spoke
GEAR PROFILE
PEARL iZUMi Words by Lexi Reich | Photos courtesy of iZUMi
C
ory Hibbard is the category designer for
influence, both culturally and structurally, from
BikeStyle at PEARL iZUMi. A Western Slope
its Japanese heritage.
native, she grew up in Ridgway, Colorado, and attributes her experiences in and around the
What does sustainability
San Juan mountains as the main influence for
mean to PEARL iZUMi?
becoming an active/outdoor apparel designer.
At PEARL iZUMi, we see how sustainability can
Hibbard describes her work as “adventure-
take on many different forms that ultimately
powered design,” where she blends learnings
create an overall force for good. To us, that
from all the activities Colorado has to offer with
means focusing on where we can make the
her love for style, flawless functionality and
most impactful difference through our business
sustainability. Spoke+Blossom asked Hibbard
practices,
about PEARL iZUMi’s mission on sustainability:
Our social purpose is built from these three
products
and
advocacy
efforts.
pillars and is the guiding force for good behind What is PEARL iZUMi’s mission?
everything we do. I think this multi-focused
PEARL iZUMi was founded on two things: the
approach to sustainability lays the runway for
love of cycling and, more importantly, love for
so much more participation within the company
future generations. The brand originated more
and really utilizes everyone’s area of expertise
than 60 years ago in Japan, when the founder
and brainpower.
created a special jersey out of technical fabric for his son, an aspiring bike racer. Since then,
What goes on inside the office?
the company has been progressing the design
Everything. On a typical day, the office is buzzing
and manufacture of performance apparel and
with life, and it is easy to observe because of
footwear for cyclists of all levels.
the way the building encourages collaboration.
PEARL iZUMi believes that how we live
The open concept promotes the flow of ideas
today shapes how future generations ride, and
between departments and creates an exciting
is committed to using their business practices,
environment to work in. The best way I can
products and community advocacy to create
summarize what goes on inside the office is
a positive impact through cycling. PEARL
to look at a product’s life — from ideation all
iZUMi’s world headquarters are located in the
the way through to when the consumer wears it
Colorado Front Range, where it embraces strong
on a ride.
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