Interview: James Pawson, Sportswear Apparel Designer at Rapha

The London-based brand combines contemporary style with performance cycling gear in their new City Collection

Back in 2004, Rapha upended the cycling apparel industry when they started making gear that was more stylish, comfortable and innovative—rebuffing the garish (often juvenile) styles that dominated at the time. From using Merino wool—and updating it by blending it with synthetics for less sag and faster drying—to featuring upscale elements found in designer garments, the brand’s dedication to premium fabric, construction and sophisticated aesthetics …

LA Auto Show 2021: EVs + Design Themes

Opening today, a shiny and impressive event that almost feels like old times

A shiny, impressive auto show is underway in Los Angeles and it feels like old times. Most noteworthy is how many brands are debuting their first EVs that are almost ready for production alongside concept EVs that won’t be out for a few years and definitely won’t look precisely like their concepts. EVs represent the chance for designers (and for more daring brands) to make …

The Pragmatic Appeal of Volkswagen’s 2022 Golf R + Golf GTI

Nuance and performance in these dynamic hatchbacks

Back in 1975, in the United States, the first Volkswagen Golf (badged as the Rabbit) was often met with uncertainty. Many Americans didn’t understand the advantages of it, compared with the still-iconic Beetle. Today, many in the US avoid hatchbacks and that’s why the base Golf won’t be sold here anymore. But 45 years since the Rabbit, the eighth-generation Golf will be released here as …