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this: size up to your bust or size down to your waist— because you can’t have it both ways. To accommodate a woman’s various sizes and proportions, TrioFit is based on three measurements: chest circumference, cup size, and placement of that cup size on your body. What makes their idea patentable is that the system allows for asymmetric grading. For example, TrioFit will let a bust measurement grow while a waist measurement stays static or vice versa. Rebecca and Drew decided that the best way to acquaint consumers with TrioFit was to use a garment as simple and universal as possible: the white blouse. Until September 2014, they have an exclusive with InStyle Magazine selling three versions of this classic piece. Ironically, although Rebecca no longer sees herself as a corporate woman, she is designing a staple for that woman. “I relate to the working woman because of my time at Grey,” she acknowledges. Indeed, Rebecca’s ability to empathize with this demographic makes her passionate about TrioFit’s potential. “Even in the beginning, seeing the reaction of people we were meeting with, saying this is something that would improve my life, this is something that does not exist out there, was really exciting.”
Partnerships & Sports
In getting to know her, Rebecca leaves the impression of an undeniable yin-yang quality. On the one hand, her companies have been fueled by her intensity and passion yet on the other hand she appears genuinely relaxed this Tuesday afternoon, sipping tea, as if she had all the time in the world. “People are surprised ‘at BB&N’ that I’m in the fashion world because I was such a jock,” Rebecca shares. “All I wanted to do growing up is play basketball and tennis. Sports gives you the ability to be under
pressure in a competitive situation and to be able to have control over yourself and to execute and have confidence.” But Rebecca’s effortless demeanor also begs the questions: how does she juggle running a company that aims to revolutionize an industry standard, raise three children under the age of seven, and nurture her marriage without falling apart at the seams? The answer, it turns out, lies in great partnerships. “One thing I have learned from experience, it’s important for you to have clearly defined roles and responsibilities.” At work, Rebecca explains she and Drew are very supportive of one another’s personal lives. “There isn’t the stress of when exactly I need to be at the office or when I need to get something done. Drew knows I’ll get it done. So, it’s about trust too.” And at home there is a sincere synergy in Chris and Rebecca’s relationship. “My husband is the key to it all working. He’s very supportive of my work.”
What’s Next?
With so much accomplished, Rebeccca could slow down, but clearly has other plans. “TrioFit has been used in a plethora of other styles so I don’t see ‘the blouse’ as the end game but it’s the one that makes the most sense as an introduction.” On the horizon, Rebecca hopes to secure the next partnership or licensing deal with a large national or international brand, a company that could use a boost in sales or a knock-out punch for their competition. She’s come a long way from the airplane ride that started it all, and when asked what her high school self might think of her current self, she pauses. “I think that she would be surprised that I struck out on my own and took the chances that an entrepreneur has to take,” says Rebecca. “And that I had the confidence to do it…to take that leap.” j
CAPTIONS: 1. Designer Rebecca Matchett ’94 2. Three of Matchett’s current TrioFit styles for her line for InStyle Magazine 3. Matchett’s showroom displaying different products and the branding of her Rebecca & Drew line
Tips of the trade “If you just try to go with the trends you will undoubtedly hit upon something that is not right for you. If you find your style and you’re able to fit your body you’ll always look amazing.”
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