LAUNE x Ayla Pilates
Born in New York, raised between cultures, and now creating her own in the form of a pilates studio—this is the story of Ayla Pilates, and the woman behind it.
Raised speaking Turkish, English, and Italian she moved to Rome at six years old. Fully international, Ayla’s mother is half-Turkish and her father is Italian-American. After college at Georgetown, where she studied Classical Studies, she returned to New York to dive into the world of marketing and luxury—eventually at Cartier.
Fast forward to last summer, Ayla returned home to Rome. However, when she sought out workout classes and studios like the ones she was used to in New York, something was missing. In New York, Pilates had been her one-hour reset. A moment of peace and presence in the non-stop city life. But when she moved back to Rome, she noticed there were two gaps in the market. First, the spaces themselves were not chic. They weren’t modern and elevated and did not reflect high-end wellness. And second, the workouts were slow and focused more on stretching, rather than a good burn. In her eyes, it was an untapped opportunity.
She dove into market research, analyzing studios in Paris, Milan, and beyond. Opening a business in Rome is no small feat. From finding the perfect space to navigating bureaucracy, contracts, and registration oddities, it took eight months of persistence and vision. And a few weeks ago, Ayla Pilates opened its doors.
The reaction? Overwhelmingly positive.
Rome isn’t always known for innovation and entrepreneurship, however she hopes that “this studio in a small way can be proof that Rome is not just beautiful because it doesn’t change, but it’s beautiful because it can also change.” In other words, beauty and change can coexist in the city.
The LAUNE of Ayla Pilates is “sexy.” And APR isn’t just a place to work out—it’s a third space. A carefully curated atmosphere where high-intensity meets high design. It’s a space for community where you can bring a friend, make a friend, and discover something new. A huge part of that journey has been assembling a team that mirrors the multicultural, thoughtful ethos of the brand. The women behind APR come from both Italy and New York, blending global perspectives with local insight. Ayla Pilates has also thoughtfully curated a selection of Italian brands that reflect both quality and intention, ranging from a Korean skincare line specifically formulated for European skin, to a healthy snack brand to a line of shapewear created by two Italian sisters, along with a selection of other meaningful brands that align with APR’s values and vision.
The method itself is rooted in traditional Pilates principles, but amped up: think rhythm, cardio bursts, low-impact but high-burn movement with sleek Bala equipment and no more than 3-pound weights. Loud music, intentional transitions, and an efficient, sweaty 50 minutes of lengthening and strengthening.
She admits that she has “always had something inside of me that’s unsatisfied” and that she was always chasing for more. However, with Ayla Pilates, something has changed. For the first time, she feels like she’s creating something bigger than herself.
So, what’s next?
Ayla started out teaching every class herself. But the vision is bigger: opening a second location in Rome, perhaps eventually expanding into other cities with similarly untapped markets. The future vision also includes expanding partnerships with the exceptional lifestyle and wellness brands featured in the studio, while continuing to grow the retail side through curated product lines that complement the APR experience.
And always, grounding the brand in culture, creativity, and community.
Rapid Fire:
1. Describe your style in three words.
Minimal, Sexy, Classic
2. Favorite brand?
Alo
3. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Saint Laurent
4. Dream collab?
Celine for athletic accessories/apparel
5. What are three staple items that every closet should have?
Good black T-shirt, a non-skinny jean, and a black mini dress
6. Favorite place?
Çeşme, Turkey
7. Favorite restaurant in Rome?
Da Tonino
8. Favorite drinks spot in Rome?
Camponeschi
9. Favorite style icon?
Right now, Elsa Hosk
10. Favorite movie?
La grande bellezza
11. What are you loving right now?
