Lily Rice Eco-Conscious Fashion Is The Way Forward.

Presca boasts outstanding eco-conscious credentials and has many initiatives and partnerships that reflect its ethos.

Creative director Lily Rice has worked in the sportswear industry for over ten years. She now works with Presca Sportswear to create impeccable pieces of sports and activewear and is on a mission to impact the environment positively. Lily sits with Mogul Magazine to talk about the UK sports industry, her favourite Moguls, being a climate-positive brand, how she spends her time, hopes for the future and more.

Can you tell us about Presca Sportswear? 

Presca is the world’s first climate-positive sportswear brand. Founded by Guy and Rob after they met training for a triathlon, Presca was born to create better sportswear. Better made. Better to wear. Better for the planet. We’re just awaiting our B corp certification and are currently sold in-store in Wolf and Badger London and online.

What was the inspiration behind creating the brand?

At Presca, we’re a group of cyclists, triathletes and runners who are as passionate about the world we live in as the sports we love. We want to offer brilliant clothing for our sports with the minimum impact possible – the kind of kit we would look forward to training and competing in, but that doesn’t make us feel guilty for buying and wearing it.

What do you hope to see in the UK’s sportswear industry in the next five years? 

I think consumers have understood the need for a change in sustainability and ethics in fashion and, more specifically, sportswear. I’d love brands to take more notice of this, be far more transparent about supply chains, and actively look to improve these. 

Can you share how you have looked after your physical and mental health since starting your career in fashion?

I took up running at university and dabbled with it throughout my early graduate years. Now it’s a must. I usually run three times a week, and it’s all about headspace. I’m fortunate to work with an incredibly supportive team and am very vocal. If I feel overwhelmed or stressed, I say this. I think it sometimes helps to say, “Ok, I’m overloaded”, and then reflect on what’s not urgent and can be put down for a minute.

How do you balance managing your work life with your personal time? 

I’m a director at Presca, which means it’s pretty much my baby (alongside Guy and Rob!), so there isn’t a line between work and life for me. I’m lucky that my work is my passion. However, I’ve also got a family, so I work flexible hours to ensure I am present for that side of my life too. 

What challenges have you overcome since starting at Presca as Creative Director? 

We’ve completely rebranded in my time. Presca originally existed as a custom brand (creating kits for teams) and then pivoted in lockdown to create direct-to-consumer garments. I have been responsible for really understanding and building our community and team. We’ve also had supply chain challenges due to covid and Brexit. We’re very strict on whom we work with, so it takes a long time to set up a supplier, but that’s been another challenge we’ve overcome, and we are now stronger for it.

If you could collaborate with a celebrity for Presca Sportswear, who would it be and why? 

Celebrity is a pretty fickle world, and it’s not somewhere we spend much of our marketing budget or time. We have a collection of ambassadors who are picked for their personality and passion rather than following. If a celebrity wants to wear Presca, I think it’s because they align with our brand values and love the kit rather than because of a deal. 

Can you share three moguls or entrepreneurs who have inspired you on your journey? 

David & Claire Hieatt of Hiut denim have been influential since the Howies days. I love their mission and passion for the brand. I also enjoy listening to Mary Portas. I think she has such insight into the retail landscape. Sara Blakely and her husband Jesse Itzler have also done amazing, inspirational things.

Looking back, what is the most important lesson that you have learnt about life?

Follow your instinct. 

Where can we find you online? 

https://www.prescasportswear.com/ and on socials at @prescasportswear @thesportsweardesigner

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