Written by Hincapie ambassador Jeff Stacklin
Alex Ostroy will be the first to tell you that he’s not the fastest cyclist and his career as a racer was anything but glorious. But, this New Yorker certainly has left his mark on the backs of many cyclists.
Ostroy, a long-time partner with Hincapie Sportswear, is the guest designer for The Domestique Collection, the latest Limited Edition line.
If you are familiar with Ostroy cycling kit designs, you know they are filled with sharp angles, bold linear patterns, and, of course, a New York attitude. For The Domestique Collection, Ostroy designed the series of three kits with an eye toward the Tour de France and George Hincapie’s career and sense of style.
“George’s legacy is more classic and conservative,” Ostroy says. “His sense of style is reserved like his personality.”
Two of the Limited Edition designs are classic Ostroy – a women’s with strong, diagonal pink and grey lines and a men’s with woven, angled pattern reminiscent of a M.C. Escher endless stair-step pattern. The third, a cobble-stone inspired pattern pays homage to George Hincapie and the cobbled classics.
“There is a beauty in the irregular pattern of the cobbles,” Ostroy says. And, he notes, the cobbles – specifically those sections in the notorious Paris-Roubaix – are owned by George, who took second in the 2005 race and remains highest placing American in the famed one-day classic.
And, indeed, George is especially fond of the cobble design in the Domestique Collection – for obvious reasons.
“It takes me back to the days of racing at Paris-Roubaix and reminds me of the grit and determination that was required each time I endured that race.”
Ostroy’s relationship with Hincapie Sportswear dates back to the very start of the company. The graphic designer recalls his first call to the company some 16 years ago and George’s brother, Rich, answering the phone.
“We’ve grown together ever since,” Ostroy says.
Ostroy, who grew up in the Palms neighborhood of Los Angeles and later located to the Big Apple, cut his teeth as a BMX rider and graduated to road cycling. And, although he loved to race, Ostroy’s gift was graphic design.
“I was definitely a much better artist than I was a bike racer, so I ended up going to art school,” Ostroy tells. “There were no invitations to USA Cycling camp.”.
For his own line of designs, there is much more New York flavor and snark – a rat-lion, punk rock, and good and bad of cycling to mention a few of the themes.
“Alex’s designs are always a surprise–and in a good way,” says George. “He always puts together motifs and concepts that are fun and interesting and really make you think.”
We think we like this Limited Edition line.
