Beach woman designs street-style activewear that captures the spirit of Miami

Going to the gym is a daily habit for Crystal Ram, but she couldn’t find activewear that incorporated Miami’s unique details or electric hues — so she decided to create her own.

Habit Activ is the brainchild of the Miami Beach fashion designer, who once created a dress for the Barbie Fashionistas doll collection. This year, Ram was invited to Agenda Show, one of the largest trade shows for streetwear and alternative brands, to showcase her line.

After trying her hand at starting a fashion brand, she decided to change directions and pursue street-style activewear because it’s always been a part of her wardrobe. As a fan of menswear and sneakers, Ram always looked to tailor men’s clothing to her petite frame. Now, with Habit Activ, she has expanded the line to include menswear, allowing the brand to make a natural connection with sneakers, as well.

“I know that people have different-shaped bodies. But if I can create something that fits everyone’s body type, then I’ve succeeded. I think that’s why the development process took me a little bit longer because I would try over and over,” Ram said. “My sample maker hated me. I was trying to get the feeling of it finally being right, where it was ready to be sent off into the world. I’m a very thoughtful person, and it’s the same way I design. I’m thoughtful in the way I execute it. I have so much vision to create things you wouldn’t even think of.”

Ram has released two collections, Nature and Raw Flora, since she launched her line last fall with pieces including jackets, sports bras, leggings and shorts. She is expecting to drop the third collection by summer, expanding it to include rain jackets, an item she said Miamians could put to good use.

The pieces can be worn separately or as a set. They incorporate mesh and pockets and use a U-Veil fabric containing SPF 50 to protect against the sun. Another detail: She made sure that the material was not transparent when stretched. Prices begin at about $58.

“As an artist myself, what really attracts me to the brand are the vibrant colors along with the cool patterns. When I found out Habit Activ was a local brand, I knew I had to check them out,” customer Eddy Serrano said. “I’m pretty big on shoes and I feel like the brand compliments well with a lot of cool sneakers. I enjoy the comfortable fit and the high quality of the products. After wearing the clothing, I also came to appreciate all the functional features of the products as well — like zippered and hidden pockets, which is pretty essential for me because I’m constantly on the go and hate to worry about things falling out of my pockets.”

Ram said she wants her clothing to attract value-oriented consumers.

“This is not mass produced or copying off from other brands,” she said. “I care about the quality and the craftsmanship and I know there’s a space for people that do as well. I know in my heart the mission isn’t to get rich quick.”

All of the materials are locally sourced, printed and assembled in factories in Hialeah and Medley.

Ram said her business is creating ties and relationships within the community.

“I think a lot about local economy and local commerce, and since Miami is the inspiration for my line, giving back to where you’re from is the obvious thing to me,” she said. “In the last 20 years, production has completely removed itself from Miami. With free-trade opening up it’s easier to do things cheaper and faster in South America. . . . But there are still people out here who are doing it, so why not give them the jobs and put back into the place you’re benefiting from?”

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This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 10:44 AM with the headline "Beach woman designs street-style activewear that captures the spirit of Miami."