Rapha’s first Paul Smith collaboration back in 2019 was the first time I took a real interest in cycling. Before that release I was pretty convinced that the sport was all just lycra and big sunnies with a sprinkling of midlife crisis. And while to a certain degree that’s true, Paul Smith x Rapha showed me that there was more to be discovered. Much more.
Anyway, fast-forward to 2023 and the pair are rekindling for another selection of on-bike gear, which has this time been designed to commemorate and celebrate the unrivaled power of cycling.
Drawing on a decades-long friendship between Smith and Rapha Founder Simon Mottram that began because of the bike, the collection speaks to both cycling and friendships, community and creativity.
Taking inspiration from the bold, bright, and highly-detailed 1960s golden era of cycling jersey design, the collection comprises a range of riding accessories and includes an exclusive Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) jersey in the club’s blue, plus a black version sporting the signature Paul Smith stripes.
“Simon [Mottram] has this almost encyclopedic knowledge of cycling and the history of cycling, so his expertise and enthusiasm for the sport has been a real inspiration to me,” explained Smith of the Rapha founder and their 2023 collection.
“And he’s generous with it, which is something I’ve always been an admirer of: people who are so excited by ideas that they can’t wait to share it,” he added.
The collection — which is available online now — features the epochal leaping rabbit motif, Artist Stripe-inspired zip tape, reflective patch, and contrasting RCC stripe, and is realised across Rapha classics like the Long Sleeve Jersey, Cap, Pro Team Shoes, Pro Team Socks, and Pro Team Full Frame Glasses.
Four years on, Rapha and Paul Smith have once again proven there’s more to cycling than lycra, and that in 2023 fashion can be extended across many realms, not least on the bike.
