It was announced at the Tour of Britain today that Team Sky debutante Bradley Wiggins will be launching a clothing line for spring 2012 inspired by his Vuelta podium finish earlier this month. The fashion line, “Angliru by Wiggo,” will be handled by Rapha (www.rapha.cc) and Vulpine (www.vulpine.cc), and will also feature a commemorative cycling kit by Rapha collaborator, designer Paul Smith.
Trendsetter and clothing entrepreneur Bradley Wiggins, center
“My advisors felt that I need to diversify my holdings beyond turning the pedals. Many other high-profile athletes, particularily David Beckham, have made the same transition. I’m mildly happy about this development. It almost made me smile for the first time in 18 years,” brooded a typically subdued Wiggins.
Rapha’s portion of the clothing line will feature a limited-edition shirt made from cotton grown in the Spanish region, and distressed by hand with rocks found on the legendary pass. The clothing will also feature Rapha’s typical story of inspiration, to be located on the inside of the shirt near the shoulder blade, which will chronicle Wiggins’ vain attempt to conquer the legendary Angliru in the wrong gear ratio.
Details of Vulpine’s line are still in the discussion stages, however, founder Nick Hussey has confirmed to Cyclismas that one of the signature pieces will be a mid-shin-length black sock made from Alpaca wool sourced in the Peruvian mountains. It will feature a silhouetted version of Wiggins’ distinctive nasal profile, which will be embroidered on the outside cuff section of the sock, near the top.
“I’m quite pleased that the socks are so f*cking tall; if Wiggo had worn short socks, that Roman nose would not fit in the appropriate spot, and the concept would be difficult at best,” added Hussey.
Luke Scheybeler, one of the founders of Rapha, concurred, “I’m quite jealous of the fact that Nick thought of using the nose first. We’ve had to adjust our idea accordingly. We’re currently pondering using Brad’s mod-boy look, that longish, shaggy hairstyle he formerly sported, for some of the line,” commented Scheybeler.
New Fashion Icon, Brad Wiggins
The Paul Smith portion of the range still has yet to be decided outside of the commemorative kit, but according to sources close to the company, a leather satchel for hot stone storage for a personal heat chamber is rumored, as is a leather case for unmentionables, both featuring a graphic design of the Sky Team Jaguars, with Wiggins’ trademark national time trial champion colors.
Cancellara has been picked as "Angliru By Wiggo" spokesmodel
For the collection’s spokesmodel, the decision, has been made to utilize Fabian Cancellara, due to his previous work in the fashion business modeling the Layopahrd line of scarves with the Schleck Brothers this past spring.
Prices for the clothing line should start around the € 200 mark and climb, as per the Exclusive Cycling Clothing Code.
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