The best ideas often come from a need and from drawing upon the past, and this is exactly the case for Tracy Slocum’s company, Pretty Rugged.
Tracy’s favorite activity has always been boating on Lake George, however, the chilly mornings and evenings coupled with mixed weather left her and her family cold and wet. After months of looking for a blanket that was both beautiful and functional, it became clear that it didn't exist. So, Tracy decided to make one.
She drew inspiration from her great-great grandfather, Captain Joshua Slocum, who wrapped himself in fur to withstand inclement weather when he was the first person to sail around the world alone in the late 1800s.
Working with top fashion consultants, Tracy created the world’s first blanket with luxe faux fur on one side and waterproof, windproof, washable RuggedTex® fabric on the other. The Pretty Rugged Blanket is the definition of liveable luxury. It’s modern, easy-care materials, designed to provide years of luxury, performance and style.
It became clear that this special blanket wasn’t just for boaters. With its many uses, including taking the chill out of sitting on metal bleachers to watch her son’s high school football games, it's great for picnics, tailgating, après-ski, curling up on the couch and so much more.
When the blanket was introduced in 2017, Tracy and Pretty Rugged won Best in Market and Best New Product at NY NOW in February 2018. Unheard of for a company only months “old”.
The innovative nature of all Pretty Rugged products was noticed by Oprah Winfrey’s team and the pet blanket was selected for her Favorite Thing’s List for the 2018 holiday season!
As the company’s product offerings grew, one thing never changed - each product continues to push the boundaries of innovation. They are all windproof, waterproof and (machine) washable.
Leading to the next award for Pretty Rugged - Best New Product for the Blakely Reversible Faux Fur Bomber in 2019. Another first for a young company to win "Best New Product" two years in a row.
Pretty Rugged continues to expand its product offerings, bringing customers products that they will live in and love.
Albany, New York