Kostüme cycling apparel brand debuts with Kai & Sunny art link-up

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Apr 26, 2022

Kostüme is a brand new D2C UK cycling apparel brand that creates made-to-order limited edition collections while also linking up with artists. Founded in 2020, its very first drop has just been made available for browsing and customers will be able to place orders from April 29.

The company said it wants to “reinvigorate” the fast-growing market for cycle clothing and also to provide a space for artists to express themselves.

Founded by Ed Barlett, he's been working with ex-Rapha Developer and founder of Get Stuff Made Demi Johnson, to “incorporate innovations into every product”. His pre-order approach is less about exclusivity and more about reducing the environmental impact typically associated with apparel production. 

It debuts with #Edit001 on its website, kostume.cc, and has commissioned new artwork from multi-award-winning UK op art duo Kai & Sunny along with 50 limited edition signed and numbered art prints.

They will launch at the end of this week with Kai & Sunny known for "the mesmeric, hand-painted line works that echo the energy, colours and movement experience while cycling”.

It will release 50 limited edition signed and numbered prints of the artwork.

Additionally Kostüme Will commission and curate a broad range of supporting content and experiences, “uniquely tailored to each artist and release”. The company will work with “a diverse roster of creative talent” on this. 

As an example, the first drop includes interpretive photographic work from Sola, rider portraits by photographer Fergus Coyle, and a short film by Independent cinematographer Dominic John, featuring a new piece of music commissioned from electronic artist Surgeon’s Girl.

As for the clothing itself, it's a seven piece capsule collection including aloe-infused padded bib shorts, a six-pocket short sleeve jersey and more. All the pieces have been “meticulously engineered to cope with the rigours of all day riding”.