Helga Lange got her start working for designers in New York, and she has taken her experience and love for apparel design to a relaxing new level. She began her brand Radiate Activewear after discovering a need for better compression shorts for hot yoga. After the prototype for men's shorts was a success, she expanded the line to women's pants, tops, and apparel. Say "namaste" in style!
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Helga and I have always loved designing clothes. I lived in NYC for 15 years and designed for Anne Klein, Jones New York and Randy Kemper. It was an incredible experience and shaped my creative process. Since I moved to Minneapolis, I was taking yoga classes to connect with my new community. My husband is a local yoga instructor, and I noticed that the options for compression shorts in the hot yoga market were few. I knew I could design something better and started to prototype men’s shorts for Radiate Activewear. Today, it’s more about women’s activewear and lifestyle clothing.
What’s the latest thing you have been working on?
My latest design was inspired from the infinity scarf. I added some sleeves and a body, the Infinity Wrap was born. The garment can be worn two different ways, open front as a cardigan or wrapped across the body for a modern, casual look. Both silhouettes look amazing on lots of different body types. I love when a well designed product gives a gal options.
What do your customers love most about your products?
My customer’s are visually drawn in by color, fabrics, and graphic designs. Touching the clothes as they shop, commenting on the softness of our fabrics. Clients relay how our designs are stylish, wearable and flattering. Also, our products are designed and produced locally with sustainable fabrics, which is very pleasing to many local customers.
What is your first memory of making something?
Growing up, my mom Hertha, was a big influence on me. She would sew special outfits for my brother and I on Easter, Halloween and our yearly Christmas flannel pajamas were probably my favorite. One of my earliest memories was of making doll clothes from index cards my Dad brought home. I would use anything to adorn them, cotton balls or crayons, instead of sewing I preferred glue or staples to hold my designs together.
Have you always been passionate about art and design?
Yes, ever since I was about 7 years old. My mom’s eye for the latest fashions, making her own patterns with newspaper seemed magical. Also, a family friend, who was an artist, came to our home to paint a mural on the walls of our kitchen. I remember him penciling in the design, while referencing to a photograph, mixing colors, then painting, watching his process was exciting. This was the beginning of my creative awareness.
Check out more of Helga's designs online, and be sure to stop by her booth at the Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo, November 3-5, 2017 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!