The Climber's EditLet Eugenie Lee change your perspective
Looking for fresh climbing gear and outfit inspirations from a pro? In this edition, climber Eugenie Lee shows us how she curates top-tier looks that inspire confidence and movement.
By Ruhi Parmar Amin
25 February 2024 · 3 min read
London-based climber and model Eugenie Lee makes scaling vertical surfaces look like the easiest thing in the world. Watching her work is addictive and mesmerising; her movements are smooth, collected and completely integrated with her sense of self. She is inspiring, basically, which is kind of the point: Lee is a catalyst for bringing more women into the world of sports, actively reshaping fitness culture to be more inclusive and accessible.
For Lee, sports is not merely a workout; it’s a lifestyle that serves as a bridge between urban and rural spaces, a fact that’s reflected in her style. In this GUEST EDIT, she shows us how it’s done.
How would you describe your style?
Comfort. Training. Workwear. Cute.
What got you into climbing and bouldering?
As a kid, I was always climbing trees, I had so much energy. My parents signed me up to lots of after-school clubs and sports to try and tire me out. We stumbled across a climbing wall near us and from my first session I was obsessed.
Tell us about the relationship between your sport and the way you style yourself.
My sport is all about movement and pushing your body to different extremes. Being comfortable in what I wear is really important. I style myself in clothes that feel fluid when I move. [Working as] a model has also influenced how I style myself; I like streetwear and workwear but I also like deconstructed styles and cute things.
What’s the first thing you consider when putting together your everyday looks?
I train 6 days a week so it’s mostly centred around what I’m going to need at the gym. In winter I’ve been layering a lot because our climbing gyms are freezing. I look for things that I’m going to feel confident in and happy. I climb better when I think I look good and therefore feel more confident.
What role do things like design, technicality and aesthetics have when it comes to your climbing outfits?
[Climbers] look for things that last a long time. Climbing surfaces are rough and we often collide with them. Materials need to be hard-wearing while also being light and airy because we’re fighting gravity. In terms of aesthetics, I think within climbing there are so many different communities of people with such contrasting styles there isn’t one aesthetic we gravitate towards.
“[Climbing] is about pushing your body to extremes. Being comfortable is important.”
- Eugenie Lee
Which pieces do you like most from your edit and why?
The X Bionic pieces. The different textures and colours within the knit are cool and [appear] deconstructed. It also looks comfortable; I could contort myself comfortably in this.
What pieces are essential to you when it comes to your sport?
Chalk bag and chalk, a good-fitting sports bra, climbing shoes (of course!), breathable underwear you can move about in and a chalk brush.
Who are your style icons?
Devon Aoki, Kiko Mizuhara, and Iris Law.
Get the look
Would you say your sport is more of a lifestyle for you?
Yes, it influences the way I live. It’s a passion.
Do you want to see climbing and fashion overlap more? If so, how?
Climbing is very much routed in the outdoors, the outdoor code and respect for the beautiful nature. I’d like to see these points inspire fashion in the way [garments are] made, consumed and shown.
Any words of style wisdom for our audience?
Above all wear what YOU like. Wear the pieces that make you smile and feel good. Wear the things that make you feel confident.
“Wear the pieces that make you smile, feel good and make you feel confident.”
- Eugenie Lee
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