Joyful Heart in the News

Yoga enthusiast Heather Mnuchin and her instructor to the stars Alanna Zabel recently launched AZIAM, a line of yoga-wear that is not only turning heads, but had a charitable aspect. Ten percent of the proceeds from their new "Pure Joy" wife lover (as opposed to a wife beater) are given to the Joyful Heart Foundation, an advocate for victims of sexual abuse that was founded by Law & Order's Mariska Hargitay. BAZAAR chatted with Mnuchin to get the inside scoop.

BAZAAR: What inspired you to start your yoga line AZIAM?

HM: The line was founded by my business partner, friend and yoga teacher, Alanna Zabel, who was recently voted LA’s best yoga teacher. I started buying her pieces and just fell in love with the fit of the pants and the comfort and ease of the tops. Last fall we decided to collaborate and expand the line to include more styles like flowy tunics and tees, while still making the core items that our customers love like the butt-lifting pant and sports tops that are functional yet still sexy and flattering.

BAZAAR: What do you love about yoga? Where do you practice in LA?

HM: I love yoga because it is the only form of exercise that I find completely opens my body and my mind. On the mat is the place where I feel most at peace with who I am in the world. Alanna and I have a goal which is to live yoga on and off the mat; by constantly remembering to be loving and kind to ourselves and others. Our clothes reflect that with their spiritual symbols and yoga goddess style, which we call studio to street. I have a beautiful yoga room at home, which Alanna and I have decorated with pieces we have both collected from our respective travels to India.

BAZAAR: Tell us a little bit about the message behind the "Pure Joy" wife lover tank. Why did you choose to partner up with the Joyful Heart Foundation?

HM: Alanna and I have always been dedicated to giving back to organizations that help people, especially women. The “I am Pure Joy” wife lover (not wife-beater!) came about when I joined the board of Mariska Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation. We asked them if we could make a wife-lover and give the foundation 10% of the proceeds. They were delighted and our message of “I am Pure Joy” is to inspire victims of sexual assault and domestic violence to reclaim a sense of joy.

BAZAAR: Favorite yoga position?

HM: My favorite yoga position is anything that Alanna tells me to do! Actually, any position that opens all sides of my body, sending the loving and peaceful endorphins to my brain. Triangle pose is one in particular. Lastly any pose that I fear is the one I know I need to do!