For the grand opening of their Beverly Hills store in 2017, Berluti, a brand synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship, made an unexpected yet bold statement by venturing into a new domain—urban culture. To mark the occasion, Berluti paid homage to Venice Beach’s vibrant and edgy ethos by releasing an exclusive capsule collection. Among the collection’s standout pieces was a BMX bike, designed in collaboration with St. Martin, a name revered in the BMX community. This connection wasn’t merely an exercise in design; it was a fusion of luxury fashion and the gritty, adrenaline-fueled world of urban BMX riding.
Capsule Collection: A Tribute to Urban Energy
Berluti’s capsule collection for the Beverly Hills store opening was a masterclass in blending high fashion with urban street culture. Venice Beach, known for its bohemian spirit, surf culture, and vibrant street art, provided a stark contrast to the traditional luxury that Berluti represented. However, this juxtaposition worked in favor of the brand, creating an exciting tension between the old-world craftsmanship of Berluti and the raw, unfiltered energy of Venice Beach. The BMX bike was the centerpiece of this collection, embodying the convergence of these two seemingly disparate worlds.
The Berluti BMX Bike: A Symphony of Craftsmanship and Urban Cool
At the heart of the collaboration was the BMX bike, designed with both flatland riding and urban exploration in mind. This wasn’t just any bike; it was a Berluti creation. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship, Berluti approached the design of the BMX bike with the same level of precision and care they apply to their renowned shoes and leather goods.
The bike features a non-dyed metal frame, fork, and handlebar, all meticulously handcrafted. The choice to leave the metal in its raw form was a nod to the urban environment—unpolished, tough, and authentic. However, Berluti elevated this aesthetic by incorporating their signature Venezia leather accents. Expertly patinated in the “Mogano” shade, these leather elements added a touch of sophistication and luxury, making the bike a true work of art. The juxtaposition of raw metal and refined leather encapsulated the fusion of urban grit and high fashion.
The incorporation of Venezia leather was no small feat. Berluti’s Venezia leather is famous for its depth of color and unique patina, developed through a meticulous handcrafting process. This leather has long been a signature of the brand, used in everything from their iconic shoes to their accessories. By applying this same leather to the BMX bike, Berluti ensured that the bike was not just functional but also a collectible piece that carried the brand’s storied heritage.
A Limited-Edition Masterpiece
This collaboration between Berluti and St. Martin resulted in a limited-edition bike that was as functional as it was fashionable. Designed with the needs of both BMX enthusiasts and discerning collectors in mind, the Berluti BMX bike became a symbol of exclusivity. Each bike was meticulously handcrafted, ensuring that no two were exactly alike. This attention to detail and dedication to craftsmanship made the bike a must-have for those who appreciated both the technical aspects of BMX riding and the luxurious finishes that Berluti is known for.
For BMX enthusiasts, the bike offered the durability and performance needed for flatland tricks and urban exploration. The geometry of the frame, the quality of the materials, and the craftsmanship ensured that the bike could handle the demands of street riding. Yet, for the luxury collector, the bike represented more than just a means of transportation—it was a piece of art, a statement of style, and a testament to Berluti’s ability to push the boundaries of luxury fashion.
Berluti: A Legacy of Craftsmanship
To fully appreciate the significance of the Berluti BMX bike, one must understand the legacy of the brand itself. Founded in Paris in 1895 by Alessandro Berluti, the brand initially made its name through its bespoke shoes, renowned for their impeccable fit and craftsmanship. Over the years, Berluti expanded its offerings to include leather goods, ready-to-wear, and accessories, all while maintaining a commitment to craftsmanship and quality.
Berluti’s leather goods, particularly those crafted from Venezia leather, are the epitome of luxury. The brand’s patina technique, which involves hand-applying layers of color to create depth and richness, is unmatched in the fashion world. This technique is what makes Berluti’s products stand out, giving them a unique character that cannot be replicated by machines. When this level of craftsmanship is applied to a BMX bike, the result is nothing short of extraordinary.
While the BMX bike may have been the star of the capsule collection, Berluti’s reputation is built on its footwear. Known for creating some of the world’s finest shoes, Berluti’s craftsmanship in leather is legendary. The brand’s shoes, often made from Venezia leather, are celebrated for their elegance, comfort, and durability. Each pair is handcrafted with precision, ensuring that every detail is perfect.
One of Berluti’s most iconic shoe designs is the Alessandro, named after the brand’s founder. The Alessandro is a whole-cut oxford shoe, made from a single piece of leather. This design showcases Berluti’s skill in working with leather, as it requires the material to be flawless and the craftsmanship to be impeccable. The shoe is then patinated by hand, giving it a unique color and finish.
In the context of the Beverly Hills collection, Berluti’s shoes were presented alongside the BMX bike, creating a dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and modern street culture. The shoes, like the bike, were a fusion of old and new, of refinement and rebellion. The Alessandro shoe, with its sleek design and rich patina, stood in contrast to the raw metal of the BMX bike, yet both pieces shared a common thread of quality and attention to detail.
Impression
Berluti’s decision to create a BMX bike may have seemed unexpected, but it was a bold statement that luxury can intersect with urban culture in meaningful ways. By collaborating with St. Martin, a brand that understands the intricacies of BMX design, Berluti demonstrated that they were not simply imposing their luxury aesthetic onto the BMX world but rather engaging with it in an authentic way. This collaboration showed that luxury can be inclusive, bridging the gap between different worlds and creating something new and exciting in the process.
The Berluti BMX bike also challenged traditional notions of luxury. By creating a product that was both functional and fashionable, Berluti redefined what luxury could be. It wasn’t just about creating beautiful objects; it was about creating objects that could be used, experienced, and lived with. The bike, like Berluti’s shoes, was meant to be worn, ridden, and enjoyed, not just admired from a distance.
Since its release, the Berluti BMX bike has become a highly sought-after collector’s item. It represents a moment in fashion history when a luxury brand stepped outside its comfort zone and embraced a new cultural movement. The bike is more than just a product; it is a symbol of the brand’s willingness to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of luxury.
Collectors who were fortunate enough to acquire one of these limited-edition bikes view it as a piece of art, a testament to Berluti’s craftsmanship and vision. It stands as a reminder that luxury is not static but ever-evolving, capable of adapting to and influencing the world around it.
Berluti’s BMX bike is a perfect example of how two seemingly different worlds—luxury fashion and urban culture—can come together to create something truly unique. Through their collaboration with St. Martin, Berluti managed to capture the spirit of Venice Beach while staying true to their heritage of craftsmanship and quality.
This limited-edition bike is more than just a mode of transportation; it is a statement piece, a collector’s item, and a symbol of the brand’s willingness to embrace new ideas and challenge traditional notions of luxury. Whether you are a BMX enthusiast or a collector of luxury items, the Berluti BMX bike is a testament to the power of collaboration and the endless possibilities that arise when different worlds collide.
As Berluti continues to evolve and expand its offerings, this collaboration serves as a reminder that luxury is not just about tradition but also about innovation, creativity, and the willingness to embrace the unexpected. The Berluti BMX bike is a celebration of these values, and it will undoubtedly remain an iconic piece in the brand’s history for years to come.
