Corazzo Speedway Jacket

Corazzo, the sole genuine American producer of scooter gear, introduces the new Speedway Jacket. The design harks back to racing jackets of bygone days. This is great news since Corazzo jackets come with CE grade body armor in elbows, shoulders and back.

If you like classic racing jacket styling, and I do a lot, this a real alternative to wearing that vintage nylon jacket over conventional motorcycle gear. Also, Corazzo jackets are widely available in the US, unlike most of the dedicated scooter gear from classic scooter countries like Italy or France. The Speedway Jacket should retail for about $229, which is not exactly cheap. But hey, maybe Santa finally has found something to stuff your stocking the right way? Check for a dealer near you here.

Boots Special III: Fluevogs

The next find in our boots special is due to chelseagirl. If you like, surf over to her and tell her thank you! Now to the substance. Fluevogs are cool boots indeed. My pick is the Raiff, pictured below, which is on sale right now for some lean $89 at the brand onlinestore. This boot seams to combine the best of two worlds since it is a seriously hip sneaker and, yes, it's ankle high and made from leather.


Alas, Fluevogs can induce sticker shock. Check out the incredible Augusto Snake ($245) and the gaudy but gorgeous Eastwood ($275).











Last hurdle: Fluevogs can only be found in major cities or online. So, if you dont' think shopping online for shoes is a good idea (as I do) and don't live in one of the big cities (as I also do), you have to pass or save up for that next trip to NYC or LA. Check the list for stores.

Boots Special II: Clarks

It would be hard to sell Clark's as an exotic fashion find. Easy availability might take away from a feeling of exclusivity, but it does not diminish the simple elegance of this model.The Kamet is waterproof, comes up over the ankles, and is at $93.95 no budget buster. Available online, or look for your local retailer. I, for my part, am on the way to the mall!

Boots Special I: UGG

Scooter footwear must be the least researched fashion item of all times. It's easy to see why. Much scooter fashion smartness rides on casual understatement. This is tricky, of course, as a studied air of laissez-faire often does not square with the functional requirements of riding. The obvious example for this are the beloved flip-flops. While unbeatably nonchalant, it is ridiculously dangerous to wear them on your scoot. As one commenter on an earlier entry correctly observed, ankle protection is a must. The obvious solution is to wear boots. Just what boots is the big question: Surely steel-toed working boots score on the subtlety scale in the same range as Harley Davidsons, and should accordingly be left to riders of the latter. This Boot Special aims to make some suggestions what to put on your feet that let's you ride in stile while keeping your ankles safe.

The first boots that meet the urban coolness test come from UGG Australia. While somewhat pricey, they should not be hard to get (check the deal locator). I like the Beacon ($175 from the manufacturer), and the Classic Short ($130). You might consider the Classic Short in its light brown version (actually called Chestnut) for the true 80's easygoing look, but those won't stay so light for very long.














Beacon

Classic Short

Fashion Watch

bd, scooter madam of nordeast
Originally uploaded by Megan Mayer.

Now here is an example of nice scooter styling from America. Let's tally the pluses: The white jacket makes for a lean and elegant visual fundament, which is matched by the jet helmet (both get an extra bonus for visibility). The basics are nicely accented by cool 60s monster shades and quirky blue motorcycle gloves. On the downside, standard issue jeans are sure looks killers. And the jacket probably lacks armor. For the scooter, I think Genuine's Buddy strikes a good balance between retro elements and clear lines, leaving the rider at the center of attention.

On and Between Rides: Salewa Shoes

The renowned German mountain sports supplier Salewa seeks to capitalize on its brandname and has entered the market for high-end sports shoes. While not scooter fashion in the strict sense, these shoes will provide you with grip on the floorboard, sufficient stability for emergency feet-down situations, water resistance for heavenly splashes, and --- a hard to beat fashion edge.

Check for example the Crossover XCR, equipped with improved Gore Tex XCR and 1.4/1.6 mm Nubuk Leather, Lightweight Construction, Anatomically Designed Upper, SH 65 Shock Absorbing Heel Insert, Green Fit Footbed, yet speaking the design language of European urban cool. Or how about the Cityhopper, sharing the same technical characteristics as the Crossover, but without Gore Tex and lighter 1,2/1,4 mm Nubuk Leather?

