Throughout the years, the Western industry evolved to include many different disciplines and facets. In the past decade, there has been an influx of supporters. But one thing that will never change is its foundation… Faith, family, and freedom! Western clothing company Rodeo Quincy was created with these ideals as its backbone.
Rodeo + Quincy
Over 10 years ago, college-aged Quincy Eldridge received the opportunity of a lifetime when winning a National Elevator Pitch Competition, which gave way to the start of a purpose the Lord had been preparing her for. The founder and owner of Rodeo Quincy grew up with a unique style and a creative mind. The cowgirl used to spend time in her youth designing her own tack and clothing to compete in at the California High School rodeos. “Honestly, I just started combining my passion when I took an old piece of leather, sanded it down, hand-drew it, and hand-painted it. Then I glued Swarovski rhinestones on it. At the time, it was kind of like the Ed Hardy era, with all the roses and the skulls. I was kind of influenced by that,” Eldridge recalled.
Her designs eventually caught the eye of Ariat International while she was competing at the National High School Finals Rodeo in Farmington, New Mexico. Working alongside the company, Eldridge created her first official line, Ariat’s Quincy Collection. After graduating high school, she continued to work with the company while attending college at California Polytechnic State University and college rodeoing. There, she had an entrepreneurship professor who encouraged her to enter a business pitch competition. That snowballed to Eldridge pitching her Western boot company idea at the national level contest in Chicago. She blew the Windy City out of the water and was crowned the 2013 National Elevator Pitch Competition Champion.
The win was a catapult for launching Quincy Tack and Belts. Eldridge began taking her designs on the road to tradeshows all across the county. She later added a boot company titled Rodeo Quincy, which matured into the timeless, chic store seen today.
Legendary Lines
Eldridge comes from a long line of not only rodeo cowboys but also Californios and Nevada ranchers. Her uncle Joe Marvel won the world in the saddle bronc riding back in 1978, with his brother Mike also qualifying to the National Finals Rodeo. Today, the Superbowl of rodeo is still as much of a family affair while she watches her husband Dakota Eldridge compete in the steer wrestling, her nephew Lefty Holman and Dawson Hay – Eldridge’s niece Lily’s husband – in the saddle bronc riding, Clayton Biglow – married to Eldridge’s cousin Annie – in the bareback riding, and Clayton Sellars – married to Lefty’s sister Billie – in the bull riding. Her grandmother Rosita Marvel was originally part of Spanish-Basque Camarillos that settled in California on a land grant from Spain. The town of Camarillo, California, is named after that side of Eldridge’s family.
Her thick Western heritage has a significant influence on her designs today. “My mom had this love for fashion. She always encouraged me not to be afraid to stand out with what I wore and how I dressed. I grew up idolizing my mom and my grandmother. And I get a lot of my style from them. But I think a lot of our style and a lot of what they’ve taught me is that it always circles back to the roots of the American cowboy,” Eldridge remarked.
Photo by Elizabeth Hays
Many of the Rodeo Quincy collections have direct ties to her family. This year, the company will have a multitude of new collections and updates to some of their most popular lines. In the spring, Rodeo Quincy is dropping their latest line, Camarillo Cowboy. The inspiration for this collection comes from her grandmother Rosita’s California vaqueros heritage. All of the pieces are named after members of the Camarillo family tree. The compilation will include a mixed media of their classic printed graphics with statement embroidery, delicate sequins and lovely lace. The collection is the perfect transition from spring to summer with articles like t-shirt dresses and denim shorts with airy chambray fabric. Their signature roses are sprinkled throughout the line with stunning pastel colors and heavy Spanish influence.
Independence Day will bring another new collection honoring Eldridge’s father’s lineage, Rancho Freeman. Additions to the Gilded Lily collection will come about in August of this year. In September, the signature Marvel Cowboy—named after Eldridge’s mother’s clothing company from the 80s—will continue to expand the compilation. Fashionistas will be able to shop their NFR looks from the Rhinestone Cowboy collection in October. The ongoing PRCA x RQ line will make a comeback in November.
Photo by Elizabeth Hays
As Rodeo Quincy continues to expand, their clothing will continue to tell the story of faith and family through fashion.
Eldridge affirmed, “It’s more than clothes; it’s our legacy that we want to live on for generations to come.”
