For this year’s Ballarat Tweed Ride, the tenth such event, I got a custom suit made by Clasch Design. This had another special connection for me as early in my blogging journey I had three items custom-made by her, so to come back for this special occasion was quite serendipitous.
We started with several inspirational images, including suffragist imagery regarding women’s emancipation and bicycles. We also looked at some Dior books. Then Clare sketched. I did have photos of this moment and all the behind-the-scenes but I can’t find them anywhere. If I find them down the track I will share but for now, picture in your mind the process so you can at least see the finished product.
The next step after sketching was to do a mock-up. This was the most important mock-up that I’ve had done by her as a cycling outfit has a function that we needed to test. We decided on some big adjustments to the trousers, including the addition of pockets. We also changed the shape of the front of the jacket slightly.
In choosing the fabric I went for an authentic, non-stretch velvet. I’d imagined doing a suit in either a green and navy tartan or pink velvet. Pink seemed more iconic for this edition and so we went with that colour choice. I knew I’d made the right one when it arrived.
The blouse I chose is from the Seamstress of Bloomsbury. I own several much-loved pieces from them. Everything they make is timeless and comfortable. They are the kind of brand that know a piece is timeless so they hold it for years instead of seasons. They also have a range of prints and colours that are always available. I’ve worn this shirt to work a lot since buying it.
I couldn’t be happier with the suit. Clare, as always, did a very immaculate, skilled job putting it together. It was a challenging and unforgiving fabric to work with and it couldn’t have been in more qualified or visionary hands.
Bike Pretty also posted me this stunning helmet cover (they have previously provided me with a straw one and a black one) for the ride. It didn’t arrive in time for the day but I was so chuffed to put it with the suit for these photos. Check out Bike Pretty as they have such a wonderful range for feminine cyclists.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little bit of background into how the suit came about for the 10th Ballarat Tweed Ride. Now if I could just decide what to wear in 2023…
