How I Built This with Guy Raz Lululemon Athletica: Chip Wilson (2018)
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Feb 24, 2020 Chip Wilson shares his journey of launching Lululemon Athletica, inspired by the yoga boom of the late 1990s. From a small pop-up store to a billion-dollar brand, he recounts the evolution of athleisure and the triumphs and trials faced along the way. Discover the significance of recognizing market trends and the transformative power of innovation in women's athletic apparel. Plus, hear about Kate Westervelt, who turned a personal challenge into a successful gift box service for new moms.
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Early Influence
- Chip Wilson's mother was a seamstress, influencing his early exposure to clothing production.
- He learned about fabric efficiency and pattern layout by observing her work, proving valuable later.
Alaska Pipeline
- At 19, Chip Wilson earned $600,000 (in today's dollars) working on the Alaska oil pipeline.
- He viewed it as trading his life for money due to the isolating nature of the work.
Baggy Shorts
- Disliking the tight, short shorts of the late 70s, Chip Wilson began making baggy, flowered shorts.
- These shorts, inspired by a lack of vibrant colors in men's fashion, became popular with skateboarders.