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Design student Donna King has created what she calls a "CyberDandy" cycling range – think Gary Fisher, but for women.
King – a student on the Performance Sportswear Design course at Falmouth University – will be showing her collection at a graduation event on Friday.
Her CyberDandy collection is an update of the tweed-heavy bicycle-specific clothing for women popular in the 1880s and 1890s when cycling helped in the emancipation of women.
She describes the collection as "eccentric Victorian cycle-wear, specifically designed for vintage cycling events, with functionality at heart, whilst keeping traditional silhouettes and fabrics. The skirts are convertible for movement whilst riding. A reversible waistcoat is elasticated for freedom of movement and has side hidden pockets. Plus fours and trousers have built-in chamois pad shorts.
While the collection is styled on 19th Century designs it uses contemporary sportswear finishings throughout, and use a combination of tweed – natch – and heavyweight Lycra.
King said: "I also made some accessories, including a helmet cover that resembles a baker-boy peak cap, with a covered button in the centre.
As well as tweed, the collection also features what King calls "cyber comic" prints.
"I describe the Cyber-Dandy range as the Future of Vintage," she said.
