Eva Longoria Designed Some ‘Non-Schleppy’ Sweatsuits

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When she’s not behind the camera directing TV shows like Black-ish and Jane the Virgin, Eva Longoria can be found fussing with a needle and thread.

“I’ve been sewing since I was 7 and have always been obsessed with clothing construction and textiles and seams,” the Texas native says. “I just really love the process of design and always knew it would be part of my life.”

Of course, 7-year-old Longoria couldn’t have predicted she’d one day wind up showing a collection at New York Fashion Week. After launching her namesake brand in March, the star decided to show her spring 2018 lineup on the runway. Below, Longoria shares how her Hollywood career led her to embrace the humble sweatsuit (as long as it doesn’t involve a hoodie!) and her vacation shopping habits.

Photo: Mireya Acierto/Getty Images

What inspired your spring collection?

We’re starting the show with a line called Set Life, which is literally based on my life on set. When I started working as a director and producer — as a boss! — I still wanted to look good even though I wasn’t in hair and makeup in front of the camera. I don’t want to be a schlep in sweats!

So I decided to do an athleisure line that’s sporty but chic. A lot of sweatsuits today feel sort of tween-y, junior-y. I don’t want a hoodie; I don’t work at Facebook! So we did versions with V-necks and great detailing and good seam construction. Just really elevated, sophisticated athleisure wear.

I did it because I needed to do stuff and look good, and I think that’s every woman; every woman has a set life, whether her “set” is at home or at an office. We’ve got shit to do! You need a wardrobe that allows you get it all done while looking good and feeling good.

Any other design highlights you’re excited about?

The rest of the collection is really rooted in denim. We have some fabulous hem details and some great athletic stripes that look really cool. But the main thing in our denim is the technology. I want my denim to act like Spanx: suck it in, pull you up, hold you in. But I don’t want it to feel like Spanx, where you’re like, ‘Get it off of me!’

Our PowerSculpt jeans have this amazing four-way stretch, so they’ve got incredible retention but they’ve also got some give; that’s really hard to find. And this is getting a little in the weeds, but I also put a lot of thought into the waistline. Like, I love a high waist, but sometimes the waistline on certain jeans hits in the worst muffin-top-making place. You can’t sit in them!

Finally, tell me about your most recent fashion purchase.

I was just in Greece, and I bought so many clothes. I live a global lifestyle; I shop when I travel and love finding obscure little boutiques. So I bought this great hat, and I bought this great gauzy sweater that has interesting seams on it. It was from some great designer you could only find on that island — I wish I could remember the name!