Wheels & Heels - Bicycles London’s Most Stylish Accessory
Columbia Road in East London, famous for its flower market and quirky boutiques became a catwalk for cycle style at London Fashion Week’s most unique event.
Over 1,000 people braved the cold on Valentine’s evening, Thursday 14 February, to see London’s most innovative fashion show as the famous East End flower market was transformed to a catwalk for models on bicycles.
The ingenious event is the brain child of Hackney Council and Tower Hamlets Council, who aimed to achieve a greater uptake of cycling particularly amongst young women, by showing that cycling can be an accessible, fun and fashionable way to get around London.
Councillor Alan Laing, Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods said:
“It’s fantastic to see so many people turn out to support the Councils’ efforts to promote cycling as a sustainable form of transportation. We hope the Wheels and Heels event demonstrated our commitment to achieving a greater uptake of cycling, particularly amongst young women, by showing how practical and fashionable it can be as well a being a great way to stay fit and get around.”
Local residents and traders rubbed shoulders with people from the fashion industry and were treated to an amazing display of style and talent. Paddy Waters and his partner, Anna, performed amazing tricks on bicycles, wowed the audience with gravity defying acts while models glided down to catwalk in stylish cycling-wear.
Printed merino tops and waterproof jackets by Boulder Boutique, amazing outfits from Swallows and Rose & Buck, accessories by Cyclodelic and GlovedUp brought an edgy feel to the event. Retro bicycles from Bobbins Bicycles and music by Harry Foster gave the show the quirky East London feel that Columbia Road is renowned for.
The designers were delighted to be part of the event with Guy Hills from Dashing Tweeds, known for his elegant cuts and amazing reflective tweed, saying:
“This is a fantastic initiative by the Councils to get more people onto bicycles. Many people have a block around cycling. This event highlights that you can look smart and be able to jump on a bike without making any special effort.”
Photo downloads
Click on the links below to download photos of the Wheels and Heels show.
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
.