Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

Anyone else think it total bollocks that the Mac jacket SOLD OUT instantly then 4 days later they have a full size run ?

Marketing tactic ? – To create a buzz about the product & any one sat on the fence about the purchase buys thinking
I could sell out at any point ?

They did the same with the Pro Team Jacket . . . .

either that or production fuck up.

I think the unlimited amount of matching caps for sale kind of gave the game away. I did suspect that there might be more available but perhaps not quite so soon.

I suppose Christmas is coming...

I've just been reading a review of a running jacket and I came across this:

It works well for cycling too. I’ve had this jacket out on my single speed a few times, and it works great. The reflective detailing is a great safety feature, and it’s no wonder why the jacket worked well on my bike ride; the team behind ashmei has also produced sportswear for Rapha.

So, who are Ashmei, what do the do (other than what I can see on the website) and what have they produced for Rapha and why?

Anyone else think it total bollocks that the Mac jacket SOLD OUT instantly then 4 days later they have a full size run ?

Marketing tactic ? – To create a buzz about the product & any one sat on the fence about the purchase buys thinking
I could sell out at any point ?

They did the same with the Pro Team Jacket . . . .

either that or production fuck up.

who cares?

So, who are Ashmei, what do the do (other than what I can see on the website) and what have they produced for Rapha and why?

http://www.coroflot.com/stuartbrooke/Rapha/1

http://www.coroflot.com/stuartbrooke/Rapha/1

Thanks!

I was curious because, after making a song and dance about how their gloves were hand made in the UK by Burfields and Co, I was very disappointed to find out the newer R+PS ones were made in Indonesia.

So, if the R+PS jacket was designed by Stuart Brooke, where does Paul Smith come into it?

Just had a look at that Mac Softshell you're all banging on about - it's absolutely amazing.

£400 is a bit inflated, but not by much if you look around at other brands (outside of cycling) and what they offer. Plus the detailing looks immaculate.

As much as I hate Rapha's pomp and hype, it strikes me that a lot of people don't really know how much things cost. If you don't want to spend the money then stay smug and wear Endura.

Anyone else think it total bollocks that the Mac jacket SOLD OUT instantly then 4 days later they have a full size run ?

Marketing tactic ? – To create a buzz about the product & any one sat on the fence about the purchase buys thinking
I could sell out at any point ?

They did the same with the Pro Team Jacket . . . .

either that or production fuck up.

The stock goes on the web when it comes in, if it's sold out then it's because there is no stock. It comes in in batches not 1,000,000 units at a time.

They've got to you already!

The stock goes on the web when it comes in, if it's sold out then it's because there is no stock. It comes in in batches not 1,000,000 units at a time.

I think everyone understands this but on the website, they made a point of saying how limited it was and, whilst they might not be making a full run of them, it's certainly not in as limited numbers as they'd have us believe.

Hi All,

Stuart from ashmei here. I thought I should clear something up.

ashmei is a new performance running apparel brand that uses the very best performance fabrics available.

ashmei has NOT[B][/B] designed or developed anything for Rapha.

ashmei's parent company BLUE ASSOCIATES Ltd http://www.blueassociates.co.uk/ has been designing and supplying performance sportswear to blue chip brands for over 15 years with Rapha being one of those clients since they established.

ashmei has been designed for specifically for runners but the softshell jacket has been purchased by cyclists too as the rear hem is slightly longer at the back and the materials used are also relevant to riding. Our superfine merino jerseys are also suitable for cyclists.

Check out our gar and let me know your thoughts. Is there room for ashmei to launch into cycle and if so what would you like to see?

Thanks

Stuart
(founder) ashmei & Blue associates

apparel for the triathlon crowd?

Check out our gar and let me know your thoughts.

Gar?

Is that slang?

Disagree with the reported post saying that was spam, flamewar yes, spam no.

BLUE ASSOCIATES Ltd http://www.blueassociates.co.uk/ has been designing and supplying performance sportswear to blue chip brands for over 15 years with Rapha being one of those clients since they established.

Is this how it works in clothes designing? A designer company (Blue Associates) designs a garment for another company (Rapha) to sell, or allow another designer (Paul Smith) to change the colour?

Genuine question - is Rapha's involvment limited to stoking the brand, or are they involved in any of the design of the garment beyond specifying a stripe on the arm?

Brand strategy, I'd imagine.

Question to Stuart from ashmei: Why would I buy ashmei when I can get Rapha?

What? No. You can't buy Ashmei clothing. You buy a service.

Blue Associates consult on design and sourcing. It says in very large type on the first page of their site.

facepalm

Except, you can.

that long sleeve jersey is really nice...

Bit pricey though.

Yeah man they're a shop, I think u missed sumfin lol

My bad. Blue associates is the consultancy.

What? No. You can't buy Ashmei clothing. You buy a service.

Blue Associates consult on design and sourcing. It says in very large type on the first page of their site.

facepalm

You can buy ashmei. It is a brand that sells to the puplic.

Blue Associates is our sister company that has been designing sportswear for blue chip brands for over 15 years.

ashmei is owned by Blue Associates.

We decided to launch our own brand rather than constantly developing other peoples brands as we think there is a niche market in running for higher performance gear.

Question to Stuart from ashmei: Why would I buy ashmei when I can get Rapha?

Hi Crispin

Rapha is a dedicated brand for cycling and ashmei is a dedicated brand for running.

Rapha jerseys have a more cycle bias with rear stuff pockets for some of the gear you carry on a ride. ashmei has less pockets as you tend to carry less on a run.

If you don't tend to use the rear stuff pockets then ashmei jerseys would be a good substitute but we do plan to launch our own cycle specific range in the future.

Rapha is a great brand with some great products and ashmei will offer something different to their line with a stronger focus on performance.

Watch this space.

"Ashmei, nice but not for cycling" thread