If anything 2011 is the year that fashion definitely got excited about riding bikes around the city. But there’s already a collection of indie design labels dedicated to producing hip and sophisticated urban cycling fashion designed to be comfortable while [...]]]> Excerpt from The Bird Wheel’s “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Bicycle Fashion.”

If anything 2011 is the year that fashion definitely got excited about riding bikes around the city. But there’s already a collection of indie design labels dedicated to producing hip and sophisticated urban cycling fashion designed to be comfortable while riding while many of the new additions use advanced technical materials to stay dry or dry quickly, stand up to the rigours of dedicated riding while looking super chic at work or just being your gorgeous self. With so many major design players, athletic labels and a new generation of apparel companies thriving on the growth in cycling -it’s also great to see that many of the smaller labels are also focused on domestic production (swrve, Nona Varnado, Outlier).

Nona Varnado Fall 2010 Lifestyle Collection

In Fall 2010 a line of riding jackets, wool tunics, technical shells and reflective waterproof vests were released.  SS11 brought bike dresses, a Spin-collection and the NV Riding pant. Like Levis’ & Outlier, the NV Riding Pant is made with Schoeller AG fabric and cut to be comfortable riding all day long and in a unique spin: designed to look fabulous on a range of ladies’ bottoms. Black and Khaki colors are classic and work beautifully as a fashion staple. The collection is made in NYC and available only by inquiry.

Nona Varnado SS11 Spin Collection

Though Lululemon is the default apparel brand seen in spin classes nationwide – this is the first spin specific apparel line. Mesh tops and jerseys are modestly cut to hide bra straps in edgy color block paneling. Matching mini-shorts & capris. The interplay of mesh panels in key places make them super cool and breathable, but lack some of the details of major brands, such as key pockets or heat sealed seams. It’s spin-specific but any of the pieces work for runners and cross training. As much as yoga wear has entered the every day fashion lexicon, spin or cycling wear is poised to be the next generation of active sport fashion with details like sport specific fabrics and pockets over drawstrings and baggy bottoms. Lightweight, minimal and pretty enough to wear outside a spin studio, the brand is noticeably free from logos or any screen printing.

Including:

January 14, 2011 | New York

Break the Cycle
[...]]]> In the Fantastically phrased subject line, “NYC – How to Not Look Lame While Biking” tons of fashion oriented New Yorkers were introduced to NV through Friday’s NYC edition of Daily Candy’s popular newsletter. Here’s what it looked like:



January 14, 2011 | New York

Break the Cycle
Nona Varnado Activewear

The fare hike imminent, you resolved to cycle more (but snow put the brakes on that plan).

Enticing us to climb back on our trusty steed is Nona Varnado’s line of functional and fashionable biking gear.

Varnado, former pro cyclist and feminist, employs details that combine practicality with curve enhancement: copper-zippered derriere pockets play up what your mama gave you; an oversize collar lends face-framing drama (and wind and rain protection) to an eye-popping fuchsia wool jacket.

Two made-to-order gems: a cross-check tweed Sherlock-about-town riding cape with a cinched waist that traps warm air and the Champagne Proof jacket (a necessity for 50 Cent groupies and pro racers).

Prefer couture? Varnado takes custom orders and will even create a slew of jerseys if you and your crew are up for a race — or pub crawl.

Available at Bicycle Habitat, 244 Lafayette Street, between Prince and Spring Streets (212-431-3315); online at nonavarnado.com, $25-$375.

Photo: Eric Wolfe / Courtesy of Nona Varnado