Blazer glory

BRANDS // TECHNICAL CYCLING APPAREL || HUEZ*

Sartorialee heads to the artistic community of Old Paradise Yard in London’s Waterloo, and gets down with the kids of new luxury cycling label Huez*

Tapping in to the current trend for all things vélo, Huez* (whose name is derived from the mighty summit Alpe D’Huez, of La Tour de France fame) visualize a future where the humble bicycle prevails as the preferred way of traversing our great capital.

Cycling aficionados Hugo Saunders and Lorenzo Curci who head up the label, see a world where modern sportswear is so enriched with technology that we’re all able to live in style and be more healthy than ever before. Their first collection encapsulates the familiar cycling apparel of figure-hugging tees and lycra shorts but it was this technical jacket that caught my eye, part of a capsule wardrobe that includes a classic fitted white shirt (worn top buttoned-up, as pictured above) and chinos in familiar beige and show-stopping electric blue, aimed at the sartorial-savvy rider who still wants to cut a dash in the cycle lane:

SPORTS TAILORED JACKET
The goal of Huez* in designing this signature piece was to produce a smart jacket that blended seamlessly in to every day life without standing out specifically as a blazer designed for cycling. Fabrics, the essence of true luxury, were of paramount importance to Huez* if they were to create a jacket that could not only withstand the rigours of an unpredictable English climate but still appear pristine. The search for the perfect weave culminated in employing one of Italy’s finest mills, Lanificio Cerruti, to produce the technical fabric. Cerruti have been spinning yarns since medieval times and their reputation for weaving mastery was simply a no brainer for the Huez* team, particularly as their now retired Octogenarian owner turned up to charmingly oversee their visit.

And so the sports tailored jacket was born, (note: Sports tailored jacket, not Tailored Sports jacket). Eminently wearable and stylish, it looks like it’s walked off the pages of Monocle. Boasting a sophisticated modern cut, it’s trim, yet unrestrictive and very befitting of Cerruti. Huez* have not only created a beautiful garment that meets the demands of an active lifestyle but one that bridges the tricky gap between commute and office. Their fastidious attention to detail means it’s as stylish on the saddle as it is sat at your desk.

“Huez* have not only created a beautiful garment that meets the demands of an active lifestyle but one that bridges the tricky gap between commute and office – it’s as stylish on the saddle as it is sat at your desk”.

What’s more, there’s no need to change: nifty features such as a built-in rear mesh vent, help absorb the physical excesses of the ride. Add to this a Teflon®* coating, Swiss-made mesh lining from Schoeller® and wind-deflecting 100% Viscose front lining and you have a jacket brimming with superb moisture management, flexibility and durability. It’s all very au point.

Finest Italian bi-stretch merino wool brings breathability, not to mention a touch of suave, Polyamide durability and elastane the stretch needed for comfort and movement. It’s a classic two button fastening with swagger-enhancing real horn buttons. An additional button at the collar (when worn raised) can be fastened to minimize draught en-route. Devilish details on the under collar and cuffs utilise reflective tape technology, for improved visibility when darkness falls.

The geeky bit:

• Front flap pockets to keep the rain out
• Interior breast pockets on both sides
• Single rear vent

Sartorialee selects:

Above: Sports tailored jacket, huez.co.uk; Shirt trashness.com; club tie zara.com; pocket square skibinski.co.uk

Darklight: High Visibility Huez* Darklight tape provides maximum reflectivity with a more sartorial feel.

E1 Absorption: Eschler E1 fabrics actively absorb perspiration without drying out the skin. Thanks to their hygienic skin-friendly qualities and freedom of movement, they ensure outstanding wearer comfort.

*Teflon®:  Teflon® fabric protector fends off soil, stains and spills without impacting the fabric’s weight, look, feel, color or breathability. Other companies have been working hard to duplicate it, but they cannot match the superior stain protection of fabrics finished with Teflon®.

COMPOSITION
 Main - 78% Virgin Merino Wool, 18% Polyamide, 4% Elastane
 Lining 1 - 83% Polyester, 17% Elastane
 Lining 2 - 100% Viscose
 Made in Italy

LINK: £400, huez.co.uk