Why On’s New Collection Is A Meeting Point Between Performance and Style
On’s first co-created collection with Zendaya is redefining sportswear for the everyday. So, who better to test out the capsule than a professional dancer who is always on the move? Here, PATRICIA ZHOU talks to EANNA MORRISON BARRS about carving her own path, confidence and creative aspirations, while wearing the latest pieces, designed for versatility and ease
“I feel like I’m living my dream now,” enthuses Patricia Zhou, who is carving out her own path as a dancer, choreographer and filmmaker. “I genuinely love dancing, I love movement and I love teaching and being able to share that with people.”
Zhou trained as a classical ballet dancer at the prestigious Kirov Academy and performed with The Royal Ballet, Staatsballett Berlin and L.A. Dance Project, before stepping out on her own to pursue projects that are more aligned with who she is as an artist and performer. Lately, that has meant balancing a rigorous schedule of rehearsals and singing lessons as she prepares to take to the stage in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London.
In the moments between performing and producing, On’s latest collection – the first to be co-created with Zendaya – has enabled her to move with confidence and ease throughout the day. “When you’re wearing something that you feel really good in, you naturally show up and work harder because of how you feel about yourself,” she tells PORTER. “As someone who loves fashion but works in a sport, [this collection is] the perfect meeting point – because I want to feel put together, but I also need something that’s functional.”
ON+ Zendaya Cloudtilt Moon stretch recycled-knit sneakers
ON+ Zendaya Cloudtilt Moon stretch recycled-knit sneakers
Indeed, when it comes to sportswear, the Swiss brand has found an optimal balance between performance and style, and this new collection deepens that dialogue. Dreamt up by Zendaya and her long-time stylist Law Roach, the capsule of elevated staples includes super-soft ribbed tees and tanks, lightweight parachute pants and drawstring shorts, half-zip anoraks and the new Cloudnova Moon silhouette – a fresh take on the sneakerina. These pieces are designed to move with the wearer, which is particularly important to Zhou, who feels most like herself when she is dancing and strives to feel “free, light and comfortable” every day.
“It’s important that what I wear doesn’t hinder [my movement],” she explains when asked how her clothes affect the way she moves. Fortunately, with On, she can express herself without constraint. “[When] I was dancing and moving, and doing all these complex positions, at no point did I feel restricted. The collection lends itself really well to being able to move freely.”
ON+ Zendaya Cloudtilt Moon stretch recycled-knit sneakers
ON+ Zendaya Cloudzone Moon rubber-trimmed mesh sneakers
And while there is rarely a moment when Zhou isn’t dancing, these pieces could easily be integrated into her off-duty wardrobe, too. “I felt really cool and put together, which is not usually what you would say when you’re wearing sportswear, but it’s very versatile – I would wear [these pieces] to see friends on the weekend,” she says of the collection. “I could wear the [parachute] pants to go to a dance class. I could wear them with a tank top, or a cardigan, or a denim jacket. I could even wear them with heels.”
With her wardrobe giving her the freedom to move in her own way, Zhou can focus on what matters most, including her ambition to leave a positive impact on the dance world. And if she’s really dreaming big? “I would love to have my own studio and dance company one day,” she muses, “and just continue to choreograph, explore myself and different aspects of what it means to be a creative person.”
ONAll-Day Rib Lyocell and cotton-blend T-shirt
ONTrack Pack rip-stop shoulder bag
