Hackett x Cooper Bikes

The worlds of fashion and fitness have collided once again to produce a range of cycle-inspired clothing and accessories.

British heritage brand Hackett London and Mini car’s sister label Cooper Bikes are the two names behind the line, which also includes two unique bicycles. Together for the first time, the pair aimed to produce a collection that epitomizes the country’s approach to biking.

Hackett, known for its heritage, has drawn inspiration from the sixties for the cycle-specific clothing. Retro style tricolor tops, polos, t-shirts and technical raincoats make up a product range that is full of practicality and style.

Having recently showcased its AW14 collection at London Collections MEN, founder Jeremy Hackett continues to prove that fabric choice is crucial with this latest venture. The classic polo shirt has been re-created with a specially treated antibacterial fabric designed to draw moisture away from the skin.

Equally, the trousers, shorts and jeans have been rendered using stretchable fabrics with reinforced crotch areas to assist during time on the saddle.

Practicality has been a key element of the British brand’s design process throughout. Hi-visibility binding has been sewn into inner seams, while a loop in the waistband of trousers has been included to cater for carrying a lock while on the bike.

Cooper Bikes, which was founded in 2009 as an offshoot to the Mini makers, has produced two stylish dual-designed and branded bicycles that combine the brand’s racing roots and sense of style. Engineering and technical know how from over 50-years of car manufacturing has been transferred onto two wheels. Mike Cooper, founder and son of famed Mini engine tuner John, said that Cooper “wanted to turn (its) engineering know how to making bicycles that offer the best possible components.”