In watching so many events this Olympic season, I am
reminded by the beauty that is, a man or woman at the top
of their game, reaching a pinnacle point in their career.
These athletes are the best in their respective sports and
their performances remind me of the grace, beauty and
strength that comes from loving what you do and mastering
that niche. Heike Schnell’s line, Wellicious seems to
embody those ideals beautifully.  Wellicious is a lifestyle
choice that marries the wellness of self with the need and
desire to conduct our daily lives in luxury wares that not only
make us feel good physically, but also mentally.

The Wellicious collection consists of luxury loungewear
designed for a fashion forward woman, who enjoys looking
fabulous while doing yoga, Pilate's or working out in the
gym. The line also offers herbal teas and a variety of
amazingly soft separates. Imported from the United
Kingdom, Wellicious is a socially and environmentally
responsible company.   

This Fall will be Schnell’s season to shine with the launch
of some amazing new textiles and additions to her
collection.  Coupled with the fact that the secret to her
success is the same secret shared by those Olympic
athletes, she has a passion for wellness and a passion for
luxury and the know-how and determination to realize her
dream, Wellicious.  

Going into a season promising to be full of change, it is
individuals like Schnell, who consciously decide to create
new ways to live better and by doing so help us discover the
endless possibilities for lasting health and happiness.
By: Kristine Hartman, Creative Director
What factors contributed to your decision to create Wellicious?
HEIKE: I started doing yoga over 6 years ago and I couldn’t find any beautiful and feminine clothing for my
yoga classes, or for lounging at home. Bored of plain tank top and leggings, I thought about creating my
own yoga clothing line with a twist: sweet and feminine with luxurious materials, fresh colors and lots of
love to detail. I also wanted to create a wellbeing world which is about healthy and eco conscious
lifestyle AND fun. All the organic products, food and exercising are helping to be healthier and happier,
as long as you enjoy it.

What type of textiles exudes the quality associated with the Wellicious brand name, and why?      
HEIKE: I am very environmentally conscious, but don’t want to compromise on the softness and
luxurious touch. That’s why we use only high quality materials that are produced in Europe, mainly
Portugal and Switzerland. The fabrics are dyed with pigments certified by Ecotest and are very skin and
environmentally friendly. All cotton we use is organic. Our favorite fabric for next summer is a super light
and soft cashmere modal which is so comfortable that you want to wear it 24/7…Wellicious fabrics give
you the whole feeling of wellbeing: soft, cozy, and eco and skin friendly.

The Wellicious website creates a unique community that promotes wellness resources for the body
and soul. What do you hope visitors take away from this online experience?
HEIKE: We try to give inspiration and guidance to women for how to live a healthier and happier life. You
get news about the latest yoga and Pilates exercises and teachers, travel and spa tips, and a lot more
ideas about nutrition and treatments. Our Website is inviting and should help women stay Wellicious.

How do you feel your educational foundation impacts your design process compared to outside
inspiration and influences?
HEIKE: I have always been creative and loved feminine fashion. My education and experiences in
marketing helped me see the fashion world from a more business related and administrative side. All
the great ideas are worth nothing if you don’t know how to get the marketing right.

You have over six years of experience in international sales and marketing for luxury brands. How
have you used your diverse background to assist in Wellicious’ branding and overall design?
HEIKE: When I founded Wellicious a few years ago, some people were astonished about my way to set
up a fashion business, because I did things differently. Before I had any designs for the clothing line, I
had the logo, name and a whole branding concept. To create the Wellicious world I got help from my
designers to translate my precise ideas into real designs.
The earth is changing, climates are shifting, and global warming is no longer
a warning bell but a deafening siren.  The world is changing and so must
we.  You seem very conscious of this shift. What lifestyle changes do you
feel are most pressing to reduce our footprint on this earth?
HEIKE: I am half German and half Peruvian, but most of my life I grew up in
Germany, where people have always been more environment conscious than
anywhere else. Since over 20 years now, we’ve been separating the waste and
recycling. I think we are the only country together with Switzerland, which has
started very early, to not give free plastic bags in supermarkets. In general, we
should be more aware of our actions and of their meaning to the environment. I
rather wear a jumper than overheat the house, and try to walk as much as I can.

A lot of your work is the science of marrying fashion and wellness.  These
two worlds are often at odds.  The fashion world is obsessed with being thin
and staying youthful, often at the cost of our own health and wellness to
achieve such virtues. When confronted with this struggle, what helps you
make conscious, healthy lifestyle decisions?
HEIKE: I think being obsessed with being thin doesn’t make you more beautiful.
Sometimes, I’m really shocked seeing models and actresses so scarily
skinny. They lost the whole feminine glowing aura that comes from within when
you are happy and healthy. Being Wellicious means to do exercise you like and
eat well, but of course you can eat a burger once in a while. Everything is good
in moderation. My anti cellulite secret is yoga, yoga, yoga… It’s the circulation
that does the trick not the expensive lotions…
Your line produces beautiful, comfortable and stylish loungewear for yoga, Pilates,
shopping and just relaxing. What do you do to stay fit?
HEIKE: I am yoga addict…I do all sorts of yoga, from Hatha to Ashtanga, but also Pilates. I
just love the effect on my body and mind. When you’re living in such a big and busy city like
London, you need something that calms you down. All the daily impressions you get can
take away lots of energy. However I believe that you should also boost your heart rate and do
exercises outside. So you can also see me on the treadmill, rollerblading or playing golf.

What cosmetic and/or body products that you use incorporate this idea of fashion and
wellness, and why can’t you live without them?
HEIKE: My cosmetic motto: Less is more. Many people put on too many different types of
cosmetics that just irritate your skin. There are so many toxins in cosmetics, you should be
careful of what you use in your daily skin care routine. Next month we are going to have an
article about toxins in cosmetics in our blog. For example, recently, lead, which causes
cancer, was found in some high end lipsticks. During the weekend, I also create my own
face masks and scrubs which are 100% natural and very easy to make. My favorite is a
sugar scrub or a honey mask in the sauna.

Is there any special news about yourself or your line that you would like to share with the
readers’ of FashionQandA.com?
HEIKE: We are launching the first Wellicious cashmere range in September 08, which will
include a super sweet poncho, legwarmers, pants and a cardigan. You can also look
forward to our own tea label, which will be also launched this Fall. We selected the most
delicious and beautiful organic tea, with herbs and flowers grown in Europe. This Fall and
Winter, you can wrap up warm in our cashmere pieces and sip a nice cup of Wellicious tea.
And soon, we will also have a sales agent in California, but in the meantime you can order
all products online.