Elizabeth Tremain's transition from a successful lawyer to an artist and Ironman winner is nothing short of inspiring. This significant career shift was driven by a combination of personal and external factors. Elizabeth, always a forward thinker, found herself re-evaluating her path after her business partner—and also her mother—succumbed to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The joy of "minding" the business faded without her mother's presence. Additionally, with her children growing older and the collective pause brought by COVID, Elizabeth saw an opening to imagine a different future.
Her background in law and her talent for art converged to inspire the creation of the “Rebel” With A Kickstand triathlon collection. Elizabeth had witnessed her mother's evolution from a collegiate national champion fencer to an architect and, finally, a real estate developer. This blend of determination and adaptability fueled Elizabeth's belief that she could succeed in a new venture, provided she was willing to learn and face failures along the way. Endurance and persistence, hallmarks of her journey, became central to her new endeavor.
Elizabeth’s motivation to infuse her art into athletic wear stemmed from her own experience as a triathlete. She craved gear that was bjolder and more unique, something that would make her smile and excite her as she chose what to wear for training. She believed that incorporating her artwork into the Rebel collection would enhance both functionality and aesthetics, inspiring athletes to get up and get out. Beautiful, well-fitted gear, she felt, could provide that extra motivation needed to stay committed to the sport.
Her personal experience as an Ironman competitor and ranked Age Group athlete for the past 10 years has significantly shaped the design and functionality of Rebel. Elizabeth understands the importance of comfort and reliability during long-distance races. Gear that is dependable and not a distraction is crucial, and Rebel was designed to be just that—beautifully and functionally comfortable.
The creative process for the Rebel collection was a blend of Elizabeth’s diverse journey from law to art to athletics. A natural doodler, Elizabeth began purposefully channeling her artistic instincts into tri-wear design. She imagined herself crossing finish lines, passing competitors, and visualized how her designs would look in motion. Her goal was to create dynamic designs that would inspire and stand out.
Collaboration played a crucial role in bringing Rebel to life. The name "Rebel" was chosen to convey a message of defiance and breaking conventions. Elizabeth wanted to encourage athletes to be the rebels of their own stories, embrace change, and look forward to new possibilities. The collection was painstakingly designed with the female body in mind, ensuring that form was never sacrificed for function. Rebel’s bike short pad was specifically tailored for women’s anatomy.
Elizabeth designed Rebel for every woman who takes up the sport of triathlon, recognizing the moxie, determination, and commitment it requires. She wanted to honor that spirit with gear that is comfortable, functional, and inspiring. Attention to detail was paramount in developing Rebel. Elizabeth and her team went through many iterations to perfect the pieces, ensuring the fabric performed well and maintained its integrity and vibrant colors through repeated use and washing.
Signature features of the Rebel collection include swimwear and run bras with adjustable straps, leggings designed specifically for women's anatomy, and a tailored hoodie that transitions seamlessly from post-race wear to streetwear. The bike short pad, in particular, is a game-changer, providing comfort for everything from spin classes to Ironman races.
Rebel gear addresses the unique needs of triathletes across all segments of the race—swimming, cycling, and running—by ensuring a fit that stays put and moves with the athlete. The fabric wicks moisture efficiently, keeping athletes comfortable in various weather conditions.
Throughout the development of Rebel, Elizabeth collaborated with athletes and experts in the triathlon community, benefiting from their honest and pointed feedback. She also worked closely with a seasoned female fashion designer who helped marry the design vision with production realities.
Elizabeth hopes that athletes who wear Rebel gear feel joy and remember that they are the heroes of their own stories. She believes in being committed to the journey, not just the outcome, and this philosophy is woven into the very fabric of Rebel. Built to move forward, Rebel stands out with its hand-drawn artwork, bold designs, and a commitment to honoring the unique spirit of every woman who wears it.
Photography by: Courtesy of Alex Korolkovas
