Able Made, a statement-making, responsibly-made athleisure brand for the active and the activists, has launched an immersive shopping experience in collaboration with Energi — New York’s first event space crafted exclusively for your wellbeing — where ethically-created fashion meets wellness. The doors are open at its new retail location at 182 Lafayette St. in New York City with regular wellness experiences and events to follow, including panel discussions with influencers and like-minded collaborators focused on fashion, sports and wellbeing.
The purpose-driven athleisure brand, founded by designer and social entrepreneur Suzanne McKenzie after husband — a soccer-loving youth mentor — died suddenly while playing in a match, has thoughtfully curated a shopping experience that is focused on doing better for you and for the planet. Everything within the space has been examined with a responsible and ethical eye, from its apparel and accessories to partnerships and installation, including a living wall section made of plants, custom merchandising fixtures that are responsibly-sourced and produced locally and eco-ink used for store branding.
The location will house Able Made’s line, which is completely crafted from responsibly-and-USA-made certified organic, upcycled and deadstock materials, featuring hero products like its vegan fruit-fiber bags and comfy, graphic and colorful socks made with certified organic cotton and cruelty-free Merino wool; it will serve as the launch point for Able Made’s first ready-to-wear collection. Every purchase empowers city youth via the Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation, a health and inclusion mentorship and soccer foundation started by Suzanne McKenzie in her husband’s name.
“The Able Made brand is all about uniting people through the love of the game, the planet and each other. That’s why giving back, wellbeing, inclusivity and responsible practices are at the center of everything we design, produce and put our name on,” said McKenzie, who in addition to her core collection has created collaborations with Puma, S’well, Threadless, Project Runway’s Anya Ayoung Chee, Apple’s Alan Dye and more. “With our SoHo location, it was important to implement these core values across every element of the customer experience. I believe those who vitalize their minds and bodies will be the greatest contributors to our world.”
Also featured at Able Made’s flagship store at launch is a partnership with Just Water, Jaden Smith’s line of sustainably-sourced spring water, focused on fighting plastic pollution. Proceeds from purchases of Just products at Able Made will be donated to Able Made’s foundation Image courtesy of Able Made partner, Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation.
