Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Alexandra Satowski, a true renaissance woman whose multifaceted career spans the realms of yoga, modeling, and circus arts. Alexandra’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. As a laureate of international circus art competitions and a master of yoga, she has seamlessly blended her passion for performance with the transformative science of yoga.
Currently, Alexandra Satowski is channeling her diverse expertise into developing a holistic center, Yogamatica, which offers a unique sanctuary where the art of performance meets the profound benefits of yoga. In addition to this, Alexandra Satowski is at the forefront of fashion innovation with her trendsetting line of pleated clothing, Pleatmatica. This line emphasizes fluidity, elegance, and the seamless integration of style and comfort, perfect for both yoga practice and everyday life.
Alexandra, you have a unique background in yoga, modeling, and circus arts. How have these experiences influenced your approach to yoga and holistic wellness?
It’s a lot about self-discipline and techniques which helped me when I used to work as an aerial gymnast. You have to be fit, you have to eat properly, you have to be mentally balanced and endure a lot during the show, and sometimes it was 3-4 performances per day. I discovered yoga for myself, but yoga is not only about asanas; it’s a holistic approach with breath practice, nutrition, philosophy, mental work such as daily rituals, and meditation. When it becomes a habit and a discipline, you feel how much energy you have for work and your family. I want to share this with people, especially young moms who work – it makes life happier.
What inspired you to transition from a career in performance arts to developing a holistic yoga center?
Balancing a vibrant career as a theater artist, I find channeling my passion and expertise into developing a holistic center of yoga. This holistic approach aims to blend the art of performance with the profound benefits of yoga, offering a unique retreat for the body, mind, and spirit. Life is movement and transformation; it is important to know your strength and when you are ready to pass on your experience to others.
Can you explain how your holistic center, Yogamatica, integrates the art of performance with the practice of yoga?
Performance, for me, is an endless flow of energy that I would like to transform into benefits for others. Our life is movement and effort. In yoga, there is a concept called Prana (life energy); as long as you are full of energy and movement, you live and continue in any direction. I guess that’s what integration is. In a show, every performance has meaning and a story; in yoga, every asana and practice is done for the benefit of our body.
How did you come up with the concept for Pleatmatica, your line of pleated yoga clothing, and what makes it stand out in the market?
I think pleated clothing has its own charm. Nature is my inspiration. Nature-inspired pleated clothing combines the elegance of precise folds with organic patterns like florals and leaves. Having sewn one set, it has repeatedly attracted attention, and that’s how I started my work. For the market, it’s all about aesthetic appeal and comfort. Gone are the days when yoga clothes were purely about function. Pleats add a touch of sophistication and style, making your yoga outfit look chic and polished. This aesthetic upgrade means you can confidently wear your yoga clothes outside the studio, perfect for running errands or grabbing coffee with friends. There is very little or no such concept for pleated workout clothes on the market at the moment, making it stylish and comfortable for even the most demanding fashionistas.
Pleated clothing is known for its fluidity and elegance. How do these qualities complement the dynamic movements of yoga?
Pleated clothing’s fluidity and elegance allow it to move seamlessly with the body, providing unrestricted movement and flexibility. These qualities enhance the dynamic and flowing movements of yoga, ensuring comfort and style during practice. It looks simple and stylish for any occasion.
You mention that nature is a significant inspiration for your designs. Can you share some examples of how you incorporate organic patterns and natural elements into your clothing?
Nature is a profound source of inspiration. I incorporate organic patterns and natural elements in various ways. For example, I design sets with floral motifs and wave-like textures that mimic natural landscapes. Butterfly wings, shells, and membranes are textures that look great and harmonious all over the set. I like monochrome and single-texture sets.
How do you envision the future of yoga clothing, especially in terms of combining aesthetics and comfort for everyday use?
Pleats in yoga clothing provide enhanced flexibility and freedom of movement. The design allows the fabric to stretch and contract with your body, offering unparalleled comfort during various poses and stretches. Whether you’re flowing through vinyasa or holding a challenging asana, pleated yoga clothes move with you, ensuring you stay comfortable and unrestricted. Their stylish design makes them suitable for a variety of settings, from casual outings to relaxed social gatherings. Investing in pleated yoga attire means you get the best of both worlds: functionality for your practice and fashion-forward looks for everyday wear.
What are your long-term goals for both Yogamatica and Pleatmatica, and how do you plan to continue innovating in the fields of yoga and fashion?
I prioritize the comfort and health of customers and clients. When people feel and gain comfort from your product, it gives inspiration to scale. In the future, it will be interesting to consider new types of organic fabrics to make a positive change in attitudes towards the importance of sensible consumption and the importance of using natural fabrics. Of course, I will continue to share key techniques for the health and well-being of clients, showing that discipline and a holistic approach (such as daily breathing practices, asanas, Ayurvedic nutrition, and mental workouts) change lives for the better, all with a touch of style.
Credit teams:
Model: Alexandra Satowski @alexandra_satowski
Photographer: Catherine Koles @cathkoles_photo
Yogamatica: @yogamatica
Wardrobe:
Silver dress: Miro Misljen Design @miromisljendesign
Pants: Pleatmatica @pleatmatica_wear
