A new Rapha Paul Smith collection is set to be launched on 1 October 2010, offering a selection of clothes and accessories inspired by road racing and designed specifically for city riding.
Prices are unavailable as yet, but the collection being launched in October will include the Rapha Paul Smith Rain Jacket, Merino jersey and accessories including a knitted hat, cap, gloves, silk scarf and an Essentials Case.
The collection is set to expand, according to Sir Paul Smith who said: "We have been friends with Rapha since the beginning and admire them very much. The collaboration for next year will be extended to include more items.”
As an added touch, the words ‘Freedom of the open road’, designed in Paul Smith’s handwriting, will be embroidered on a few choice items in the range.
Available in purple or black the jacket is fully waterproof, with taped seams, and using hi-viz pink cuffs for improved visibility. A drop-tail can be zipped away for use off-the-bike.
The City Jacket incorporates hi-viz features
The Merino jersey has a hi-viz dot on the chest and rear pocket, and uses a quarter length zip.
The polka dot print silk scarf should keep out the chill
The full-fingered leather gloves, with a hi-vis velcro adjustment band
Rapha founder, Simon Mottram commented, “It’s a great honour to be working with Paul Smith again. Products for city riding are a growing part of the Rapha range and I’m sure that the expertise and design flair of Paul Smith will help us convert even more cyclists to higher quality, technical riding gear.”
If you want a look at the new range before it goes on sale, head to the Rapha Cycle Club in London and New York from 16 July, and if you want to buy it, Rapha + Paul Smith items will be available exclusively online from the Rapha and Paul Smith websites, and from key Paul Smith retailers from 1 October.
In the meantime, tell us what you think of the new collection in the comments box below. Does any of it take your fancy?
