As summer continues on in Vancouver (now complete with sunshine), I continually seek out well-designed and useful accessories to get me around town in style and promote cycling as a daily event rather than a workout.
I was recently sent a beautiful Sawako Furuno Hanabi helmet to road test and review. Sawako Furuno is a UK-based cycle accessory and clothing label for women.
Furuno, originally from Tokyo, is a trained architect who has always been passionate about design.
A London commuter, she was keen to design products that would stand out from the typical range of unattractive cycling accessories and apparel. “The brand is about being feminine, stylish and having fun on your bike”, according to Cycle Fashion.
The first things that came to mind were how lightweight and comfortable it felt to wear.
The helmets have been receiving great reviews both in print and online, including TimeOut London and the Evening Standard.
Earlier this year, local Dutch bike company Jorg and Olif included the helmet in a review of five cool bike helmets, declaring it the perfect female cycling accessory.
The Hanabi is part of the Classic revival collection from Cycle Fashion and is inspired by a traditional Japanese aesthetic.
The BMX-style helmet’s loaded with a floral motif and comes in one size (medium). It’s fully adjustable via clicking the wheel (at rear of helmet), as well as changing the length of the straps.
I’ve cycled with the pretty Hanabi floral helmet numerous times around town and it always gets compliments!
The designer has expanded the line to include fleece-lined ear cosies. Although the shop’s based in London, the helmet can be ordered in Canada online at Velo Lifestyle.
I was sent the Sawako Furuno Hanabi helmet for the purpose of writing this review. Opinions, as always, are my own.
