When Nashville native Margaret Roberts set out for New York City, she noticed her wardrobe was lacking the perfect legging to accommodate such a drastic change in temperature. Activewear provided a temporary fix, but the budding fashion designer knew she could create something better.
And so the idea for Minxxa line of leggings that combines fashion with functionalitywas born. Minxx leggings are made with high-performance ProModal fabric, a blend often used in extreme sportswear for its heating and cooling capabilities. In addition, Minxx leggings are given an antimicrobial treatment to extend their longevity, which means less time washing and more time wearing.
'The fabric has a great shapewear ability too, so it's also really figure-flattering,” Roberts adds.
From the gym to a night out on the town, Minxx leggings are the ideal wear-anywhere pant. The Benjamin style is classic and cool, while the Naphtali (Roberts' personal favorite) and Judah offerings make a statement with faux leather and lace. New novelty fabrics like mesh paneling and burnout velvet are in the works, as well.
Creating the Minxx line has been a labor of loveand a longtime dreamfor Roberts. 'I've always loved fashion,” the designer explains. 'Growing up, my mom [local philanthropist Sylvia Roberts] had so many wonderful options for me to play dress-up in.”
Roberts honed her craft at the Academy of Couture Art in Los Angeles, learning everything from patternmaking to draping and hand beading. Her careful attention to detail is evident in each pair of Minxx leggings: 'It's not just the basic fit of a legging; it's a lot of the same tailoring that goes into making a great pant,” she says.
After debuting the Minxx collection at Jamie last fall, Roberts has received an overwhelming response. 'It's so incredible seeing it all come to life,” she says. 'From paper and patterns to having my friends and family wearing my designs and creations, it's just such a special feeling.”
Minxx leggings can be found around town at The Perfect Pair, Levy's, Jamie, H. Audrey, and Haven.