Reigning Champ by Ryan Willms: Run and Recover
Photography by Jackie Beale
Video by David O’Donohue
The Run and Recover collection is a collaborative project designed by Ryan Willms. Creative director and Holistic Life Coach, Ryan’s development and growth into the wellness industry is perfectly aligned with Reigning Champ—bridging the gap between fashion, movement and holistic well-being.
The inaugural collection between Reigning Champ and Ryan Willms is entitled, Run and Recover, is an all-season performance running kit, consisting of earthy tones, dyed synthetic mesh and copper jersey tops, a technical short sleeve jacket and running accessories and a special version of Luna Sandals Mono Winged running sandal.
Designed in Los Angeles and crafted in Canada, the collection is comprised of eight garments, including a running short and two running shirts that are made from technical performance fabrics that have been put through a “tye-dye” coloring process; short and long sleeve cotton tees with original graphics that were co-designed by Willms and LA-based Art Director and Designer, Sam Jayne; and a short sleeve running Jacket made from Reigning Champ’s 4-way stretch, woven mesh “Dot Air” fabric.
The collection also includes a running sandal that’s made in collaboration with the minimalist running sandal company, Luna Sandals. Says Willms, “I’m very proud of how this collection turned out. Dying technical fabrics is something Reigning Champ has never done before, so it was fun to push their capabilities and create something that’s so aesthetically exciting. And working with Luna Sandals is a bit of a dream come true. When I made the decision to leave the fashion industry and reset my life back in 2017, my health coach took me to buy my first pair of Lunas.
The experience of running in them was so transformative, the way it reconnected me with my body and the natural world around me. It’s actually become the foundation for my teachings: run with your heart, not your legs. That’s what I encourage my clients to do, and that’s what this collection is designed for.”
The logo represents balance between the mind and the heart. In our culture we often find ourselves stuck in our heads, disconnected from our bodies, unable to listen, to recover and to Be. Working to regain this balance is a part of the path to well-being and in creating the logo Ryan worked with Sam Jayne to develop this mark, along with the collection graphics.
Luna’s Mono Winged running sandal is their best selling model of all time. The brand was created by Barefoot Ted, known from Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run, the iconic barefoot runner launched this handmade footwear brand after his epic journey to the Copper Canyons in Mexico. We’ve collaborated with Luna on a custom dyed strap, alongside their recently updated ‘wing’ design to offer a unique and special version of the Mono.
Run and Recover will release Friday, May 28th on Reigning Champ’s website, in their Vancouver and Toronto stores and from select retailers including Mr Porter, Browns, Renegade Running, Vancouver Run Co., Backcountry and Slam Jam.
Runners: Duy Nguyen and Knox Robinson