Alpinestars Women’s Renee Motorcycle Jacket
Combining durability, safety and style for girls who ride
Finding a women’s protective motorcycle jacket is not an easy task—and finding one that is both stylish and complementing to a woman’s shape is near impossible. But the latest effort from Italian motorsports gear brand, Alpinestars, offers an answer in the form of the Renee leather and textile jackets. Staying away from all-black leather as well as stereotypically “feminine” colors, patterns and other overly decorative embellishments often found on women’s moto jackets, the Renee is handsome, fun and still sleek—while remaining protective.
Ecuadorian designer Denise Focil is the brains behind the Renee. After graduating from The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, she started at Alpinestars designing the women’s motorcycle gear. She quickly launched her own sub-line AS by DF (Alpinestars by Denise Focil) as she had a unique opportunity to use Alpinestars’ resources of fine Italian leather, technical and classic fabrics. The Renee is a choice example of the benefits of the relationship.
On the Renee Jacket, Focil tells CH, “I was largely inspired by texture for FW 14. The idea of texture in leather or in fabric and juxtaposing different textures together. I like the idea of opulence.” And as for the piece’s color she explains, “Black is always an inspiration for me, it is a staple in my lines and also in most our closets, but I like offering fresh options.” While looks are important, safety is too and the design boasts highly protective features and abrasion padding under its soft leather and textile outer.
Like the majority of Alpinestars attire, it’s comfortable, durable and functional. “Wearability and style go hand-in-hand for me. Having clothes which are chic, but let me run around and get things done—that is a good investment,” Focil says. “We have a pretty amazing selection of gear which is safe and also chic. I never have to sacrifice either of the two—why should you?”
The Renee Jacket is available online in two colorways (black and denim, and gold) for $400.
Images courtesy of Alpinestars
