Paula Abdul Launches Empowering a 15-Piece Athleisure Line with Smash + Tess: ‘A Labor of Love’

Paula Abdul Smash + Tess collection

Paula Abdul Smash + Tess collection

Shaun Vadella

When Paula Abdul was first introduced to Smash + Tess — a lifestyle brand founded by mother daughter duo, Teresa and Ashley Freeborn — she felt an instant connection to the brand.

The iconic performer says that what attracted her to the company was its mission statement of inclusion. “That’s why I started my career,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively.

Now, Abdul’s love for the company has led to an exciting collaboration — the Groove Gear collection, a 15-piece athleisure capsule featuring jumpsuits, jazz pants, crop tops and sweaters, now available on smashtess.com. Abdul designed the line with Ashley in consideration of everyone.

The legendary pop star speaks out about how she created the collection and how she hopes to inspire others with this “labor-of-love.”

Paula Abdul Smash + Tess collection

Paula Abdul Smash + Tess collection

Shaun Vadella

The Grammy-winning Grammy winner talks about what attracted her to Canada’s brand and how she and Ashley became a sister-like friend.

Abdul says that the collaboration was “easy to style.” Smash + Tess’ inclusive designs meshed with her “legacy in dance and fitness” — which comes with a wealth of knowledge on what makes for a great performance piece — brought about five new “fashion-forward” styles built for functionality and everyday wear.

“I am in love with the way they meticulously craft their garments, how they hug and pull your body and muscles. “It just feels great on my skin,” ex-Lakers Girl.

The collection is made for a busy lifestyle. She already tested it: “I have danced in them, and I have done my workouts in them.” They have done everything.

The song “Opposites attract” highlights this. Straight Up romper This one-piece is available in both long sleeves and sleeveless silhouettes. It’s a great piece for a workout because of its compression.

Abdul is also raving about the Forever Flared pants — legging-pants with a comfortable waistline and have “a bit of a boot cut [fit]”That lengthens the leg (a must-have for stars who are shorter). The must-have accessory is the Warm Hearted crop topsThe clothes have cutouts that are strategically placed on the breasts to conceal bra straps. Abdul claims that the clothes can also be worn braless.

Paula Abdul Smash + Tess collection

Paula Abdul Smash + Tess collection

Shaun Vadella

RELATED: Paula Abdul Surprises Childhood Dance Teacher with a Studio Renovation: ‘He Taught Me the Love’

But the collection is about a feeling that celebrates women, young girls, and inspires confidence through wearable clothing. This is a philosophy the Emmy winner “carried out over decades.”

Abdul, who designed the zipper for the jacket, says, “I believe that it’s important that you, in a nanosecond. Love Me Up sweater Include the phrase “Love Yourself”

Abdul’s career has been built around self-empowerment. Abdul was born three months prematurely. She suffered from “terrible Hip Dysplasia”, which left her with unnaturally turned hips that were contrary to the physicality of dancing. Her petite frame was not a good fit for the industry’s body stereotypes.

She decided to take matters into her hands and “disrupted dance” by breaking the mould of what it meant to be a successful choreographer. She reached a single conclusion: “I’m going to continue that tradition.”

Paula Abdul Smash + Tess collection

Paula Abdul Smash + Tess collection

Shaun Vadella

RELATED: Paula Abdul Stuns in Yellow Leopard-Print Mini Dress While Out for Dinner in West Hollywood

Abdul’s style has changed over the years, but she loves a classic and timeless look with a modern twist. Groove Gear is her favorite.

“I’ve learned how create illusions. She jokes about her height, claiming that although everyone knows she is vertically challenged, she thinks she’s seven feet tall. She’s learn how to differentiate what works for her and what doesn’t — but always likes to her accentuate her legs, a.k.a. Her “best asset.”

Her ability to dance in high heels is one thing she knows. “My dad, mom and sister told me, “When you were a little girl, it was from the first time you could walk on tiptoes that you started to get better. “Everyone makes fun about me that way, however, I think I was born to wear heels,” she said.

Paula Abdul Smash + Tess collection

Paula Abdul Smash + Tess collection

Shaun Vadella

RELATED: Paula Abdul Recalls How ‘Straight Up’ Began in a Shower: ‘It Changed My Life’

Abdul, 60 years old, has been busy sharing her passion for the arts by becoming a TikToker. “I feel like I should’ve been a part from the start,” she jokes.

Now that there’s a “renaissance”of ’80s and ’90s music nostalgia — an era during which Abdul rose to fame — on the app, she feels compelled to share her love for dance with her nearly two million followers, some of whom belong to a new generation of aspiring performers.


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Abdul says, “I found a place in which I can fully live my passion.” “It was important to me that the choreography I created would endure the test of time. That’s what I love.

She has learned one thing about herself since joining the online community: she can still “inspire millions”

“I can still mentor young adults and help them navigate their craft, their dreams, and share my wisdom and experience. She says, “I didn’t have that for myself, so it’s really important that I pass that down.”

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