Obsession du Jour: Bicycles
Ever since Zoe Kazan confessed her must-have accessory of the season—a bicycle—we’ve become a little cycle crazy. We found ourselves making mental lists of which celebs get around on two wheels and starting having fantasies of giving up our cars for good. In fact, all this obsessing prompted an interoffice gifting of a vintage red bike (Pee-wee Herman would be proud), which in turn influenced the unfolding of this story.
We’re not the only ones with bikes on the brain; the fashion world’s attention is centered on cycles too. There is an entire section devoted to bikes and bike outfits on photographer Scott Schuman’s incredibly influential and thoroughly delightful website, The Sartorialist. Cynthia Rowley surprised the audience at her spring show and sent a handful of models down the runway on Beach Cruisers ($900). The floral print bikes were designed specifically for the show and come complete with a silver bell and wicker basket. You won’t regret investing in one of these stellar accessories—they’re just so darn cute. If you are in need of something a little edgier (and aren’t concerned about your budget in the slightest) we must point out that Karl Lagerfeld also created a bicycle for Chanel’s S/S 08 collection. The chic cycle is detailed with a quilted leather seat, jeweled pant clips, and a saddlebag inscribed with the renowned logo ($13,595, 800.550.0005). Clearly it’s a one of a kind piece that belongs to an art collector or true enthusiast.
When dressing oneself for a bike outing, you will inevitably encounter certain restrictions, but (as the slew of ladies pictured above prove) biking can be done sans spandex. We think heels are a cycling faux pas, so show off a great pair of flat shoes instead. You can flirt with your tomboy side, as Karolina Kurkova did while riding in South Beach earlier this year, and wear a classic pair of lace-up Chucks
($47). If you aren’t a sneakers kind of gal, we think you’ll embrace Uma Thurman and Kate Hudson’s preference for sandals and opt for something effortless like Jill Stuart’s Tina Metallic Flats
($114).
Of course, the biggest dress-code dilemma is figuring out what to do with your purse while pedaling along. We think you should keep your hands free and your handlebars unencumbered by toting an across-body bag à la Agyness Deyn. The model demonstrated the look on her recent nighttime ride through the Meatpacking District with Rebecca Minkoff’s Morning After Clutch ($325, preorder 8/15). Happy biking! —Jessica Amento
Photo of Kate, X17. Photos of Uma and Agyness, Splash News. Photo of Karolina, Pacific Coast News.
We’re not the only ones with bikes on the brain; the fashion world’s attention is centered on cycles too. There is an entire section devoted to bikes and bike outfits on photographer Scott Schuman’s incredibly influential and thoroughly delightful website, The Sartorialist. Cynthia Rowley surprised the audience at her spring show and sent a handful of models down the runway on Beach Cruisers ($900). The floral print bikes were designed specifically for the show and come complete with a silver bell and wicker basket. You won’t regret investing in one of these stellar accessories—they’re just so darn cute. If you are in need of something a little edgier (and aren’t concerned about your budget in the slightest) we must point out that Karl Lagerfeld also created a bicycle for Chanel’s S/S 08 collection. The chic cycle is detailed with a quilted leather seat, jeweled pant clips, and a saddlebag inscribed with the renowned logo ($13,595, 800.550.0005). Clearly it’s a one of a kind piece that belongs to an art collector or true enthusiast.
When dressing oneself for a bike outing, you will inevitably encounter certain restrictions, but (as the slew of ladies pictured above prove) biking can be done sans spandex. We think heels are a cycling faux pas, so show off a great pair of flat shoes instead. You can flirt with your tomboy side, as Karolina Kurkova did while riding in South Beach earlier this year, and wear a classic pair of lace-up Chucks
Of course, the biggest dress-code dilemma is figuring out what to do with your purse while pedaling along. We think you should keep your hands free and your handlebars unencumbered by toting an across-body bag à la Agyness Deyn. The model demonstrated the look on her recent nighttime ride through the Meatpacking District with Rebecca Minkoff’s Morning After Clutch ($325, preorder 8/15). Happy biking! —Jessica Amento
Photo of Kate, X17. Photos of Uma and Agyness, Splash News. Photo of Karolina, Pacific Coast News.
Does anyone know where i can get those white/cream shoes she's wearing in the cynthia rowley picture???? they're amazing!
Posted by: Ashley | 2008-07-10 08:11:45
I love my cruiser bike! I live in the kind of neighborhood right outside Washington, DC that makes a bike the perfect thing for hitting up the farmer's market and the wine shop on Saturdays. And, after weeks of looking, I just found the perfect basket that completes the "look" and is also extremely useful for shopping. Check out Cynthia's Twigs - she is based in Asheville, NC and was inspired about 20 years ago by baskets she saw while living in Europe. When I called to order, I spoke directly with Cynthia, and she's a doll! I have the large "European Market" basket, and I love it! So classic on my vintage cruiser:) http://www.cynthiastwigs.com/products.htm
Posted by: Lisa O. | 2008-07-08 15:56:52
YAY DYLANA! I have a Star Cruiser Too!
