Designer 26: Sonia McBride

Entry Category: Student Designer, graduate of Seattle Central Community College

Designer Name: Sonia McBride

Line: Babecycle

Branding Statement/ Bio Info:

Babecycle produces urban cycling clothing and accessories to encourage more women to use a bicycle as part of their daily routine, both as an environmentally responsible means of transportation and for the health benefits. The Babecycle line redefines what we understand as cycling clothing: no spandex or bulky seat padding. Instead, the focus is on tailored separates, seamlessly combining technical function and aesthetics. The garments are crafted for an urban setting, with subtle details that make cycling safer and easier in stylish clothing.

The Babecycle customer is in her late 20s to 30s and lives in a metropolitan area. She has a passion for clothes, and wishes that more cycling clothing brands catered to the needs of working professionals. She does not have an exorbitant budget for clothing, but she will buy a unique, high quality garment no matter the price. She is fiercely independent and loves the freedom that her bicycle gives her, the ability to traverse the city on her own time. A light sprinkling of rain isn’t a deal breaker, as long as she’s got her cape jacket. A bit of a fabric snob she gravitates to the wool focus of Babecycle.

Babecycle is unique from other bicycle clothing companies because it focuses solely on women’s wear and natural fabrics. Similar brands either have a very limited women’s department, (a seeming after-thought to their successful men’s section), or only offer technical outerwear using synthetic fabrics. Babecycle goes a step further to offer a comprehensive line of dressed up separates, so that a customer can wear an entire outfit designed for cycling.

Babecycle’s designs meet the needs of the Pacific Northwest market by focusing on wool and a casual yet refined styling. Wool is the perfect fabric for our climate because it is warm even when wet and wicks moisture. For the environmentally conscious consumer, wool is also more sustainable and friendly than petroleum based synthetics. Babecycle designs draw inspiration from the 1920’s to 1940’s, balancing elegance and function. Hidden features such as a black satin tape trim that is reflective at night increase rider safety.

Price points: $125—248: Cape Jacket $248, Riding Pants $198, Coat Dress $248, Cowl Sleeve Top $120, Vest $148, Side Zip Skirt $198.

Desired vendors: Hub and Bespoke, Babecycle online store.

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