One can never have too much athletic wear, especially when it’s seamless, sustainably made, hugs the body in just the right way, and is universally flattering on different body shapes and sizes. That’s why we’re so excited to hear about Phat Buddah’s newest collection, which not only checks all those boxes but is also inspired by Miami. We were lucky enough to catch up with Phat Buddah Founder and recent Miami resident, Alissa Benishai, who gave us some insight into her new collection and her life.
For those that don’t know Phat Buddha, can you give us a little background on your line of activewear?
Phat Buddha is a globally loved active fashion brand, specializing in seamless and sustainable technology. We created a product that bridges the gap between activewear and everyday fashion. The purpose of developing this brand was to allow myself and others to “get out of our own way.”
As women, our bodies are ever-changing based on stress, post/pre-pregnancy, sleep, exercising, etc. We created seamless fabrication that molds to the body. Phat Buddha is about feeling good from the inside out, not about conforming into a garment. NO MATTER HER MOVEMENT, #wemovewithyou.
We read that you did a 3-month Bikram intensive training, do you still practice?
Yes, I practice every day. Due to the pandemic restrictions, I started self-practice and incorporated some moves after my streaming Tracy Anderson Method.
You’ve done collaborations with some big fitness industry names like Tracy Anderson. Who is another dream collaborator you would love to work with?
Currently, I am grateful for all my exclusive partnerships because they are in line with Phat Buddha’s mission and have some MAJOR surprises coming up in 2021 extending our range and pushing the athleisure marketplace envelope. I would love to work with Drake. Not only is he reputable, and an inspirational artist, he is a true philanthropist to the Miami community. Expansion and collaboration into Men's wear through OVO would be a dream, and music has always inspired me to move.
You recently moved to Miami and your newest collection is inspired by the Magic City, tell us more about the vibe of "Back To Basics, Miami Edition”?
My new collection is called “Back to Basics, Miami Edition”. The focus is on real women with real bodies, with an affordable price point. On February 8th, 2021, we launched Back to Basics, Miami Edition. The collection is seamless driven, sustainable, price-conscious, and size-inclusive. The collection features simple silhouettes with a fashion-forward flare that embraces YOUR BODY, YOUR MOVEMENT because #WEMOVEWITHYOU. We are spreading our NYC love to the streets of Miami. As was our philosophy in New York, we have named each garment after a street in Miami. We are very thankful to the Miami community for welcoming us with open arms and look forward to what new adventures tomorrow will bring.
A portion of proceeds from online sales is donated to charity. Can you share which ones and how you chose those?
During the last ten months, while working from my family home in Miami, we were able to touch the lives of those that needed a “feel good” moment, be it in their clothing, workouts, IGTV, REELS, videos, podcasts, etc.
Through my contact with my “Phat Buddha” community, I determined that the two biggest challenges brought about by the Pandemic were mental health and food. It was this realization that stirred me to draft a plan, reaching out to influencers, friends, CEO’s in our community and beyond to repost about Feeding America and supporting the JED Foundation.
Phat Buddha, as a result, created a movement with the sole purpose of building a brand dedicated to “giving back.” Feeding America because when I walked to the kitchen my father asked me one morning what “kind” of milk I wanted, I had a selection. I had options, thousands of people did not have food. Hundreds of thousands of people were hungry, out of work and schools were closed so lunches were not served to children. The Jed Foundation, because I personally have struggled with mental health challenges that the world was facing at a high rate due to the pandemic.
Where can StayFit305 readers find PhatBuddha?
@phatbuddhawear, www.phatbuddhawear.com
Quick Fire Questions:
Coffee or tea?
Coffee Coffee Coffee, Cafe Bustello to be exact, and then Kombucha
Beach or pool?
Do I have to choose? Beach
South Beach or Brickell?
Brickell
Bal Harbour or Design District?
Bal Harbour all the way
Early bird or night owl?
Trick question, I don’t sleep. Prefer the mornings when everything is quiet and serene. And I get my best work done on Sundays.
Netflix or book?
Neither (don’t tell my parents) I read news articles and listen to music
Favorite place to sweat in Miami?
Beach
Favorite place to pamper in Miami?
The Standard, Gee Beauty and Lymphatic/Fascia services.
Most looking forward to in 2021….
Balance. Investment. Growth. Giving back more to the community
