Paris, fashion, and cargo bikes – is it a match? Oh yes! We packed 12 cargo bikes and our coolest performance gear into the back of a van and headed to the world’s capital of fashion. Along for the ride was a burning question: how does bike wear from brands like Pas Normal Studios, Café du Cycliste, or Specialized fare in the home of haute couture? And how does it make us feel?
„Puhhh!“ We sink into the leather armchairs of our Parisian apartment with a sigh and a loud thud. We have a few intense days behind us. We cycled 60 km per day and crossed the bustling city, battling clattering trucks in four-lane roundabouts. Oh, and we “stole” the Mona Lisa from the Louvre ;), inhaled the scent of Parisian perfumeries, and cruised through elegant boulevards and dark alleys. Paris and our grand cargo bike test took a toll on us. But the fun was worth it, even if we’re totally knackered now – far from the dizzying heights of the Eiffel Tower.
And now? After five days of non-stop cycling through Paris, one thing’s clear: You don’t need just functional clothing, but functional clothing that also looks good! Why not wear the same stylish bike wear to hit the city’s clubs after a long day, arrange a dinner or brunch date, and then cycle home in all comfort? Besides, who doesn’t love showing off their passion in everyday life? Cycling is fashionable. And so is bike clothing – or is it? But how does it perform in daily life? A rain jacket for dinner, a poncho for clubbing – just how stylish are the urban fashion lines of bike brands?
This production has worn us down, but we’re excited to experience Paris again at its best. A grand finale dinner with the team after an incredible week of action – runway included. Dress code: bike or performance wear, cleverly combined with a few fashion accessories to give our street style an individual touch – because we didn’t just want to perform on the streets but also in the clubs! Our goal: to unite fashion and function! We laughed, experimented and made wild combinations. Does this suit me? Can I go out like this? Fashion is also about having fun! And with comfortable clothing, it’s twice as much fun! The first exciting discovery: many looks don’t even show their functionality… a wolf in sheep’s clothing indeed!
While preparing for dinner and clubbing, the first part of our fashion shoot took place in the morning with our friends and Parisians not far from the famous Trocadéro square – hop on, hop off, straight from our cargo bike!
On our way to the evening location, we wore clothes we also wear daily: Pas Normal Studios pants for our daily bike rides, a Café du Cycliste sweater for post-ride chill, the Porsche Design tracksuit for moments of peace, and the Specialized S/F Rain Poncho for bad weather. We also sneaked in a few more accessories: a Gucci x The North Face shirt, our photographer’s Rolex, and an Omega X Swatch MoonSwatch. But is that enough? Can we really wear the same outfit to the office, on the bike, and to dinner? A quick look in the mirror makes us doubt. “Is this really me?” “It feels like a costume,” I hear Antonia mumble behind me. So, we hop into the bright red Skoda Enyaq, which will take us to our location.
The drive is a mix of excited laughter and deep thoughts. Can you really wear this for a photoshoot? Aren’t we expected to be more sophisticated, especially in Paris? Is this allowed? Don’t we look like idiots? Everyone has experienced this feeling when wearing a new or different outfit for the first time. We’re overwhelmed, in doubt, and the Rolex suddenly feels heavier on our wrist. We pull the caps lower over our faces.
The driver stops abruptly and pulls us out of our thoughts. Heapsof peopleare gathered outside the Le Mauri 7 bar at Passage Brady – a long queue of people and curious onlookers. We step out. A quick glance at each other reveals the intensity of the moment. The sidewalks of Paris, usually graced by the heels of stylish Parisians and the soles of expensive leather shoes, feel unfamiliar beneath our functional sneakers.
Our photographer is already waiting, and suddenly, everything changes. We feel like we’re in a movie. The crowd pulls out their phones and greets us with massive grins and encouraging words. It’s as if we’ve suddenly become stars overnight. It feels like walking the red carpet. Well, this must be what it feels like, we’re sure of that. But it’s not the approval of strangers that validates us – it’s the feeling of having dared to do something this satisfying. Paris seems to be celebrating our debut. We’ve arrived – not just physically in Paris, but in a new state of mind.
Between the clinking of wine glasses and the scents of French cuisine at the restaurant, something begins to grow within us. In Paris, we’ve learned: fashion is more than just clothing. It’s language, an expression of confidence and courage. It’s always about the way you wear a piece of clothing: it requires the necessary confidence and maybe a few unusual combinations or accessories. Our appeal to you: stop worrying about what others think of you!
Take a look at me – when streetwear is eye-catching
Function turns into fashion? Why not! Our upcoming outfits stand out, not because of their price tags or alleged high-fashion status. No, we’re getting compliments, nods of approval and lots of attention, because we’re taking our everyday bike wear to a whole new level just by adding a few accessories. For us, fashion isn’t about the price; it’s about the courage to wear something old, new, or unexpected that you wouldn’t normally see in this setting. Now, let’s take to the stage with our outfits!
“For any champagne showers: Specialized rain poncho and Oakley Kato. Less function, but more fashion and always stylish: the MoonSwatch.”
Poncho: Specialized S/F Rain Poncho | Watch: Omega X Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to Mercury | Glasses: Oakley Kato
“Those who wear sweatpants have lost control over their life” – or have just regained it?
Pants: Porsche Design Sweat Pants | Jacket: Porsche Design Hybrid Jacket | Shoes: Porsche Design PWRPlate | Cap: Supreme Cap
“Fashion is your armour in this rough environment: It provides you with protection in the urban jungle while simultaneously drawing all eyes to you.”
Cap: On-Vacation Dolce Vita | Glasses: Café du cycliste Gabin | Sweater: Café du Cycliste Maria | Pants: Café du Cycliste Felicie | Vest: Café du Cycliste Coralie | Watch: Rolex Oyster
Paris – where every moment becomes a work of art. Can you stop time if you just roll slowly enough through the streets?
Coat: Amity Jackets Franz EtaProof
“The night is young, the streets are empty, and the city belongs only to you. You turn the tarmac into a runway by simply being yourself.”
Watch: Omega X Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to the Sun | Glasses: GUCCI Sonnenbrille | T-Shirt: GUCCI x The North Face Shirt | Coat: Amity Jackets Franz EtaProof Mantel
From the curb to the spotlight – Yes, our fashion shoot definitely proved that cycling wear not only works on a cargo bike but is also totally trend-worthy. We made waves, total strangers applauded us, and for a brief moment, we were the stars of the Parisian night – simply because we were brave enough to break free from the question: “Can you wear that?” It’s not just the look that matters, but also the attitude – and both found their stage in Paris.
Words: Benedikt Schmidt, Susanne Feddersen Photos: Robin Schmitt, Hendrik Stüwe
