Lime just teamed up with Lydia Bolton on a clothing collection

British slow fashion virtuoso Lydia Bolton has unfurled her inaugural collection of pedal-friendly street chic. The designer teamed up with Lime, the world’s largest shared electric vehicle company. Lime provide convenient short-term rentals of electric bikes and scooters at an affordable price in more than 200 cities in nearly 30 countries on five continents.

With Lydia's recycled runway magic, the Re-Cycle Collection isn't just clothing; it's a revolutionary two-wheeled statement. This innovative collection combines style with functionality, making biking a contemporary and feasible choice for all.

Crafted to seamlessly integrate into your daily wardrobe, the four-piece assortment can be effortlessly layered over or under existing ensembles. This allows for a smooth transition from cycling paths to professional settings or social gatherings. The inspiration behind the collection stemmed from a Lime-conducted study revealing that 9 out of 10 UK adults avoid cycling due to certain clothing items, and nearly half (48%) of cyclists wish for more fashionable cycle-friendly attire.

Each piece within the collection is meticulously crafted from second-hand clothing sourced from TRAID's London stores, a prominent charity retailer. Lydia's approach involves working exclusively with leftover stock, unused fabrics, and thrifted garments. This sustainable approach breathes new life into discarded materials, with old tents, quilted jackets, jerseys, waterproof coats, and puffer jackets forming the foundation of the patchwork-style prints synonymous with Lydia's brand. Every element, from pockets to linings and zippers, has been carefully deconstructed and reassembled to create these unique pieces.

The collection encompasses versatile coats that transform from short to long styles, featuring detachable lower halves that can be zipped off and transformed into practical attachable bags, allowing riders to pedal freely while still sporting an oversized coat at their destination. Reflective hi-vis vests offer a fashionable twist, providing a blend of style and safety. The unisex long-length on-the-go shorts are designed for easy wear under or over a skirt, offering modesty protection. Additionally, the line introduces smart and springy clothing clips used to secure trouser hems or prevent long dresses and skirts from getting caught in bikes or scooters.

Lydia Bolton with one of her designs for Lime

Lydia Bolton's creations are centered around crafting timeless pieces meant for enduring wear. Drawing inspiration from her Lime bike journeys through London's Victoria Park to her studio, the collection's color palette features forest greens, beige, and sand tones, aligning with the current trending biker style. The limited-edition unisex capsule collection is available in various sizes, from S to XL, and is intended to be worn in an oversized fashion.

The collection had its spotlight moment on real-life Lime riders, led by the digital dynamo Yasmin Philigence and the model-podcast-extraordinaire Isla Loba. They transformed Camden's cycle lane into a catwalk of style and sustainability, proving that fashion can be practical and fabulous.

Lydia Bolton remarked on the collaboration, stating, "As a proponent of slow fashion and sustainability, partnering with Lime has been an incredible opportunity to develop high-fashion solutions for those seeking greener modes of travel. Utilizing defective stock and waste textiles has allowed me to channel my passion into this project. The Re-Cycle Collection draws from London's vibrant culture and ongoing trends, reflecting how Londoners navigate and interact with the city."

Lizzy Day, Sustainable Operations Manager at Lime, added, "Cycling in London has surged, with over 12 million Lime e-bike trips in the past three years. However, obstacles still hinder its full integration into daily routines, including a lack of fashion-forward cycling apparel that provides both comfort and safety. Through collaboration with Lydia and TRAID, we've crafted a collection that envisions a future of cycle-friendly fashion, enabling more individuals to travel sustainably without compromising their style choices."

Individual pieces from the collection were put up for auction on eBay, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting grassroots environmental organization Friends of the Earth. The auction will run until August 25th, offering a chance to own a part of this impactful collection.