Rapha and Shrimps have joined forces to create an exciting collaboration that aims to revolutionize the way women experience city cycling. Their first collaborative collection, described as “experimental but wearable, high-performance but casual,” seeks to bridge the gap between fashion and cycling.
This collaboration with Shrimps takes a different approach compared to Rapha’s previous partnership with Paul Smith. The nine-piece capsule collection combines Shrimps’ playful patterns and whimsical designs with Rapha’s cycling apparel and off-bike stylings, resulting in a boundary-blurring aesthetic that celebrates individuality.
The collection includes standout pieces that are both functional and fashionable. Highlights include a Wind Jacket with cinchable arms, a Ponytail cap with a detachable Shrimps bow, a Cropped Zip Tank, and a Long Sleeve Jersey, among others. The color palette features neon green, cornstarch blue, and the signature Shrimps gingham in camel/brown, creating a unique visual experience reminiscent of an Italian vineyard.
Inspiring more women to embrace cycling in the city is one of the main goals of this collaboration. Unlike the Paul Smith collection, which catered to both men and women, this collaboration specifically focuses on offering a fun and unconventional take on traditional cycling apparel aesthetics. The collection encourages women to express their personal style while enjoying the joy of cycling.
The versatility of the collection allows for seamless transitions between cycling and everyday activities. Rapha emphasizes that this collaboration is not just about sportswear but rather a true lifestyle collection that effortlessly takes you from the bike to an aperitivo bar.
Agata Jasinska, Rapha Womenswear Designer, explains that the collection aims to push the limits of traditional cycling apparel and redefine the boundaries between sportswear and fashion. By merging Shrimps’ feminine and playful style with Rapha’s expertise in on-bike performance, the collection offers something unexpected and unique. The functional fabrics used in the collection are infused with Shrimps’ expressive and joyful prints, celebrating the pure joy and freedom of cycling.
Hannah Weiland, the founder and Creative Director of Shrimps, found inspiration for the collection during a wine tasting cycling tour in the Tuscan vineyards. The combination of cycling and indulgence appealed to her, as it provided an opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine or a scoop of ice cream while taking in the beauty of the Italian countryside.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Rapha and Shrimps showcases the growing intersection of fashion and sports. This collection not only offers functional and stylish cycling apparel but also encourages women to embrace the joy of cycling in the city. With its unique designs and boundary-blurring aesthetic, this collaboration inspires and empowers women to express their individuality through the power of fashion and cycling.
