if i can wear this, i’ll learn to ride a bike
by Esther Adams
Photographed by Stephen Meisel Vogue in 2009
Now that summer’s almost here, and bikes are out in full force, how does a style maven dress when she chooses to move in the elements rather than simply sit in an air-conditioned vehicle? Vogue asks loyal cyclists Lily Cole, Agyness Deyn, Hanneli Mustaparta, and Pamela Love, for their tried-and-tested tips on how to pull together looks for pedaling through the city.
“I love it when women cycle in heels,” says Cole. The redhead beauty has been spotted in short vintage frocks whizzing around Cambridge University (where she’s currently studying art history) on a sleek black Pashley Guv’nor. “I mostly wear trainers or flip-flops,” she continues sheepishly, “but I’m thinking of experimenting with wedges—I have Ferragamo and Christian Louboutin versions.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, intrepid style blogger Mustaparta is another bike/heel advocate. And although she’s shrewd when it comes to her wheels—“I bought a really cheap Brentwood so I wouldn’t be worried it would get stolen!”—she throws caution to the wind when it comes to elevated footwear. “Biking makes it surprisingly easy to do a full day in Chloë Sevigny’s Opening Ceremony heels,” she says with a laugh. “Walking in them tires me out!”
