The latest in a series of collaborations between Rapha and Paul Smith is a co-branded Rapha + Paul Smith collection of cycling clothes and accessories to be launched on October 1st 2010. The two companies first worked together in 2007 on a Grand Départ Jersey, now a collector’s item, fetching at least £300 on eBay, to celebrate the Tour de France prologue in London. Paul Smith then went on to sponsor the Rapha Condor Sharp racing team in 2009, and has already featured the riders on Paul Smith bags this summer. A limited edition Paul Smith version of Rapha’s Grand Tour Gloves was launched earlier this year.
Building over two seasons, the co-branded collection kicks off this autumn with a City Rain Jacket, jersey and luxury cycling accessories. This capsule range will be extended further next spring with additional jerseys, trousers and accessories. All of the products will be branded Rapha + Paul Smith. The autumn collection combines leading technical fabrics and details with striking colours and polka dot patterns. Patches and panels in high visibility pink continue a new visibility approach featuring on Rapha’s core line of city riding products this autumn. The phrase ‘Freedom of the open road’, in Paul Smith’s handwriting, features as embroidery on key pieces.
The Rapha + Paul Smith Rain Jacket is available in purple or black and comes with its own carry pouch. It is completely waterproof, with fully taped seams. Visibility is improved by the inclusion of high-vis pink cuffs and a drop-down tail that zips away when you’re not on the bike.
The Rapha + Paul Smith Merino Jersey is offered in purple and black with a reflective hi-vis dot on the back pocket and chest. Details include a quarter length Riri zip and contrast colour tipping on the collar and cuffs.
The Rapha + Paul Smith accessories for autumn-winter include a Knitted Winter Hat with hi-vis yarn running through the ear flap and a purple polka dot liner, a polka dot jacquared cap with purple text under the peak, full fingered leather gloves with a hi-vis velcro adjustment band, a polka dot print Silk Scarf and an Essentials Case with purple lining and Riri zip.
The collection will be available to view at the Rapha Cycle Club in London and New York from July 16th for 2 weeks. Rapha + Paul Smith products will be available exclusively online from the Rapha and Paul Smith websites and from key Paul Smith retailers from 1st October.
