CYCLE FASHION #01
―The cycle items designed by fashion brands.ー

Trends exist in various industries and categories. Among them, the fashion industry is particularly notable; it cannot speak of its products without trends. From broader aspects like mood and region to finer details such as colors and textiles, the scope of trends extends widely.

Current major trends include responses to environmental issues, LGBTQ+, and wellness. Wellness is a term widely used to define not only physical health but also mental well-being and the intent to live better. Clear examples include mindfulness and sports. With such backgrounds (trends) in mind, the fashion industry is closely eyeing the sports scene. Following yoga and running, particularly in the recent Japanese market, golf has gained significant attention. And the next impending wave seems to be bicycles.

The French brand agnès b. released cycling jerseys for the spring/summer season this year. Their collaboration partner was the French outdoor brand “Cafe du Cycliste.” Sportswear demands high expertise not just in design but also in fabric, stitching, and details, all varying across different sports. If a fashion brand genuinely aims to design athletic wear, it’s natural to collaborate with brands specializing in those specific sports. In the summer, the women’s brand Shrimp, with its playful taste, collaborated with Rapha to release a cycling wear collection, following this trend.

Recently, the outdoor apparel brand Gerry has launched a bicycle helmet. While it’s an American brand, the helmets are manufactured by a Japanese bicycle parts manufacturing company and are set to be sold in Japan ahead of their release in the United States, starting this month. With the mandatory effort for wearing helmets initiated this year, there’s an inevitable demand for gear and helmets that don’t appear too serious for riding around town. The matte texture and ventilation with sporty yet not overly conspicuous details embody the finishing touch characteristic of an apparel brand’s creation.

I’m looking forward to seeing how fashion brands will approach cycling wear and bicycle items in the future.

Text_ Mayumi Kamura

Profile

Mayumi Kamura
I’m a Global Ride editor. My expertise lies in visual expressions like design, art, fashion, and more. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to focus on my physical and mental health. I started playing tennis and resumed taking contemporary dance lessons. Considering that bicycle-related accessories often boast high design quality, I have a feeling I might become a fan during this experience.