With an army of new cycling enthusiasts taking over the streets of London during the summer, it seems like the new wave for bicycles is not just a passing fad. And the industry is responding with some high-tech but fashionable products which will be perfect for the colder and wetter months to come. Here's a small guide to a stylish riding winter.
Cycling has become not only fashionable, but a great way of transport for the many who don't want to have to rely on public transport for their everyday commute to work. However, unforgiving lycra outfits or fleeces are not what they would be happy wearing in the office after the ride. Luckily, some forward thinking brands are merging technical details with fine cuts, to come up with truly stylish alternatives.
Take Two n Fro: they describe their designs as 'city cycle gear for four seasons on two wheels', offering four complete sets of apparel and accessories for both men and women. The choice of materials is impeccable: bamboo, soy and silk in summer, and recycled eco-circle fabrics, wool and non-wovens in winter - luxurious as well as sustainable! Their motto says it all: “cycle like a champ without looking like a cycle champ”.
The launch of Cyclodelic for Topshop at the flagship store on Oxford Street has gather much attention over this brand last spring.
Cyclodelic was started by London College of Fashion graduate and cyclist Amy Fleuriot in the winter of 2006. It was around this time she began to cycle to and from her university lectures and felt frustrated with the lack of products for female cyclists that fused function and fashion in equal measures. The line's signature look is a combination of bright colours, bold prints and feminine lines. For the winter months, they have created a wonderful retro-looking cape with a Forties look (very on trend this season!) which will be an instant gear for all the Dutch-style riding ladies out there!
For all those who love their vintage rides and want a look to match, girls can be admired in Cyclodelic's cape, and boys need look no further than Dashing Tweeds, a brand that matches state-of-the-art weaving techniques with the look of the real contemporary dandy.
Tweed is of course the fabric of choice for the sporting activities of the real gentleman, and Dashing Tweeds have given it the technology twist that the modern city rider needed. Select tweeds across their ranges have been designed as Lumatwill. In this unique weave of wool worsted and reflective yarns, the appearance by day is only in their smart combination of colours - but by night, under illumination, hidden reflective lines shine out, offering an inventive and stylish solution to attire for the cyclist or scooter rider.
Now, there really seems to be no stopping for the new style-conscious riding breed that is taking over London. After all, with all the money saved on public transport and petrol, while also doing their bit for a more sustainable city, isn't a statement tweed riding coat just the most appropriate reward?
Day 2: London Fashion Week S/S 2010
Tuesday, 01 December 2009
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