On November 1st in Cork, Ireland, the city council and various European and local designers put on the CYCLE CHIC Fashion Show. It's aim was to reflect the spirit of Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Paris where cycling is less about wearing gawky reflective jackets and more about style, grace and simplicity. Did they succeed? Long video but cut to 1.09 mins in and it looks like they did. More photos here.

OUTLIER just emailed me a press release, they sound interesting. They're based in NYC and produce tailored clothing from performance technical fabrics. Clothing that their press release says . .

"works from both bike to boardroom, for a world where bikes are the best mode of transit. Designed for versatility, both socially and technologically, whether you're riding to work, meeting with clients, or out on the town. Aimed at urban dwellers who ride their bikes to work because of the way it makes them feel, refreshed yet exhilarated, because it's the best way to navigate the city."

Two years ago, Abe and Tyler began to search for a solution to a basic problem; how to ride their bikes to work and show up looking crisp, fresh and clean. Cycling wore out their jeans. On rainy days or days when they needed to dress up for clients, they either suffered the train or performed awkward superman maneuvers in bathrooms to change. An insightful barista at their local coffee shop connected the pair and Outlier was born.

The OG Pant is their flagship garment, made in NYC with Schoeller Dryskin Extreme fabrics. Apparently the stuff keeps you cool and dry no matter how hard you ride and has a "self cleaning" coating, water just rolls off, taking with it any dirt that might remain. Water resistant and quick drying, it will eventually saturate in the craziest storms, but get indoors and you'll find yourself dry in 10-20 minutes. The style is versatile, could go with brogues and a jacket or sneakers and a hoodie. Designed to be a classic that works for any occasion. They retail for US $240. Interested? Check out more at Outlier.cc

All above bike bling and more available here.

Snapped this outside Barcelona's Mercat de Boqueria, according to the Guardian "possibly the best market in the world". Think I got robbed at Bar Pinotxo shortly afterwards on langoustines but they were sublime.

Saw this over at Copenhagen Cycle Chic, great video.

Late breakfast at Broadway Market today : Vietnamese coffee and a falafel wrap. It's a fashion parade down there and a Mecca for cycle chic spotting. Am still criplingly awkward putting my camera in people's faces but got a few shots I'm happy with. Above's a shot into Lock 7 a cycle cafe where you can have a drink, some cake and get your cycle repaired or just browse the accessories and hip second hand bikes on display. Its got a view down onto Regent's Canal or out at the passing cyclists laden with organic veg et al. The shop opened in April 2008 and was apparently inspired by a trip to Copenhagen - no surprise there.

Plenty of shabby chic ladies bikes being walked around here as well as a few new Bianchi cruisers, Pashleys, Bronxes, Electras, Raleighs and custom fixies. Wicker baskets are de rigeur for carrying groceries and the more designer boutique bags you can hang off your handlebars the better.

Emo punk chic is big around here and here's some early proof that Hackney does heels on bikes (plenty more seen btw but not quick enough on the trigger I'm afraid).

The fate of cars left too long around here . . . the end is nigh my gas guzzling friends.