Paul Smith + Castelli: 2015 Dubai Tour Jerseys
The passionate cyclist and famed fashion designer injects some monochromatic styling into the desert race’s leader kits
Long before British menswear designer Paul Smith was a driving force in global fashion (and was awarded the “Sir” that now precedes his name), he was a kid from Nottingham who just wanted to race bikes. A nasty crash may have sidelined him from racing, but the iconic designer never lost interest in bikes and certainly never turned away from the competitive cycling world. Now, Smith lends his sartorial eye to cycling yet again, designing the leader’s jerseys for the 2015 Dubai Tour that kicks off 4 February. Opting for a monochromatic color palette and a geometric take on the flag of the United Arab Emirates, Smith’s passion for the sport is palpable in both his designs and behind the scenes tour of his bike-packed London studio.
Aesthetics aside, the jerseys themselves needed plenty of technical consideration for the hard riding conditions the four-stage desert race will present. Castelli called on fellow countrymen and fabric specialists SITIP to develop a material that would protect riders from harmful UV rays while remaining lightweight and effectively managing moisture. The result, is a 96% UV block and a highly breathable top kit that weighs in at just 152 grams. For more information on the Dubai Tour Collection, composed of four jerseys and one pair of shorts, visit Castelli.
Images courtesy of Castelli