I could not establish prices yet. I have contacted Salewa USA for retail information, and will give an update if I know more. This one was discovered by our friends at megamodo.

Scooter Ladies

Scooter Ladies
Originally uploaded by Lilaxel.

Yet another take on the timeless ladies-scooting-in-style topic. This most likely was shot in an Arabic country, or maybe Indonesia. It's a nice example of scooting as most elegant way of urban travel, irrespective of culture or age.

Hello Kitty Helmet

Not for everyone, but a must for girly style riders: The Hello Kitty helmet. The helmet is available from this Italian Hello Kitty website. It sells for Euros 199 (about $265). I could not verify shipping costs, but there is an English language checkout option, and payment is through PayPal.

Crusing Amsteram, Staying Cool

Originally uploaded by opeksei.

Here is a nice picture of two girls riding through Amsterdam. I like it for capturing the urban cool of European scootering. Take note of the sophisticated jet helmets, most likely from Momo. I also like the slim silhouette of the driver's leather jacket, and the combination of jacket with jeans, leather gloves and elegant shoes.

Helmet with Cony Fur

Not that we had needed proof that Italian scooter and motorcycle gear design is years ahead of the black-in-black drudgery of the American market. But this new helmet from Borsalino (known in the US as hat maker) really drives the point home. Its adorned with real cony fur! Maintaining your fashion edge is never cheap: the helmet sells for Euros 258 ($340) at this French website: hightechdesign.fr. Discovered by our friends at scooter-infos.com.

Forbidden Beauty

This new jet helmet from Givi features magnesium parts for light weight, super efficient ventilation, great color choices, and killer looks. Our friends at Scooter-Infos.com discovered this one. They give the price with Euros 145 ($190). The downside: the helmet is not DOT approved. So, before you put it on your shopping list for the summer trip to Europe, make sure DOT approval is not mandatory in your state. You can find European dealerships here.

Vespa Wedding

Coniugi Brambilla/Conti
Originally uploaded by Lele763.

Now this must be the hottest riding outfit of the year. Though it is unlikely that the two don silky suit and evening gown when riding on an everyday basis, we still salute their fashion sense. We wish the newlyweds always a good ride and safe handling of the bumpy parts of the passage (put some safety gear on, will you?) .

Fold Flat, Ride Off!

Scooters leave plenty of room for fashion choices, from flip-flops to dress skirts (obvious safety caveats apply). Yet despite CVT and flat floor boards, high heels are still off limits. Until now, that is. Camileon Heels promises a grand appearance without forgoing scooting to work or party. These shoes feature high heels that fold flat while on the scooter --- or when the toes cry uncle.











It's not a cheap pleasure, as prices start at around $300. But it might just be worth it. Available directly from Camileon Heels or at Zappos.com.

Scooter Cool

Leaving School
Originally uploaded by jenosch.

Just a glimps of Vietnamese youth culture. Students ride home from a Hanoi school. Cool.

Vespa Rides The Fashion Train

It should take little wondering that a brand that has largely defined the image and meaning of scootering offers its own fashion label. However, Vespa just recently started its own line of functional clothing. The current collection was introduced last fall. It's not available in the US yet. An extensive online search shows that it is not yet on sale in Europe either. We will keep you posted if this changes. Cudos go to our friends at 2strokebuzz for translating from Italian:

Vespa’s new showpiece is a Dainese-designed Vespa Club jacket and gilet (a fancy word for “really expensive quilted polyester liner that’s sold separately”). The jacket “can be personalised with armour protection,” which apparently means it has pockets for armor (sold separately). (The use of the word “Club” is cute, since the Vespa World Club is entering its seventh month of total inactivity.) On the accessories side, Vespa is releasing a line of leather bags designed to fit inside Vespa topcases, including one designed specifically for laptop computers. if that’s not enough leather, try a leather seat, now available in tobacco for the GTS, and tobacco or red for the LX. Why not throw in some matching grips? And a new Vespa Soft-Touch half-helmet? (why no full-face, guys? It’s 2006!) Rounding out the new line is a full complement of of chrome accessories, and a must-have Vespa-branded chain lock (with matching carrying bag!).

