In a world where fashion often prioritizes style over utility, Lara Fawzy, the founder of Lara Active, is reshaping the concept of being both modest and fashionable. As a British-Egyptian athlete and entrepreneur, Fawzy's path from London to Dubai has been characterized by perseverance, resilience, and a strong dedication to empowering women. Now, with her UAE-based brand, Lara Active, poised to launch its burkini line ahead of New York Fashion Week (NYFW), Fawzy is making a significant statement on the international stage about the evolution of modest fashion.
Lara Active emerged from necessity during the pandemic in 2020, a time when Fawzy struggled to find activewear that was both practical and aligned with her modest values. As a Muay Thai practitioner and fighter, Fawzy was acutely aware of the difficulties in finding clothing that allowed for unrestricted movement without compromising on style or comfort. "I've always been active, but I constantly found myself searching for clothing that wasn't from the men's section," she explained. "I recognized a market gap for women like me who wanted to feel good and look good while staying true to their beliefs."
This market gap inspired Fawzy to create Lara Active, a brand focused on delivering high-performance activewear that empowers women to feel confident and comfortable in any athletic endeavor. The brand's upcoming debut at New York Fashion Week, in collaboration with Runway 7, represents a major milestone for Lara Active and modest fashion in general. "Debuting at New York Fashion Week is surreal," Fawzy shared. "This opportunity is incredibly meaningful to me as it showcases modest activewear on a global platform."
Lara Active's burkini line exemplifies Fawzy's commitment to blending functionality with fashion. The collection, scheduled to be unveiled on September 4, features a vibrant assortment of colors, themes, and versatile shapes, all designed with the modern, modest woman in mind. "The burkini line addresses the increasing demand for swimwear that allows women to engage in water sports while adhering to their cultural or religious beliefs," Fawzy explained. "But it's not just about modesty – it's about looking good and feeling confident."
For Fawzy, every piece of Lara Active clothing reflects her values. The brand's commitment to ethical manufacturing in the UAE ensures that each garment meets high standards of quality and sustainability. "We prioritize high-quality fabrics that offer breathability, moisture-wicking, flexibility, and durability," she said. "Everything we produce is rigorously tested – I personally wear the clothes during the most demanding workouts to ensure they meet the challenge."
Beyond fashion, Fawzy's journey is one of empowerment. As a Muay Thai coach, she has dedicated herself to not only teaching the technical aspects of the sport but also to building confidence and mental strength in her students. "My journey as a women's coach in Muay Thai has been incredibly rewarding," Fawzy reflected. "I focus on creating a supportive environment where women feel empowered to push their limits and discover their potential."
Fawzy's experience in the male-dominated world of martial arts has also influenced her approach to business. The discipline and mental toughness she developed in Muay Thai drive her to continually improve her products, ensuring they meet the needs of active women without compromising on modesty. "In both male-dominated sports and competitive industries, it's crucial to remain confident in your vision and skills," she advises. "Don't be afraid to take risks and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth."
As Lara Active prepares to take the global stage, Fawzy is optimistic about the future of modest activewear. She sees increasing awareness and demand for inclusive fashion options, with modest activewear becoming a mainstream and more developed category. "I see modest activewear being embraced by a wider audience beyond those who seek modesty for religious reasons," Fawzy says. "Lara Active aims to be at the forefront of this movement by continuing to innovate and provide high-quality, high-performance options that cater to diverse sports."
But Fawzy is not stopping there. Her vision for Lara Active extends far beyond the runway. She hopes to see her brand become a trusted name in the modest activewear market, with the potential to appear on international stages, including the Olympics. "I want Lara Active to be a multinational brand that's trusted in the modest activewear segment," she asserts. "We're just getting started."
Building Lara Active has not been without its challenges. Fawzy acknowledges the obstacles she has faced, from accessing resources and networks to balancing her business with her personal life. "At the start, I insisted on doing everything myself, which wasn't sustainable," she admits. "But it pushed me to be more resourceful and resilient."
Despite these challenges, Fawzy remains committed to her mission of empowering women. "My advice to other women is to stay persistent and never underestimate your capabilities," she says. "Work hard, stay authentic, and keep pushing forward with passion and determination."
As Lara Active prepares to make its mark at New York Fashion Week, Fawzy's story is a powerful reminder that fashion can be a force for empowerment. Through her brand, she is not only providing women with stylish and functional activewear but also inspiring them to break barriers and redefine what it means to be confident, strong, and true to themselves.
