Cycling has experienced something of a revival in recent years. The benefits are self-evident — convenience, maneuverability, and eco-friendliness. This, coupled with the rising cost of cars and fuel, have made bicycles an increasingly attractive option. For Fall/Winter 2012, MIHARAYASUHIRO explores the world of bike specs and spokes in Tokyo for his collection with PUMA. Blending cycling performance features with outdoors functionality, Mihara’s range of contemporary athletic wear and tailored garments sport packable hoods and reflective accents, while a roll-down satchel transforms from a compact, portable bag into a large-volume shopper. With a python motif that slithers its way through the collection and a restrained color palette of green, navy, black and white, there is also a distinctly wearable and fashionable aesthetic edge to go with the loads of function. Meanwhile, shoes are given both urban appeal and velodrome-worthy performance features. The MY-61 Snake, for example, a design embraced by the Tokyo cyclists, fuses a hexagonal grip pattern with MIHARA DIGICAT rigidity and innovative foxing tape, resulting in not only forward-thinking aesthetics but actual cycling performance — enhanced pedal feel, grip, and foot flex. The new PUMA by MIHARAYASUHIRO collection for Fall/Winter 2012 continues on with the designer’s quest for panache, versatility and adaptability, traits that cyclists everywhere will appreciate. Look for the new collection soon at PUMA Black Label locations worldwide.
