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Trashy Cat owner Jane Ryan
doesn't always do things by the book. For
instance, she created her company logo long
before she came up with the name. And the
first focus group she used for Trashy Cat
consisted of members of her local book club
in Phoenix.
But one area where Ryan
always gets it straight is anticipating what
fashion-conscious women want in cycling
apparel. “I founded Trashy Cat two years ago
when I started riding,” she says. “I
couldn't find any clothing that I really
liked. That's when it occurred to me, I
should make cycling apparel that's hip and
fun.”
The results of Ryan's lark
has been impressive to say the least. Made
exclusively in Italy, Trashy Cat's styles
range from solids, animal prints and flowers
to camouflage and custom designs. Materials
are soft to the touch and wick away the
sweat. According to Ryan, Trashy Cat's
fashion-forward philosophy sets the company
apart
“Our apparel is made for a
woman and designed by a woman,” she says.
“Spinners and women who cycle more as a
hobby than a sport love our clothing. We
design everything with feminine cuts to
flatter women's figures. Our shammy pads are
contoured to fit a woman's frame. We
intertwine dark colors with fun, bright
colors for slimming effects. The waistline
on our shorts falls below the belly
button.”
Though Trashy Cat is still
a new player in the market, the buzz has
spread quickly. Ryan counts specialty
stores, health spas and tanning salons among
her customers, and international dealers
have taken a particular liking to her
designs. She does a lot of business over the
Internet (www.trashycat.com), both with
retailers and through direct sales to
consumers.
Trashy Cat has also signed
up for the World of Sports Innovation at The
Super Show 2004. “We're looking forward to
Orlando in January,” she says. “Mannequins
all around the show floor will be wearing
Trashy Cat clothing, and our apparel will be
featured at the World of Sports Innovation
fashion shows. We'll be highlighting our
Solid Separates collection.”
But Ryan feels the Show
will be about more than fashion for her
company. She'd like to bring another
manufacture on board, and is eager to
discuss the licensing of the Trashy Cat
logo. “I hope to generate more international
exposure,” she says, “while also exploring
opportunities at home.”
“I'd love to see a stuffed
Trashy Cat plush toy for the kids, and also
for adults who are kids at heart,” she adds.
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