If you’re not into fashion, you probably know Pip Edwards best as the ex-girlfriend of high-profile former cricketer Michael Clarke.
But there’s a lot more to the 44-year-old designer than that.
Yes, during her time with Clarke she became a household name. But well before that she had founded a lifestyle brand, P.E Nation, that spearheaded the activewear phenomenon.
Edwards co-founded P.E Nation with Claire Greaves in 2016, and the brand went from strength to strength, garnering a loyal following from customers who wanted a dose of fashion cred with their sportswear.
Now its sole creative director, Edwards has steered the brand from fashion start-up to a global force in activewear boasting 95 retail locations worldwide.
Here’s all you need to know about Pip Edwards and P.E Nation.
Who is Pip Edwards?
Pip Edwards is an Australian fashion entrepreneur and creative director who began her style career with fashion brands Ksubi and Sass & Bide.
After studying Commerce and Law at the University of Sydney, she began working in the global risk division of Pricewaterhouse Coopers, before moving into the fashion industry as Ksubi’s PR manager.
She then joined Ksubi’s design team before moving across to Sass & Bide, where she first met future P.E Nation co-founder Claire Greaves.
Edwards also spent time at General Pants Co, where she served as Design Director.
Why is Pip Edwards famous?
For lots of different reasons!
While she was already well known in Australian fashion circles, she became a household name when she began dating retired Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke in 2020, a year after his divorce from wife Kyly.
Their relationship only lasted a year, but early 2024 Edwards was dragged into a media firestorm when Clarke was filmed having a bust-up with his girlfriend Jade Yarbrough in Noosa, Queensland.
In the footage, Yarbrough was seen shouting at Clarke, accusing him of cheating on her with Edwards.
The footage went viral and the drama was splashed across the front pages of newspapers across the country.
Asked to comment on the kerfuffle at the time, Edwards had a blunt reply.
“It is definitely not my circus and I would like to say the carnival is over,” Edwards told The Daily Telegraph. ‘’To be honest, the focus for me is on the global expansion of P.E Nation.’’
Who started P.E Nation?
Pip Edwards launched P.E Nation with Claire Greaves in 2016.
Inspired by 1990’s street wear looks, it has become, along with labels like JAGGAD and Aje Athletica, one of the go-to brands for people who want to wear their activewear beyond the gym or the pilates studio.
Edwards became sole creative director of P.E Nation after Greaves (formerly Tregoning) stepped away in March 2024.
Barely six months later, Edwards announced she was also leaving the business to take on a role with Ksubi. Both she and Greaves retain shares in P.E Nation.
In a statement posted to Instagram, announcing the news on September 5, Edwards wrote, “As fate would have it, today I’m announcing my return to Ksubi as Creative Director—a true full-circle moment.
“From its inception, Ksubi has been at the core of the global cultural zeitgeist, thriving at the intersection of where fashion, art, and music meet. Having been part of the original crew 20 years ago,
“I’m so excited to join the talented team at Ksubi once again and contribute to their already impressive global success.”
What celebrities wear P.E Nation?
Celebrities spotted wearing P.E Nation have included Jessica Alba, Rita Ora, Laura de Wit, Kate Bosworth and Vanessa Hudgens.
In 2018, Australian megastar Margot Robbie was pictured wearing the P.E Nation Dartford Cotton Jersey T-shirt in black, paired with a khaki Burberry knapsack.
The Kardashians are also fans, with Khloe Kardashian pictured wearing the Hurricane Jacket in 2017.
Kylie Jenner is a customer too – she’s been spotted in public on numerous occasions wearing P.E Nation sports bras, crop tops and leggings.
Does Pip Edwards have kids?
Edwards has a son named Justice who was born in 2006 with ex-partner Dan Single, the co-founder and designer of Ksubi.
Is Pip Edwards in a relationship?
In early 2024, The Daily Mail reported that Edwards was in a relationship with Lachlan Thompson, the CEO of property development company Goldfields.
Edwards and Thompson were pictured together on holiday in Noosa around the same time that the Michael Clarke and Jade Yarbrough saga unfolded.
Our top 3 buys at P.E Nation right now
Overland 2 Sports Bra In Bright Blue
$89.00
This attention-grabbing sports bra features adjustable straps and removable cups for those who prefer a more natural look.
It can be styled with matching leggings for what the brand calls an “elevated athleisure look”.
Discovery Mesh Midi Skirt In Sky Blue
$79.00
Described as an “American Fashion Week exclusive” this mesh skirt is perfect for the beach.
It’s designed to be layered over bikini bottoms, briefs or bike shorts and has an elasticated waist so it’s easy to pull on and off when playing near the water!
There’s a matching Long Sleeve Tee that it can be paired with to complete the look.
Cropped Man Down Jacket In Whisper White
$229.00
The perfect throw-on to take you from beach to bar, the Cropped Man Down Jacket in Whisper White is made from the brand’s signature spray fabric.
It’s perfect for layering when a day at the beach becomes drinks as the sun sets and features contrast panelling, an internal pocket, perfect for your must-haves and a drawcord waist and neckline.