Piaggio further dissects your helmet fraction choices, with new three-eighths (Micro), five eighths (Copter) and seven-eighths (X-Jet) models. The “Micro” features snap-on goggles to cover another small fraction of your face. Continuing Vespa’s “personalizable jacket” theme, they’ve also unleased the “Technocomfort” line, with the unisex GT4 jacket, the Executive for the boys, and for the ladies, the, erm, Lady. The jackets can also be “customized” with armor, liners. or goofy leg covers they’re calling “Flaps™,” at additional cost, though the adjectives “Revolutionary,” “Elegant,” “Dynamic,” and “Innovative” are yours at no charge.

Scooter Spirit in Hendersonville

Check out the `Life Church Scooter'. If you are into religion or not, this is great design, I love the pastor's helmet and goggles, and his excitement about scooters. God's speed and long riding!

The Real Vespa Styling

These very British 60s adds provide timeless inspiration for scooter rider styling and fashion. Ok, Vespas became a symbol of Italian lifestyle in the 50s. But in the 60s, other European countries saw the emergence of their own subcultures that, like the English Mods, to the very day have a big impact on what we see and aspire to when riding a scooter.

Let's Play, Vespa Boy

vespa & my girl
Originally uploaded by 091.

Quite a fashion statement for a plastic figure makes this Vespa rider with his girl friend in the back. Nice: The beard, the green shirt, and I like the casual jacket. Of course, this dude needs to take protection more seriously, so a helmet and gloves, and some body armor would be in order. Oh, and don't try this with you girlfriend at home.

Extreme Scooter Fashion

Rain gear
Originally uploaded by larryleenyc.

The utilitarian aspect of riding a scooter sometimes fully dictates the rider's fashion choice. Check out this extreme rider-and-machine poncho!

Scooter fashion, Bali style.

Have been spotted - Surfies
Originally uploaded by amorphity.

We all love our scooters for being utilitarian, yet elegant. This mixture works its magic around the world, as can be seen in this shot from Bali. Of course, it is unknown if surf boards are any good as body armor in case of an accident. Surf's up!

1950s Vespa Racers

1950s Italy is the cradle of modern scooter culture and styling (apologies to all Cushman fans). Get some fashion inspiration from these Italian Vespa racers. The video previews an exhibition organized by the Vespa Club of Pinerolo, Italy, opening July 2007.

Good Looks Should Last

Continuing with European scooter fashion, what is its most important ingredient (true also for any other continent)? This video gives the answer: Its the helmet!

Scooting Elegance

Staying on topic, European scooter riders have a way of exuding elegance. Lest we forget why in the 1950s Vespas became so popular with women: Because you can ride them wearing a skirt! This lady rides through Florence, Italy.

Looking Racy

Scooter racing in North America is still in its infancy, at least when compared to Europe, where the sport is well organized. The British Scooter Sport Organisation for example organizes races in 14 different classes, sorted by type (classic, automatic, sidecar) and engine size (70cc to (!) 650cc).

For the American scooterist, a cheap way to borrow from the scooter racing aesthetic are good old patches, such as those two, found at Motorsport Scooters.

Scootering Italian Style

Check out this very cool podcast* from MTV Italy. Pimp My Wheels, modeled after the American Pimp My Ride. Participants have the bling put into their beatup scooters or motorcycles. Go, get some inspirations!




*Click on 'Si, ho iTunes', if you have iTunes installed, and on 'Effettua il download di iTunes' to download it.

Don't get blown away

I can't believe it's snowing outside! A gigantic cold front just passed the Great Lakes and now dumps the white stuff onto upstate New York. It is high time to switch from summer style riding gear to heavy defenses against the cold. The key: Wear everything you like, but put a windbreaking jacket under it! I just snapped up this one from Helly Hansen Direct, for 90 bucks (I picked the red one, for visibility, of course).




The last couple of weeks had some great riding days. Sun out, but pretty fresh in the morning. In this weather, I found some good use for the yellow racing jacket with the hole burned into the back. It works nicely as a windbreaker with my Harris Tweed jacket (from Ebay, $ 30 with shipping). Smile.