Paul Smith, Rapha launch cycling collection

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
May 1, 2023

A shared passion for cycling (and the owners’ enduring friendship) has given Paul Smith and Rapha founder Simon Mottram the ideal opportunity to create a new clothing and accessories collection for men and women. 

The special edition riding collection “celebrates cycling and its ability to bring people together”, the pair announced at launch. 

Drawing on that decades-long, bike-driven friendship, the collection “speaks to both cycling and friendships, community and creativity”.

The collaboration features a range of riding accessories and both an RCC (Rapha Cycling Club) exclusive jersey in club colours, as well as a black version sporting the signature Paul Smith stripes. 

Taking inspiration “from the golden era of jersey design – when designs began to become bolder, brighter, and more detailed, and thus, more collectable” – the collection is the latest in a number of collaborations between the two brands over the past decade. 

The extended line-up includes cycling jerseys, bib shorts, caps, cycling shoes and sunglasses with the signature leaping rabbit motif – a nod to one of Smith’s favourite things to collect – featuring as a recurring jacquard across the collection. 

Attention has been paid to small features, including an Artist Stripe-inspired zip tape and reflective patch, as well as mismatched RCC stripes – “all of which serve as a celebration of Paul’s love of colour”. 

Available in two colourways – a play on the idea that historical jerseys had two versions: the physical colour version and the black and white images of past races immortalised on TV and in newspapers – the navy and black versions are exclusive to Rapha and Paul Smith, respectively. 

The debut of the collaboration will also be accompanied by the release of a dual-branded campaign. It will feature stories “from real cyclists from all walks of life and celebrating the power of the sport to bring people together and strengthen bonds between family, friends, and colleagues”. 
 
Smith said of this: “We were both brimming with ideas for this latest collection, and I hope it shines with our love of the sport as well as our fascination with vintage cycling jerseys.”