Fitness meets fashion with professional dancers Sophia Cerrito And Jesse Alexander’s launch MAE Studios.
The activewear line debuts with the Pyramid Collection, a collection of elevated, performance-focused bodysuits, bodysuits, bras, tights and shorts complete with sculptural cuts, sheer mesh panels and strappy details designed to stand out in the studio and on the street.
“Whether you’re taking a class, an audition, or a rehearsal, what you wear is often someone’s first impression of you. … I felt like there was a gap in the market for quality, unique, and interesting dancewear without sacrificing quality or functionality. … I wanted pieces that were functional and high-quality, but still felt like I could stand out and express my personal style,” Cerrito tells ET.
“Dancers have always been at the forefront of culture, fashion, music and entertainment, but somehow they often sit in the background, helping to bring some of the world’s greatest creative visions to life before they get the attention they deserve,” Alexander adds.
The result: a brand that works as hard as the dancers who wear it.
“As dancers, our lives don’t start and end in the studio. Between rehearsals, auditions, meetings and everything in between, we’re constantly on the move, and I think our wardrobe should be able to move with us. We wanted to create pieces that women can feel just as confident wearing to a dance class as they do going out for the evening,” she says.
“I always envisioned MAE as a diverse collection: something you wear to dance class can be easily paired with jeans or heels and transformed into a completely different look. … I took a lot of inspiration from Tom Ford’s time at Gucci, Thierry Mugler, and Jean Paul Gaultier. … I loved the idea of taking inspiration from these iconic fashion looks and reimagining them as pieces you could actually dance, move, and work with,” Cerrito continues.
From the runway to the recording studio, the duo drew inspiration from the biggest names in fashion and music.
“Tate McRae He was definitely someone I had in mind when designing the collection. … It has a really great balance of being sexy, sporty, and a little bit edgy,” Cerrito shares.
Whether you hit the dance floor or walk out the door, the goal is to look good and feel even better.
“I’ve always felt that I dance better when my outfit looks polished, cool, and sexy. The same goes for working out. … I’ve also always felt that when an outfit fits perfectly and accentuates my curves in the right places, I don’t have to worry about fiddling with it or constantly adjusting it. Especially in a high-heeled class, I want to be able to focus on the movement without worrying about something being out of place, having to adjust my outfit, or whether I’m doing a certain move or not looking. Good on camera,” she says.
“As dancers, we’re constantly looking at ourselves in mirrors, analyzing our movements, and pushing our bodies to be better. It’s easy to become your own biggest critic, and sometimes something as simple as feeling incredible in the outfit you’re wearing can completely change that mindset. I remember dancing together.” Rosalia I walked on stage on one of the biggest stages with a full designer look and felt different. There was a trust in that,” explains Alexander.
What’s next? Men may be at the forefront.
“While the first collection was more of a celebration of women, our vision has always gone beyond that. And let’s just say, boys can get the moments you’ve been waiting for sooner than you think,” she teases.
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