Cycling brand Vulpine have launched their Autumn Winter 2014 collection with a lookbook and film showing the new range of clothing in action on a photoshoot in Norway.
The new range stays true to Vulpine's roots in technical, well-thought-out cycle wear for leisure and commuter cyclists. With the summer now seemingly over for another year the new collection promises to keep cyclists warm and dry on the bike, with a Quilted Thermal Gilet and some fancy selvedge jeans among the standout items. There's also a welcome return for classics like the Original Rain Jacket. Oh, and some lovely looking merino silk socks.
First up, the Utralight Quilted Thermal Gilet. Available in both a men's and women's version, the gilet is constructed from water-resistant fabric filled with breathable, quick drying 'Primaloft Gold' insulation, plus "tough shoulders for backpacks". Priced $170.78, the gilet is available in Racing Red or Classic Navy (women), while men can choose from Navy, Dutch Orange or Charcoal. Looks perfect for those crisp autumn days.
New to this collection is Vulpine's take on cycling jeans, which have been in the works for quite some time.
"We've always said when we did jeans, we'd go all-out," say Vulpine. This is preferable to going balls out, which is a very real risk run by commuting/casual cyclists as a result of friction at the saddle/crotch interface. To minimize the rapid wear that can beset lesser jeans, the Jinzu Raw Selvedge Jean is "constructed for toughness from raw 12oz Japanese denim."
Vulpine have added the following cryptic note regarding laundry of the jeans: "Just don't wash them. Yet." This sounds unhygienic, and you'd hope these jeans aren't designed to be disposable - but as the website explains:
"The 12oz raw selvedge (unwashed) denim is sourced from by the Jinzu River in Toyama Prefecture, Japan. This is exceptionally high quality fabric that is best not to wash for 6 months+. That way you get the best possible fitting and self-designed jeans."
Oh, and there is a nice polka dot pattern on the inner lining - a veritable party in your pants.
More news on the trousers front, as Vulpine have also revealed their new Cotton Rain Trousers ($191.28). These are, as the name suggests, made of Vulpine's trademark Epic cotton and offer stretch and breathability as well as a degree of waterproofing to see you through those passing showers. Vulpine suggest teaming the trousers with their padded merino boxers for extra comfort, which sounds like a cunning plan to us.
We've already mentioned the socks, but they are worth a closer look. On a freezing day, a warm pair of socks can make the difference between misery and misery-with-warm-feet, and these Dogtooth Merino Silk Socks have our toes tingling in anticipation. They are $40.99 though, we'll have to get our hands (or feet) on a pair to see if they're worth the spend. As for colors, you can pick from Charcoal & Sage, Charcoal & Red and Charcoal & Light Grey.
On to the jerseys, and the Long-Sleeve Merino Alpine Jersey ($129.80) makes a return, now available in Dutch Orange and Squadron Blue for all the ladies, while men get all that plus a Charcoal option.
"Already a classic that has influenced others," say Vulpine, "the Alpines take a classic racing jersey and swap out synthetics for pure New Zealand merino wool. Comfortable, stylish and performance-laden, no detail has been spared. With a nod to classic wool jerseys of the 1950s, the rear pockets are secure and easy to use. The neck design means no chafing or chill."
Everyone likes a nice cycling cap, and Vulpine do these particularly well so it's good to see them back on the menu. Choose between the lightweight Polka Cotton Cap ($24.59), or the more seasonal Thermal Storm Cap. Priced $47.82, the Storm Cap is designed along the lines of a Belgian winter cap with a fleece lining and ear flaps that you can pull down to keep the back of your head and your ears warm. Water resistant and with a reflective centre stripe, this looks like a must-have for winter riding.
Next it's the big guns - Vulpine's Original Rain Jacket and the Harrington Rain Jacket (as sported by the likes of Chris Hoy) are back for another winter.
The Original Rain Jacket ($286.92) is now something of a classic with an impressive palmares of group test wins under its belt. Made from Epic Cotton, it is deliberately designed not to be fully waterproof in order to allow breathability - but even so, it can withstand all but the most persistent of rain showers, with Vulpine claiming it's good for up to 2 hours of soaking. To be fair, if you haven't managed to find shelter by that time we suspect you're actually enjoying getting wet!
As for the difference between the Original and the Harrington jackets, the Original includes some extra features designed to improve the cycling experience. As Vulpine explain:
"If you're unsure whether to choose an Original or a Harrington, the difference is in the cycling-specific details. You have the reflective cuffs and shoulders here, adjustable neck and hem, plus a removable Splash Guard on the Original. The Harrington is a simpler urban jacket. Both are made from the same fabric."
Finally, the new collection also includes a Softshell Jacket for less extreme conditions, which packs in all the features we've come to expect from Vulpine, plus "extra storage, adjustability and subtle reflective trim."
Speaking of reflective, the Softshell is suitable "on the bike, off the bike or for contemplating the meaning of life" which seems to cover all bases.
The same could be said of the new collection, which offers something for the full range of conditions we're likely to experience between now and next spring. For full details and to place your orders, check out the Vulpine website now.
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