Country Love
It’s all good vibes and positive thinking at Country Love, the new activewear line by Yves and Cedric Benaroch, the brothers best known for their 2 B Free line of casualwear. A more high-end and sophisticated approach to workout wear, Country Love features T-shirts and hoodies for men and tanks, hoodies, T-shirts, sweats and terry shorts for women.
“It is all very simple, very basic, very comfortable,” Yves Benaroch said. “We are different. We are older, and the line reflects that. No more tattoos or fleurs-de-lis; now we are in more of a ’70s-inspired, hippie, ’peace and love’ mood,” he said. In turn, Country Love is packed with soft, garment-dyed fabrics and emblazoned with feel-good messages. “One Love,” “Love Your Country” and “Love Freedom” slogans are found alongside bird, sunset and other vintage-inspired prints. “It is all very politically correct and reflects the new mood of the country,” Yves Benaroch said.
The company, which was co-founded by Danny Guez, formerly of People’s Liberation and William Rast premium-denim brands, uses premium-cotton jersey, cotton slub and “Sherpa” fleece that is double- and triple-enzyme washed for extra softness. “You want to live in these fabrics, they are so soft,” Yves Benaroch said. The brand produces its garments in Los Angeles.
Already sold in approximately 200 doors, Country Love produces and ships 20 styles every month in different colors and prints. For Fall 2009, the brand added long-sleeve and short-sleeve down jackets. Wholesale prices for the collection range from $30 to $68 for the knits and sweats and $88 to $98 for outerwear. Spring 2010 will see the addition of swimwear, Yves Benaroch said. —Erin Barajas
