nudepeche: Eco friendly yoga wear
I've always needed more motivation when it comes to working out. For example, I had an allergy to most sports growing up. As an adult, I finally established a consistent exercise routine by holding myself accountable and only making excuses occasionally. Nevertheless, one of my favourite things about working out is what I wear. Good workout clothes can take you from a serious sweat session to a well-deserved brunch afterwards… or just brunch, depending on the day. And if we are being honest, one school of thought has proven to be sticking around for good: It's never a wrong time to wear an athleisure outfit. Life's way too short to be wearing uncomfortable pants. On that note, it felt right to talk about one of my favourite activewear brands, nudepeche, created by Nika. This is an eco-friendly brand, with their pieces sustainable, minimal and made from recycled material. She doesn't just create yoga wear; she has also created a community around her that promotes health, wellness, sustainability, and active lifestyles.
I was able to wear her down a little to have an unscripted conversation so we could get to know her brand better.
Who is nudepeche and who is behind the brand?
nudepeche is a sustainably minded & minimalistic lifestyle brand inspired by nature, women and yoga. Founded by myself, Veronika Katerynchuk, in the summer of 2020. My goal is to create timeless minimalistic pieces that will make you feel comfortable. Our products are locally and ethically produced. nudepeche is not just a clothing brand; it’s a community of “like-minded people” teaching and supporting each other to achieve a healthy, active, sustainable lifestyle.
Why did you decide to launch your own brand
A passion for making a difference, living a meaningful life, inspiring people, and spreading awareness. I wanted to integrate the lifestyle I believe in and the community I want to surround myself with. As a yoga practitioner for a while and a beginner yoga teacher, I understand that yoga is the harmony of body and mind with our planet, people and nature. It’s essential to think about what you wear for the practice, and I couldn’t find any sustainable yoga wear options in China. I started nudepeche with the purpose of being sustainable but also for the products to be created ethically.
How has your relationship to fashion changed since your teenage years?
I never thought about working in the fashion industry; I never felt much of a passion for fashion. Honestly, when I was 14, I started to work as a model in China, and I still didn’t feel any connection to fashion. When I began to think about quitting modelling, I didn’t even think about opening a clothing brand. I didn’t support the idea of what the fashion industry had become, how it just forces people to BUY BUY BUY things, you know, that consumer culture…but then I started to look for “sustainable clothing” for myself. I don’t see “nudepeche” as a ’fashion brand‘, for me, it’s a lifestyle choice, my focus is to make clothing as comfortable for every BODY, and I always keep the idea of “Less is more” while doing design for nudepeche. As I mentioned, I simply didn’t find any sustainable yoga wear in China, so I decided I wanted to be the one, not just to sell the clothes but to build the community, to deliver my message to people.
Who is the customer you design for?
nudepeche was created by women and for women. I created it for those looking for a change, who want to be mindful of their life and those looking for a community of like-minded people to make a difference together and support each other. It’s for everyone who CARES and those who are just trying to make a first step, even a little one.
What do you enjoy the most about the design process/ What does creating a piece of clothing feel like?
When designing nudepeche, I thought about everything I wanted to improve in my yoga clothes; I loved trying to make things more sustainable, comfortable, and practical and seeing those changes. Designing the space, packaging, and the customer's feeling when receiving the product. It was very exciting to learn about textiles, sustainable production and all those details that I could not imagine before I started the brand. You would not believe how many fabrics I felt before I found the one that gives our signature peach feeling…
How would you describe your aesthetic?
Simple, clean and elegant design; Soft, pastel colours and unique personal touches.
Do you have a philosophy when it comes to clothing?
I like comfortable, timeless clothing with the story behind. I love buying clothes in vintage shops or getting new pieces from the SWAP parties. Repair, recycle, upcycle, rewear, swap….everything about that.
Where do we find you? Anything you might want to plug?
For now, nudepeche only sells locally in China, so you can find us on Taobao and WeChat store nudepeche. I just recently opened nudepeche STUDIO in Shenzhen; it’s a yoga studio and a little boutique where you can find nudepeche and other local, sustainable-minded brands.