Posted by: kris | 2008-07-07 16:37:25
Random thoughts here: Anyone who doesn't wear a helmet while riding is an idiot. Cycling shouldn't be a trend but a lifestyle. What one is wearing should not be an excuse-Women cycle in heels in Italy and I have ridden in a skirt many times. The way I see it, the more I ride the fitter I get and the better I look in all the fabulous fashion trends. And the more beautiful we can keep our planet, the more beautiful life will be.
Posted by: meemee | 2008-07-07 13:21:09
do you guys ever have an original idea or think for yourselves?
Posted by: | 2008-07-06 16:02:41
they were on holiday but i think the stories will be back mon
Posted by: Wall-E | 2008-07-05 17:25:57
I love my vintage bike (a Star Cruiser) and I take it everywhere. It really is the perfect accessory, as well as environmentally friendly! Check out my fashion blog at http://colormenana.blogspot.com
Posted by: Dylana | 2008-07-05 15:30:09
Bikes shouldn't be a trend. I ride my road bike quite often, and it can get pretty dangerous being on the road. Cruisers are cute but way too bulky. Oh and I don't wear a helmet.
Posted by: Bernadette | 2008-07-04 18:06:44
who what wear not so bloody daily more like
Posted by: jessica | 2008-07-04 15:03:43
I'm a bit confused. Who is Jessica Amento who keeps writing all the posts? What happened to Hilary and Katherine? Don't get me wrong, I really like Jessica's posts, it's just that I kinda miss Hilary and Katherine.
Posted by: Laurie | 2008-07-04 14:54:34
across-body bags DO NOT work. they are so annoying and they bang on your leg while you're pedaling. but i love biking!
Posted by: caro | 2008-07-04 13:43:35
whowhatweardidyougo??
Posted by: kelly | 2008-07-04 12:11:03
love bikes, but my city isn't friendly to them . . .
Posted by: ariel | 2008-07-03 14:09:44
This whole bicycle trends makes me really sad that I can't ride a bike, like you have no idea. The blue bike on the left is really cute though. http://www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com
Posted by: Marilynn | 2008-07-03 08:49:59
Agh--I was totally going to say the same thing! Whenever I ride my bike my purse flails about madly...(must purchase a basket) I live in a tiny college town and everyone bikes on our many bike paths. I love biking! It reminds me of being a kid (except I don't have a friend riding on my spokes like a used to!). I must say to Maia-yes bikes get stolen (buy a lock) and I'm so sorry you've never learned and you must enlist a biking friend to teach you--it's so easy!
Posted by: brie | 2008-07-02 20:04:04
i love bikes oh so much. they are my mode of transportation in the summer and i love showing off my bike. i have an electra and it's to die for sorry im bragging but i love bikes!!
Posted by: carley | 2008-07-02 19:22:22
omg, i love these bikes. agy looks best! i love when she does casual....kate looks pretty adorable too. check out my blog :) kittykatekins.blogspot.com
Posted by: kitty | 2008-07-02 18:25:50
Anyone from a small college town knows that bikes have been "in" for a long, long time. But in the state of Florida we have the highest rate of death from bike accidents in the US. So as much as I encourage people to put their cars in park and hop on a bike, please always wear a helmet.
Posted by: GatorGirl09 | 2008-07-02 17:42:32
just admit your wrong the link was always there.
Posted by: carole | 2008-07-02 17:14:20
Actually the cross body bag isn't very ideal for a good bike ride. It will swing forward and get in the way of your leg with each pedal you take. I'd recommend a cute vintage leather backpack or even those commuter bags (ie: Timbuk2, Chrome, etc) every hipster biker is toting around. Or make use of your basket and put your purse in there, Aggy!
Posted by: agh | 2008-07-02 16:22:35
The sartorialist link was always there...
Posted by: duh | 2008-07-02 15:38:37
yeah the link was i read this last night at like 1 in the morning
Posted by: lush | 2008-07-02 15:19:53
HELMETS please! Even just mentioning them would have been nice. Here in the states it's still an extremely dangerous mode of transportation...even with bike lanes.
Posted by: claire | 2008-07-02 15:06:16
It's so true, a vintage bicycle sets the scene and mood to an already eclectic and chic outfit! ... *my style blog* http://fashionchalet.blogspot.com
Posted by: Fashion Chalet | 2008-07-02 15:05:25
Hooray!! I love biking! My bike looks just like Karolina! I ride my bike everywhere! Cute story!
Posted by: hannah | 2008-07-02 14:58:08
LovesGemma -- I don't think that link was in the text when I posted.
Posted by: MEP | 2008-07-02 14:56:26
Maia, bikes get stolen all the time!! Holding on to a bike for a year is some kind of record.. that's why no-one buys expensive bikes, it's just a waste of money. Everyone I know buys the oldest, most crappy looking secondhand bikes, and then buys a big expensive lock :)
Posted by: J | 2008-07-02 14:43:34
these bikes may be cute but beach cruisers are no good for commuting (too heavy and clunky). if you want a good bike for cheap go to your local community bike project, pick out a frame and start building. most community bike projects have free classes you can take to learn how to build and/or maintain your bike. you can also get parts, frames and built bikes on ebay! have fun and enjoy the ride!
