Kate Ferdinand has released her second capsule collection with F&F, proving that a diverse size range and quality fabrics don't have to come with a high price point.
Following her sell-out first ACTIVE collection, Kate, 32, has launched another capsule collection with Tesco's F&F, this time full of pastels a-plenty for spring and summer.
Combining fitness and fashion, the capsule collection has been designed with busy days in mind - with pieces designed to take you 'from studio to school run'. Made from premium fabrics such as Tencel and soft touch jersey, the collection starts at just £10 and is available in sizes 6-22.
Having first rose to fame on The Only Way Is Essex, Kate married footballer Rio Ferdinand back in 2019. Step-mum to Lorenz, 17, Tate, 15, and Tia, 12, Kate and Rio have also gone on to welcome two children together - a son named Cree, three, and a daughter named Shea, nine months.
Kate talks to Grazia about designing her F&F collection, how she juggles motherhood with her career, and how the Ferdinand family choose to stay active...
How does it feel to have launched your second capsule collection with F&F?
'I’m so excited! Fitness is a huge part of my day-to-day life, so working with F&F for a second time has been an absolute dream. For me, the key to this capsule was all about the clothes being super comfortable and creating looks that I can reach for again and again.
'We’ve had such a great response from everyone who has bought the collection. I’m so pleased because there's such a wide range, with the whole capsule coming in sizes 6 to 22, so seeing how good it all looks on everyone has been so nice. My kids have loved spotting people out and about in the clothes as well, they’re always sending me sneaky photos of everyone they see in the collection.'
Do you think more brands should be working to make their clothing size inclusive?
'One of the main reasons I wanted to do this collection with F&F is because they are a very inclusive brand. We have so many different styles to suit people of all shapes and sizes. We do have crop tops in the collection, but I know some people, like me, don’t like wearing them to work out, so we’ve included different lengths to the shirts. There really is something for everyone.'
What are you personal favourite pieces from the new collection?
'I’m currently obsessed with the navy blue loungewear set; the fabric is really premium, it's perfect for throwing on for a cosy night in with the family, or if you’re out and about on-the-go but want to look nice. I also love lounging in the mocha soft ribbed trousers.'
The collection is made from premium fabrics, yet still at an affordable price point. Was it a priority for you to keep quality high, but cost low?
'Absolutely. We wanted this collection to be accessible to everyone, but we also didn’t want to compromise on the quality of the materials and fibres. That’s the great thing about working with F&F - we're still able to have premium quality pieces while keeping the cost low.'
Is it important to you that your workout clothes don't just feel good, but also look good?
'Yes! I need to be comfortable when I'm working out – I always make sure that my workout clothes are breathable and, of course, squat proof. With that being said, I am a busy mum and often times I’ll have to run errands after a Pilates class. I'm always on the move, so wearing workout clothes that are also fashionable is key. From the moment I wake up, it’s go, go, go, so I tend to reach for clothes that I can wear all day. There are some great pieces in the collection that you can dress up or down, which are perfect for those stylish, on the go looks.'
Any tips for busy mums struggling to find time to workout?
'I’m not going to lie, it’s hard. It’s something that I know most mums struggle with, finding the balance. We’re always pulling ourselves in either direction and we don’t always get it right. I try to be as organised as I can to get the balance of work and family life, but I also try not to be hard on myself if things don’t go to plan. My biggest advice to new mums trying to fit in workouts would be to listen to their bodies. It’s okay to have days where you don’t feel like hitting the gym, but the most important thing you can do is get your body moving – even if it’s just for a ten-minute dog walk.'
What are some things about motherhood that surprised you?
'I’m a mum of five, and the kids are all different ages. It can definitely be difficult when you’ve got teenagers, a toddler and a baby. It surprised me that I don’t often have all the kids with me every day - there’s always a club or activity that’s going on, so I’m not always with all five because of all the different things they're up to!'
Do you all enjoy being active together?
'We are a sporty family, which is great - we love being fit and active together. The boys love football and Tia loves horse riding, so they keep very busy with that. I don’t tend to get too involved with kicking a ball about, but I’m a big believer in the benefits walking has on the mind. We all love to go for family walks at the weekend – it’s so nice to get out and get fresh air with the kids. When we’re on holiday we do all love playing badminton together as well. It’s the only sport we can all really get involved in, so it does get very competitive!'
Kate Ferdinand's ACTIVE collection is available to shop in the majority of F&F at Tesco stores, in sizes 6-22.
Charlotte Roberts is a News and Entertainment Writer for Grazia, writing interviews and features around everything pop culture.