Now, unless you’ve all been walking around with your eyes shut (which I am convinced that most of London does judging by the number of people getting in each other’s way), you will have no doubt noticed the ever-increasing popularity of cycling in the city and this is by no means because of Boris. This rather delicious-looking book, Cycle Style (not just because of the handsome fella on the front cover, honest guv) is a collection of some of THE coolest hipsters and their faithful steeds that can be spotted pootling around this town. Compiled by London-based photographer, Horst Friedrichs (who’s no stranger to London, fashion or the study of ‘cool’), as a regular contributor to The Independent, The New York Times and the author of no fewer than two books on style genres, who better to catalogue the crazy cats? A beautiful range of images depicting a diverse range of characters from our splendidly colourful and creative community this inspirational book will titillate the senses with the bikes, the fashion or for cycling, chances are all three. You’ll be in a pair of tweed plus eights before you know it. Having already got a pair of tweed plus-eights myself, I’m almost tempted to get a two-wheeled steed for myself to finish off the look. Now, having spent the last 21 years in east London myself, it comes as no surprise to be able to recognise a lot of the backgrounds of the photos as being from this part of town and sometimes it does feel like you can’t move for bikes and cyclists. The only things missing from the book are my brother and good friend Mimi, both of whom are obvious cycling trend-setters, in my opinion, and can often be seen around the streets of Bethnal Green and Hackney. Happy cycling and don’t forget your helmet.
Cycle Style by Horst A. Friedrichs. Available to buy from Prestel, published today.
- Hardcover: 176 pages, 200 illustrations, 19.3 x 27cm (7.6 x 10.6 in)
- Publisher: Prestel (19th March 2012)
- Language English
- ISBN: 978-3-7913-4662-5
- RRP: UK £19.99, US $29.95
with thanks to Prestel Publishing for the images.
How cool! These people look great and truly at ease – totally unlike myself. I’m too scared to cycle in London (unless it’s on my 1000cc aided cycle – which then isn’t strictly speaking cycling anymore…) and would probably look a complete mess with an expression of sheer terror on my face… When is the book about pedestrians coming out again?