“In this exclusive short film, Rapha founder and CEO Simon Mottram talks to Sir Paul Smith about the celebrated designer’s love of cycling… A revealing and engaging portrait of one man’s enduring passion for the sport, Paul Smith recalls his days as a young rider sneaking home copies of the ‘exotic’ newspaper, L’Equipe, the heroes that inspired him, and his father’s bemusement at the very un-English sport of road racing.” via Selectism

Rapha deepens their Paul Smith collection with a new set of bags. “A collection of luxury luggage and accessories designed by cycling’s most stylish advocate. Made from the finest grained leathers and featuring bold prints, this limited edition range combines elegant craftsmanship with Rapha’s iconic road racing imagery.” Available now through Rapha.

More looks at the Paul Smith for Rapha bags can be seen here.

Our photographer, Jacob Breinholt, captured the opening of the Rapha Cycle Club in New York City. Selectism reports. “Officially opened yesterday, July 1, the Rapha Cycle Club, adds a refreshing new take on the cycling experience for New York City consumers. Expect to find their exceptionally well made goods and more.”

More photos and looks inside the Rapha Cycle Club New York City can be seen here.

Selectism brings forth a great pair of cycling gloves by Rapha for Paul Smith.“The Rapha Grand Tour gloves use ‘African Hair Sheep’ leather to produce the softest and most durable gloves on the market. African hair sheep live on the arid savannah of Eastern Africa. To cope with the heat and dry conditions, the hair sheep have extremely thin but strong skin. The hair sheep leather is ‘table cut’ by skilled craftsmen and worked by hand lengthways and crossways to give the leather beautiful texture and suppleness.” Available from Rapha now.

More looks at the Rapha for Paul Smith Grand Tour Gloves follow here.

There is a wonderful brewing trend towards classically tailored cycling apparel. Rapha is one of the brands producing technical wear with an eye to clean lines and sharp looks.Their plus 4s are made with Schoeller Nanosphere to repel water and stains. Zip pockets keep from dropping your belongings on the road and a padded seat keeps your bum happy. Olive Green and Black are the two options. 

Details of the Rapha Fixed Short after the jump.

Rapha has over the years proven themselves to be among the top suppliers of bicycle wear, pushing the limits of technical features and keeping the style classic and clean.

For the 2008 Bicycle Film Festival Rapha has made a cycling cap. The cap is made from 100% cotton twill with an eight-panel construction for comfort. The grey cap features a blue stripe and highlights, and Rapha and Bicycle Film Festival flock-lettered logos, one on each side. Rapha will also be hosting one night of films at the festival.

After the jump some more detailed images of the Rapha "Bicycle Film Festival" cap.