Posted by: jebrew | 2008-07-02 13:01:38
J, I remember the craziness of the bikes in Amsterdam, it was so funny! I was told that they get stolen a lot though. I wish I could ride a bike but I don't know how to :(
Posted by: Maia | 2008-07-02 12:23:25
Helmets, anyone???
Posted by: Shabs | 2008-07-02 12:08:56
MEP-- read the text, they credited the sartorialist
Posted by: LovesGemma | 2008-07-02 12:07:38
If you can't get an authentic vintage bike, Electra makes the most awesome looking bicycles (electrabike.com). Cool looking retro bikes (called "cruisers" or "beach cruisers") aren't as practical for commuting or long rides or hills as road bikes, though. Good looking helmets are a little hard to find too. Most stores only carry pointy neon Lance Armstrong style helmets. My favorite helmets are by Bern (bernunlimited.com). They look fantastic! It's uncommon in most places to have a chic bicycle and helmet so you'll get TONS of compliments! Get a bike with a cute basket on the front and it makes going to the store SO much more fun. Bikes really are IN, cars are OUT.
Posted by: poppy | 2008-07-02 11:37:51
Kate looks so happy...they all look care-free. A bike is eco-friendly, super cute, and can make you feel like a kid again. AMAZING. Love bikes.
Posted by: S | 2008-07-02 11:29:02
Really!! C'mon!! I've been looking at bicycles for a long time and of course I want a cool one. We want to know about the cool bicycles! Does anyone know about cool bicycles other than the Bianchi Milano Citta which costs $600?
Posted by: Kook | 2008-07-02 11:14:56
news flash bikes are not stylish and tons of people get hit by cars all the time on bikes because in most cities there aren't bike lanes. also, what happens to your outfit when it rains? can you pedel in heels? how many people see your crotch if you were a mini? cars may be on the way out, but bikes are not going to be flooding the market
Posted by: hmm | 2008-07-02 11:05:12
i agree. i think it's a bit foolish/unrealistic, and even a bit on the vain side to not wear a helmet. i'd rather look a bit silly wearing a helmet than to ruin my skull and face and look ridiculous for the rest of my life. show us photos of people looking chic with helmets. dig a little. this has been done enough that a spin on how to look chic wearing a helmet would have been better.
Posted by: lady j | 2008-07-02 11:03:34
old news? really? have you seen gas prices lately? this should be a once a month feature- spend your money on clothes not gasoline! now what i really want to see is celebrities and models taking the bus. that would be awesome.
Posted by: dawn | 2008-07-02 10:59:17
are you serious..? this is reaaally old "news". is there really nothing else for you to write about this week????......
Posted by: meme | 2008-07-02 10:48:51
uma thurma is so hott! I WANT TO SEE MORE OF HER HERE!!!!!!!!!!! you don't have to be young and in pop culture to be stylish.
Posted by: Autumn Murphy | 2008-07-02 10:40:44
@ jaime; I'm Dutch, and 3/4 of Amsterdam's inhabitants would be an understatement.. there are about 20 million bicycles in Holland, and only 16 million people! Also, no-one wears helmets here.. except little kids.. Cycling is not so much a 'trendy' thing here, it's just the best way to get around the city! It's really a pain to drive a car in the city because of all the bicycles!
Posted by: J | 2008-07-02 10:34:14
I bike to work--in a helmet--every day, but I don't think those sandals would hold up on a 6 mile mostly uphill trek, though they'd be fine for the downhill ride home. I've actually been looking for a pair of flat sandals sturdy enough to bike in (max price U$100-150). Let me know if anyone has ideas. Thanks!
Posted by: Alison | 2008-07-02 09:45:01
what do bicycles have to do with fashion?
Posted by: leah | 2008-07-02 09:08:32
The Sartorialist did this last summer, girls: http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/search/label/Bicycles
Posted by: MEP | 2008-07-02 08:19:17
does anyone know the brand of any of the bicycles posted?
Posted by: Lauren | 2008-07-02 07:24:20
I'm moving to Amsterdam from Connecticut and apparently almost 3/4 of the city's inhabitants travel by bike! Hot :)
Posted by: jaime | 2008-07-02 06:37:28
?!?!really?????????????????
Posted by: RunawayGallery | 2008-07-02 04:21:40
No chic helmets to go with the trend? Not one of those celebs is wearing a helmet. I don't wanna preach because I know this is a fashion website and a helmet isn't exactly the epitome of style but I stupidly rode my bike without a helmut once and was hit by a car. Cracked skull... not so hot! lol
Posted by: Lauren | 2008-07-02 01:12:27
cooooooooooooooooooooool. healthy and stylish. they can show off their outfits !!!!! instead of hiding in their 4-wheel vehicle. though, the down side is ya gotta wear a helmet !!
Posted by: makayla | 2008-07-02 01:08:14