One of my favorite things about being behind Velvet Rider is the opportunity to discover brand new equestrian companies and then introduce them to all of you. As equestrians, and especially as dressage riders, we want a touch of luxury while we spend time in the saddle but still want items that are completely functional. Enter 20 x 60. They offer the latest in equestrian apparel with an emphasis on technical fabrics that are perfect for equestrian athletes. The styling of the Hannah breeches is beautiful, and the technical aspects are fabulous! I know you all will become instant fans of 20 x 60 like I have.
Alexandria DeVries of 20 x 60 was gracious enough to take some time to answer some of VR’s questions about her company and products. I am very excited about this company and am looking forward to seeing them grow and adding products to their line!
VR: What brought about the creation of 20 x 60? What is the inspiration behind the name?
AD: I was one of the founding members of the Cornell Dressage Team and also had my Friesian mare, Hannah, with me at school. After graduating from college, I worked for a biopharmaceutical consulting firm and continued to ride dressage competitively. 20 x 60 was an idea I had during my senior year of college as I struggled to find riding apparel and horse gear suitable for my teammates, my horse, and me. I launched 20 x 60 when it became apparent that there was still a void that needed to be filled in dressage apparel for athletes.
My vision was to start an equestrian apparel company offering apparel made for the dressage athlete, suitable from stable to city. 20 x 60 products are made in the USA and our breeches feature a high-end, 4-way stretch fabric that is abrasion resistant, moisture controlling, UV resistant, and machine-washable. Our breeches are continuously tested for durability by riders and trainers and are available in a wide variety of color combinations and sizing options.
The name 20 x 60 comes from the dimensions of all standard dressage arenas, 20 meters by 60 meters. The inspiration behind the name is that, whether it’s your first time in the ring or you’re a seasoned Olympic rider, you are dancing in the same space.
VR: Do you have a particular customer in mind when you design? Who is she? What is she like?
AD: Yes, my customer is a perfectionist. She’s driven and enthusiastic about the sport. Why is she a perfectionist? Because dressage athletes are perfectionists. They are balanced – balanced in their movement, balanced in their seat, balanced in their partnership (with the horse), and balanced in their training. In fact, it has been said of dressage and the partnership between a horse and rider that “the rider is the artist, the horse his medium. Together they become a work of art.” Balance is a basic principle of art.
What I think I bring to the dressage rider is balance in her apparel. A perfect balance between modern equestrian athleticism and classic equestrian luxury…and for the athlete this means maintaining the tailored foundation of equestrian apparel and modernizing it with high-end athletic fabrics and technical design.
Our products are not only suitable for the competitive amateur and professional riders, but also for those that choose dressage as their “yoga.” You can even wear the breeches before or after heading to the barn or for a day in the city with tall boots and a blazer or cute sweater!
Although there are plenty of apparel choices available for dressage riders in Europe, dressage riders in the United States have very few options. Before I started 20 x 60, I frequently wore equestrian apparel made overseas and really wanted to be able to make apparel made in the US. One of the most important reasons was to give back to the sport here in the States as we continue to develop the training and foundation of dressage riders, horses, and trainers across the country. Another equally important reason is to ensure fair labor laws are followed, environmental policies are respected, and the manufacturing is done in the highest quality possible. My customer checks labels for where the clothing is made and knows that production of cheaper goods is primarily done overseas. She takes pride in the fact that she is wearing equestrian apparel made in the USA.
VR: What is the fit of the Hannah breech?
AD: The Hannah Breech is a full seat with designer suede and 4-way stretch Schoeller Prestige® Fabric engineered for athletic apparel. It has a special gusset for increased comfort and mobility. Instead of the standard uncomfortable and unsightly crotch seam, our design uses a gusset for increased mobility and comfort during your rides.
One of the most important features of the Hannah breech is that it is the first breech with a side pocket specifically made to fit most smartphones. It is so perfect for when you need your phone if you’re riding alone or on a trail ride.
A midrise cut flatters all figures. Another unique distinction of the Hannah Breech is the pocket fabric visible only from the inside of the pants. This adds a fun and playful aspect to the breeches, reminding the rider that it is okay to just ride and enjoy the time in the saddle.
VR: Do you currently own any horses? If so, what kind and what type of riding do you do?
AD: Yes, I have a German FPZV Friesian mare named Hannah. She went to Cornell with me – and she’s quite proud of her Ivy League education 😉 Naturally, when I moved to San Francisco, she came with me! I board her just about 40 minutes north of the city and she is thoroughly enjoying her time away from the snow. Hannah has a great personality, but she is occasionally sensitive and needs positive reinforcement…like most mares! My trainer and I both appreciate her great work ethic and her willingness to try. She is extremely well-behaved at the barn and is always a favorite among people and her fellow four-legged friends!
VR: Where do you get your style influence?
AD: When I describe my brand I think classic equestrian style with a modern, athletic twist. I also believe my design influences are reflective of my geographic background, a mix of laid-back, fitness-conscious California style with elegant and understated Connecticut luxury.
My father lives in Laguna Niguel, California and my mother and stepfather live in Milford, Connecticut.
VR: Can you tell us anything about what is coming? Anything new and exciting for 2014?
AD: It’s still top secret! I can tell you a few things though…
We will be launching distinctively styled tack and accessories for the horse that compliment the rider collection. The goal is that the items for the horse should support and represent the cohesive partnership between horse and rider.
We’re also working on another style of highly technical breeches, but I cannot tell you much more than that 😉
We understand that the dressage athlete wears more than just breeches, she also needs shirts, jackets, and even socks made to support her athletic endeavors in her sport. Like dressage athletes, we are perfectionists. Collection is the pinnacle of the dressage training scale pyramid. It takes years of dedicated time and training to attain collection and we’ve devoted the same philosophy to our collection, focusing on high-quality, tailor-made items for the modern horse and rider.
VR: Is there anything else you would like us to know?
AD: There’s probably a lot to absorb here, but let me know if you have any questions!
We all know I am a huge fan of mixing equestrian style into everyday life, and with it being huge in fashion right now, the Hannah breeches are the perfect choice! I love how they can easily go from the barn to the city, and you will look chic anywhere you are. 20 x 60 is more than just riding clothes, it’s a lifestyle!
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