells The Grio. “I also had to push back like ‘n, no, no’, I can’t go all the way, but I can touches of funk here and there.”
The collection also celebrates four years of partnership the principal dancer has had with Under Armour.
“Under Armour celebrates the power of women, and Misty is the epitome of a powerful woman with the poise, command and grace she carries with her on and off the stage, said Goerke in the press release. “Misty’s passion for lifting women up perfectly aligns with Under Armour’s platform and the result is this beautiful, collaborative collection.”
The Misty Copeland Signature Collection ranges between $60-$550 and can be found in select Macy’s stores and Under Armour houses.
Copeland’s fashion line only reflects what she does already in her community. The dancer is a positive body advocate, mentor and role model. Last month, she made an appearance at the Women in the World ,a three- day summit in New York City that features powerful women “whose personal stories illuminate the most pressing international issues.”
In 2015, Copeland made history by becoming the first black woman to be promoted to principal dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre . The year before, she broke barriers once again by becoming the first black woman to perform the lead role of “Odette”/ “Odile” in the American Ballet Theatre’s “Swan Lake.” In 2016, Mattel modeled a Barbie doll after her as part of their Sheroes line, which included Ava DuVernay, Zendaya, Emma Rossum and Kristen Chenoweth.
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