Top fashion brands such as Kate Spade, Gucci, Fendi, Hermès and Chanel, show that bicycle designs can be anything but ordinary
As the Tour de France this month has the world in a sporting frenzy for those who are not fans of the sport perhaps would like to appreciate the two-wheeled device from another perspective – a fashion point of view. Asia Tatler has selected some of the most stylish bicycles from the past and present, from brands such as Kate Spade, Gucci, Fendi, Hermès and Chanel to show that bicycles can also be a fashion item.
Kate Spade
Earlier this year, Kate Spade New York collaborated with one of New York’s most famous boutique bike shops Adeline Adeline to create the Kate Spade New York bicycle. Taking inspirations from an advertisement in the 1960s, the vintage bike in signature Kate Spade green features a handmade Italian steel frame, a classic English leather seat, yellow marbled handgrips and a back-pedal coast brake. It also has a low sloping top tube to let the ladies ride in dress and heels. Last, but not least, you can adorn this bike with other accessories from the shop, such as a its classic wicker basket and a cool vintage adjustable helmet to make it the perfect summer accessory.
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Fendi
Extending its craftsmanship and design values into different objects of desire, Fendi have joined hands with Italian bicycle producer Abici to create its own signature bicycle based on the producer’s iconic bicycle model, the Abici Amante Donna city bike. The Fendi version is fitted with the fashion house’s Selleria leather accessories, including seats, handles, thermos case and GPS holder, which are all cut and sewn by hand. In the front, you can add a detachable travel case that bears Fendi’s signature stamp giving it a touch of pure Italian luxury.
Gucci
Gucci’s Gucci Cruiser bicycle is also another piece of art that has the Italian refinement of luxury. It features bold red double GG leather details, in which it’s creative director Frida Giannini explains that red evokes “happiness” and “celebration” – two emotions that could not be more appropriate to describe the excitement in the world of sports. Available in chocolate brown or unique white, it has Guccissima leather seats, handlebars, seat pack with buckle closure and pannier that is embodied with Gucci’s signature logo. It is truly a remarkable piece to travel in, better yet, it is eco-friendly way and in style.
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Hermès
In collaboration with the Dutch bicycle manufacturer Batavus, Hermès has turned the old Dutch three-speed bike into a masterpiece of sophistication with meticulously stitched accents of Taurillon Clemence leather on the saddle, handle bar grips and the frame’s two main down tubes. This bicycle from the French fashion house is also fitted with front and back lighting, a carrier with a bungy cord, mud flap and spoke protector; taking the French allure of relaxation and luxury onto bicycle tracks.
Chanel
Bringing its feminine sophistication into another level, Chanel has impressed its fans with its limited edition Chanel bike. Limited to 50 pieces, this ultimate two-wheeled novelty was made in very fine details as Chanel’s signature quilted leather is stretched upon its leather handles, seats, pant guard and the bike pump. It is also equipped with two quilted flag bags and a jewellery roll behind the seat, of which the two are detachable and can be used as individual shoulder bags. With this bike, you can take your Chanel bag on a classy bicycle trip or a wonderful Sunday morning stroll for croissants and coffee.