From TLD: Introducing the TLD x Micayla Gatto collaboration. Pushing the women’s collection further, Micayla brings original hand drawn art to the new Lilium and Luxe lineup that embodies the essence of what it means to be an artist and athlete. Fueled by love, passion, and dedication she has as an athlete Micayla adds, “this partnership with Troy Lee Designs as an athlete and artist is a true reflection of who I am, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this collaboration with the world.”
MICAYLA GATTO BIO:
Art and creating has always been a very important part of my family. I was brought up around traditional and functional methods of art: woodworking, sewing, furniture making, painting, and architecture. I have always painted, drawn, or played music. “Observe, observe, observe, then create.” When it was time for me to “Pick a path”, I decided to take a chance and simultaneously dive in headfirst into the arts while racing downhill World Cups. With an accomplished seamstress as a grandmother, and my love for street art and graphics from the extreme sports industry, I toggled with two choices: fashion design, or graphic design and illustration. I decided to go the design route because the outcome of the schooling seemed to pave more paths. I graduated from the IDEA program at Capilano University in 2009 with a unique and bold style developing, and enough design skills to be an asset to most companies.
At this time, however, World Cup racing took precedence, and I resorted to painting my bike boxes, old skate decks, and anything else I could get my hands on while on the road. As the years went by, I kept art as a side job, and had some amazing opportunities designing and creating for clients like Lululemon, Specialized, Crankworx, Redbull Formation, and more.
This partnership with Troy Lee Designs as an athlete and artist is a true reflection of who I am, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this collaboration with the world. The skull and hearts graphic represents the love, passion, and dedication we have as athletes throughout our journey of life and beyond. The tongue represents the stoke we are always chasing, whether that’s the elation of landing a new trick, getting weird with our pals on a random weekday, or standing on top of a World Cup podium. No matter your skill level, we all share the same love and drive of riding bikes. I have hearts coming out of the eyes specifically because I believe with connection, we can spread our love for the sport and build a supportive and inclusive community for generations to come. Hope you all enjoy the new kits, would love to hear your riding love story!
