Every once in a while something comes along that makes you slap your head asking the classic "why didn't I think of that?" Enter Thom Browne's Moncler Gamme Bleu Spring 2011 presentation at Milan's Velodromo Vigorelli. Instead of the usual runway boredom, Mr. Brown tightens the trousers and breaks out the racing stripes to present a collection that one might actually wear in the real world both on and off the cycle. More importantly, the presentation is a respectful homage to Italy's rich cycling history (of which I salute Mr. Browne) and a reminder of that which we lack Stateside - with the occasional Queen reference, of course. Why more American designers don't design with this balance of form, function and history is still yet to be determined. Now while I'm in no place to drop my paycheck on a piece from this collection, the colors and details are reminders that we can all look pretty damn good while riding a bike. More from the collection here and here.
