Pashley Princess with Mayor & Model
A reader sent me these images from a photoshoot promoting the Car-Free Day that will be happening on September 20th in London.
London's Mayor Boris Johnson is pictured on his own bike, and model Kelly Brook poses on a black Pashley Princess Classic.
Personally, I find the pictures of her on the Pashley somewhat unconvincing and I am not sure that choosing her was the best form of advertisement. Several news sources reported that she was having difficulties when trying to actually ride the bike, and now discussions have sprung up regarding whether her skirt and heels were appropriate for cycling.
A caption in the Daily Mail reads: "Maybe this isn't the right outfit! Kelly struggles to keep her modesty after wearing a dress and heels." I have nothing against beautiful models. But it may have been nice to find one who, like the Mayor himself, is actually comfortable riding a bike...
London's Mayor Boris Johnson is pictured on his own bike, and model Kelly Brook poses on a black Pashley Princess Classic.
Personally, I find the pictures of her on the Pashley somewhat unconvincing and I am not sure that choosing her was the best form of advertisement. Several news sources reported that she was having difficulties when trying to actually ride the bike, and now discussions have sprung up regarding whether her skirt and heels were appropriate for cycling. A caption in the Daily Mail reads: "Maybe this isn't the right outfit! Kelly struggles to keep her modesty after wearing a dress and heels." I have nothing against beautiful models. But it may have been nice to find one who, like the Mayor himself, is actually comfortable riding a bike...
If they messaged it correctly I think it could work. I suspect a lot of people don't take up daily riding, despite it probably being more practical than other options, because they're intimidated by the 'enthusiast' factor. I thought it was great that they promoted the skyride helmetless and dressed up. If they're trying to reach out to the non-enthusiast, it might be best to include a non-enthusiast, heels and all. There was no perceived need to dress up that non-enthusiast in orange vest, helmet, fourteen blinkies, swim floaties and snorkel, as the safety gestapo as successfully messaged. Sort of a "Kelly Brook is no expert, but that isn't stopping her. What's stopping you?" could work.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the British tabloids seem to be focusing on the fact that she was wearing "inappropriate" shoes. How were they inappropriate? It isn't like she was walking in them or anything?
-dukiebiddle
I think her saddle is just 6" or so too low. If her knees weren't up by her chin she'd have had an easier time.
ReplyDeleteI think Charlotte has nailed it...unless they just put the seat that way to make the most of her legs in the photographs, that must have been an uncomfortable ride. Funny they didn't get Victoria Pendleton. She's just as pretty as this model and actually knows how to ride a bike.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking that you look so much classier and loads more convincing on your Pashley! In theory this was a good idea, but people can see through gimmicks. The best form of advertising will always be women who actually, you know, ride bikes :)
ReplyDelete@Charlotte - lol, so true.
Mayors get all the luck! I suppose they are off to cut some red ribbons? I can't even imagine the day my town would have a "bike to work" promotion, more like "run over a bicycle day".
ReplyDeletebut if her knees weren't up to her chin we wouldn't get the great view of her gams.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte is right, her saddle is too low, the shoes are certainly not too high, or of an unsuitable sort for riding and a full skirt is always easier for riding in than a narrow one.
ReplyDeletehow funny! the papers didn't cover at all the Skyride in Manchester, which was the first one... but of course we are not... London!!... Maybe they were trying too hard with Kelly Brooks, a nice skirt, cute shoes and a lovely top would have done the job and given her an easy ride ;) I do cycle to dinners in dressed up clothes, but it's usually my jeans, pumps and a nice top ;) (plus coat and scarf of course lol!)...
ReplyDeleteThey should have used my so (un)glamorous pictures of the Skyride... me and Pash ;) perfect testimonial.. not! lol! But hey at least we were real cyclists ;)
(I hope the link works...)
Let's leave the Mayor aside... there is more to cry than to smile with him in charge... :(
I did not even notice that the saddle is so low until Charlotte pointed it out. Makes sense.
ReplyDeleteDottie - Aww thank you : )
And I thought Lorenza's SkyRide photo was great.
They should have chosen someone from the London Cycle Chic scene. What about the woman who started the the CycleChic store (http://cyclechic.co.uk)? Now that would have more meaning.
ReplyDeleteWell at least they're trying.
Her saddle IS way too low, and might even be contributing to the skirt flare up. I have a lot of problems with that kind of full skirt on blustery days like today. Perhaps a killer pencil skirt with those great shoes?
ReplyDeleteI think that a lot of new riders feel more confident when they can put a foot down easily. I've seen a lot of newbies (or at least tentative riders) with really low saddles, and for the sake of their knees I hope that they develop more confidence and adjust their saddles soon!
Thanks Filigree =) xxx
ReplyDeleteAt least they're trying! Victoria Pendleton would have been a better choice in terms of looking relaxed on a bike. However, there's that plucky "I'll give it a go" look about Kelly, despite her too-low saddle, which might encourage other women to try riding a bike. The message says you don't have to wear lycra, and that lovely Pashley is just divine. Who wouldn't imagine themselves, just for a moment, in a pretty dress riding a beautiful bike? Hopefully some people will actually get on their bikes on the day.
ReplyDeleteWe have a national Ride to Work day coming up next month... I'm sure it won't have such a glamorous promotion though.
The skirt and the heels are fine. Either the bike is too small or the seat is too low for her to be convincing.
ReplyDeleteI actually liked the fact that they didn’t include stereotypes (in lycra). As a Brit expat living in Copenhagen (arguably the cycling capital of the world), you see fashionable women and men cycling in all types of outfits and shoes with heels of all shapes and sizes, every day. Nothing stops them. Cycling is integrated into their way of life. Amsterdam is also cool. Copenhagen Cycle Chic is a great blog for tips on cycling in style. London Cycle Chic is also doing an excellent job to change the pereception of cycling.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about the details. People see a attractive woman, on a bike, in a nice dress and the bicycle world grows.
ReplyDeleteBut the seat if for sure, too low.
I agree with the "this is better than lycra" and with the "at least they are trying" comments. To be clear, I have nothing against her being a model, wearing a dress and heels, or not wearing a helmet. It is only that for some reason the whole things has a very staged look to me; I can't put my finger on it but it looks unconvincing. Maybe it's just me.
ReplyDeleteIt's unconvincing: If the saddle was higher the breeze wouldn't lift her skirt, which must be important somehow right? I mean who cycles for the fun of riding only these days, rather than the joy of looking good on a bike?
ReplyDeleteLycra: In Seoul a lot of people think cycling chic IS to wear lycra all over head to toe. Seriously.
I'm with you girls. She doesn't look like a seasoned rider (hello, not propping the bike up with her butt cheek). But heels and a skirt are never inappropriate for riding.
ReplyDeleteS*
I bought a bike last weekend, and I'm re-learning how to ride. My goal is to commute to/from work, when I have the skills and confidence. I just saw these images today. Seeing how stylish she looks makes me really want to keep trying.
ReplyDelete