“I want to ride my bicycle” sang Queen many years ago. After seeing the James Long SS14 collection I can safely say I am in the same position. Taking inspiration from the velodrome – more precisely the Helltrack – Long’s collection took shape in the form of cycling outfits but with the James Long vision. Jackets came in boxy mesh, cut neatly at the waist to create a strong silhouette that was present throughout. T-shirts came in Lycra, constructed with cut-up images that not only made for a vibrant look but contained hidden messages of the aggression needed to compete on the Helltrack. No need to worry about the unforgiving biker shorts as they were cut wide and in slouchy jersey, again putting the James Long stamp on the clothes. Colours throughout were bold and exciting, reminiscent of the wonderful streaks and blurs you see when a cyclist whizzes passed you. Electric and exciting are two words that perfectly sum up the collection. Long has created a tight and focused collection that will have every man abandoning his fixie for something more hardcore.
Words: Jazzino Tamani
