District Vision has opened its first flagship store in the Arts District of Los Angeles, marking a significant step for the brand known for merging mindfulness with athletics.
The Brand's Origins
Max Vallot and Tom Daly founded District Vision in 2015, inspired by their experiences in New York's fashion scene and their personal explorations in running and meditation. Initially, the duo began with meditation workshops and later developed a brand that emphasizes mindfulness in sportswear.
District Vision started with technical eyewear in 2015 and expanded into apparel by 2018, quickly gaining a following among fashion-conscious runners. The brand's growth accelerated by 50% year-on-year since 2024, with the running market projected to reach $70 billion by 2032.
LA Flagship Store
The new store on Santa Fe Avenue serves as a hybrid retail and cultural space, offering products by day and hosting meditation and movement sessions by night. This aligns with District Vision's commitment to exploring what Vallot and Daly call “human technology,” integrating mindful practices with athletic performance.
District Vision plans to expand further, with a New York store slated for 2027 and potential openings in Asia, its second-largest market. The brand remains independent, having never accepted external funding, and continues to reinvest profits into growth.
Luxury Running Market
Vallot and Daly identified a gap in the market for performance products that are both technically rigorous and aesthetically aligned with luxury fashion. Their products, which launched in high fashion stores like Dover Street Market, defy traditional sportswear norms.
District Vision's approach to product development is slow and meticulous, with a focus on longevity and quality. Their sunglasses, priced between $230 and $700, are crafted in Japan and designed to last over 20 years.
Future of Sportswear
As the sportswear industry increasingly positions itself as a technology sector, District Vision emphasizes honesty and quality over gimmicks. The brand challenges the current landscape by prioritizing material innovation and product longevity.
Vallot and Daly are also exploring collaborations, including a forthcoming running shoe with New Balance designed for preventative health. Their goal is to make running accessible and sustainable for all ages, emphasizing long-term health benefits.
“We aim to help people run healthier and for longer,” Vallot states, underscoring their commitment to integrating technology and wellness in sportswear.
Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/cult-running-brand-district-vision-new-la-store-wellness-era
