Textile Insight

TRENDSETTER | ACTIVE APPAREL 28 • Textile Insight ~ March/April 2018 textileinsight.com Thrive Société Presents Powerful Performance Gear with a Sprinkle of Girly Glam. By Suzanne Blecher hrive Société senior active designer, Bre Neidt, had an amazing time trolling Texworld USA in February 2018. "It was so beneficial for us. We met amazing vendors (in performance, cottons and knits) that were super helpful." In her prior stints working at Speedo and Adidas, "I worked with the same five vendors, so that's who I had relationships with." Now she's widening her sourcing scope for a line launching in Spring 2018 that combines fashion and function. Nestled in a pricing sweet spot, Walnut, CA-based Thrive Société's leggings start at $90 and tops at $35. The brand's parent, Luxephil, manufactures private label apparel, pro- viding the necessary infrastructure. The brand produces equal parts performance and athleisure, with pieces that span an entire day. Who needs this line? Someone who is busy. "As a triathlete, I wear three outfits a day. That's a lot of laundry. If I can whittle that down to two with a jacket that pops over a dress, it makes life less more complicated," Neidt said, "and more fun to look at." Textile Insight digs in deeper to Thrive Société's launch. Catwalk Character: "I look at a lot of trends from the runways and am heavily inspired by those looks," said Neidt. This season, that means looks that feel inherently feminine, including a ruffle bomber and sports bra. "The performance industry hits us across the head with aggressive looking pieces. We brought something incredibly new with the ruffles," commented the exec, adding, "These are details that you don't typically see on activewear." For Fall, some tops will feature scallops for a "retro-feminine feel." Adding in structural detail, color blocking provides architectural influence. Mesh pieces are slightly chunky for added coverage. "Being a triathlete, I know what muscles are doing and the movements she'll be making. That's helps in design," she said. Just prior to joining Thrive Société, Neidt designed cycling apparel for activewear firm Jaggad in Australia. Launch Lingo: During the Active Collective tradeshow in NYC this winter, Neidt spent a lot of time in the Thrive Société booth speaking with buyers from studios, boutiques, specialty and department stores. "They are really great at helping us improve and grow. When they have a direct line to me, especially at shows, it's no-filter feedback. It's really helpful," she commented. For example, one buyer told Neidt exactly where she would like a pocket for tennis balls in a particular skirt. "I don't play tennis, so I wouldn't know that!" she joked. During the show, buyers were especially receptive to ruffled looks and to the overall color palette of the line. "Being able to have a lot of bright pieces, we're happy about that. With big brands, you aren't allowed to do that as much. It's more about ROI," said Neidt. As far as construction of the garments go, "I know the rub points and can make the interior feel really good," thanks to experience in cycling and swim. Tech Transparency: Neidt has her eyes set on some emerging technologies for the future at Thrive Société. "There is a fabric that's out where it has laser cut vents about 7/8 cut that allows fabric to almost breathe. It's so intriguing," she said. At Adidas and Speedo, the designer was able to dig deep into biomechanics, which is really helpful to her now. "Understanding how the form works and how it operates during activity will allow a designer to create garments with a better range of movement, ability to breathe, and add comfort to the wearer," she said. For Fall, the designer is enamored with bonded fabrics. The line will feature a two-for-one half-printed polyurethane moto lifestyle jacket with a velvet interior. She is also looking into creating a piece from corduroy bonded with fleece. "I love bonded fabrics! It's amazing to see what people are bonding together! The wide variety of options out there have been incredible to see – it makes my job so interesting!" Technologies in the collection currently include reflective, wind-resistant, water-resistant, SPF, breathability, adjustability (controlling muscle vibration and reaction to movement) and gusset (adding breadth at seams to reduce stress from tight-fitting clothing in sensitive areas). Fabric Forward: Thrive Société employs environmentally-responsible manufacturing and dying processes, as well as production of fabrications using sustainable and recycled materials. Leggings, bras, capris and active shorts are 70 percent recycled polyester. While Neidt was excited about recycled fabrics 10+ years ago, "it didn't perform. The stretch didn't bounce back. The stability is so much better now," she said. The designer is also excited by the advancements being made in China in terms of organic cotton. Neidt is also using bamboo in hoodies, sweatshirts and dresses for Fall. Bamboo is inherently soft and plants can reach full growth in seven to eight years, bowing to sustainability. "As a triathlete, I've worn the scratchiest things ever. I just can't be bothered to wear something uncomfortable," she explained. During a time of female empowerment in this world, "there are so many strong voices and I want to dress them well," she concluded. O Subtle Ruffle Clokwise from top left: Bre Neidt, Thrive Société senior active designer; perforations and mesh can be sexy while also providing coverage; Neidt refers to ruffled looks in the collection as "hyperly" feminine; architectural, color blocked designs from Thrive Société.

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