By Donna Richardson
While searching for yoga clothing for a trip to Anda Barut in Turkey, I needed something suitable for the hot and humid weather.
I was bound for a fitness retreat where I could learn tips and tricks from Olympians, including classes led by Olympian Leon Taylor, so I wanted outfits that were not too clingy, as I was self-conscious. I was searching for something stylish that could easily transition from day to night.
Then I found 7SWAN Activewear, which was perfect for me, because not everyone wants to squeeze into tight Lycra for exercise all the time. They may feel self-conscious about their body and stretching, on holiday, so 7SWAN is all about freedom, comfort and confidence while still looking great.
While scrolling through Instagram, I noticed a baggy but elegant yoga suit that immediately caught my attention. It was the Activewear 7Swan Classic Black jumpsuit featuring a leopard print side panel. This jumpsuit was precisely what I had been looking for: simple, beautiful, classy, and elegant. It looked cool and floaty, making it perfect for hot weather. Plus, it was sustainable, and I was instantly hooked. I reached out to the brand’s owner, Alicia Drabble Castellano, and after chatting for a while, I felt even more inspired to wear her brand.
Alicia, who lives in London but studied at Nottingham University, shared with me the story behind the Willow Jumpsuit, and it moved me to tears.
“I designed the 7SWAN after surgeries when I had to have a catheter for extended periods. I realised there was so minor out there to wear that was catheter-friendly (tight and restrictive leggings were a no-go, and sometimes I wanted to feel a bit smarter and not wear tracksuit bottoms). I thought about what features would make my life a bit sparklier ( I was also experiencing PTSD due to women’s health traumas) and added features such as elastic straps, stretchy side panels, pockets and drawstring trousers.
Not finding anything like it on the market, she said: “I wanted to find something comfortable, so I decided to design my own.”
“Not only is it perfect for me, but it also changes people’s lives. This jumpsuit holds a special place in my heart. After my surgery, I needed something warm and comfortable that made me feel good in my own skin and could also conceal a catheter, since tracksuit bottoms weren’t cutting it. So, I designed the Willow Jumpsuit to be both practical and stylish.
“This dream of mine started in a not-so-sparkly time. I had to leave my teaching career due to ill health, multiple operations and the mental toll that came with it all, followed by PTSD. For a while, I felt lost. But from that place a little spark of an idea grew. I wanted to create something that would make people smile, feel good, and maybe even experience a little magic.
“That’s how this clothing brand was born—a mix of kindness, wellness and a dash of sparkle! I love how clothes can help us feel amazing, and the secret psychology behind what we choose to wear. I hope to spread joy through comfy, stylish designs that help you feel fabulous every single day, no matter what life throws your way.
“Every piece I design comes straight from my heart (and my lived experiences).”
She added: “I am super passionate about making a difference to women and girls in fitness. As you know, Body image concerns and self-consciousness significantly affect girls’ and women’s participation in sports. A Dove initiative found that 48% of girls quit sports due to body image issues. Additionally, a Share the Dignity survey revealed that 68% of respondents missed sports activities due to menstruation fears, particularly the fear of leaking.”
- A Dove initiative revealed that 48% of girls quit sports due to body image issues.
- Period anxiety is another barrier; a Share the Dignity survey found that 68% of respondents missed sports activities due to menstruation fears, primarily the fear of leaking. Don’t even get me started on why up until very recently female tennis players at Wimbledon had to wear all white or why so many women’s football teams insisted on having white shorts as part of their kit!
She launched 7SWAN at the Happy Place Festival 2024 and when her first customer Jen bought a suit, they both cried, shared Alicia.
“At Single Swan I believe in celebrating the inner sparkle that lives in all of us.
“I’m passionate about helping women be kinder to themselves through clothes that feel good and do good.
“Whether you’re dressing up or slowing down, Single Swan is here to remind you that you’re perfectly imperfect and always worthy of feeling good.”
“So many happy customers love the 7SWAN for exercise but also for travelling in. I have worn mine to Australia, Japan and Singapore and she is super comfy and versatile as can be layered for colder climates and worn by herself in warmer places.”
Alicia also designs slogan sweatshirts and tees with super-soft, comfy fabrics and upbeat, glittery messages that give you a little pep in your step.
“From t-shirts with joyful mantras to the iconic 7swan, everything I create is designed to lift your mood.”
After all, who doesn’t need a little sparkle in their day? With inspiring messages like ‘Breathe,’ I thought they would be perfect for exercise, and so I took a couple in my suitcase. Vicky Thornley, an Olympian, loved the range.
Alicia shared: “At the heart of everything we do is kindness—kindness to ourselves, others and our planet. We dream big and act small, pouring passion and creativity into every detail.
“Our mission is simple – to create clothes that make you feel beautiful, sparkly and YOU, no matter the day.”
She added: “The motto behind everything we do is FREE YOUR SPARKLE. Because I believe every woman deserves to feel confident, radiant and like the incredible person she already is—no waiting, no conditions, just magic as you are.
And as Robin Williams said (one of my favourite quotes ever): “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
So that’s me. That’s us. A brand built from hard times, but also a whole lot of love, resilience and glittery hope. Thanks for being part of the journey—you’re making this dream come true!
Let’s spread joy, one comfy and stylish outfit at a time.”
Look out for my interview with Leon Taylor coming soon.
