From our first jersey to many artistic collaborations: how art has helped shape Le Braquet's identity.
As a bit of background, from the very beginning of Le Braquet, the idea of combining a passion for cycling with a passion for art was an integral part of the project. Since there were very few Quebec-based cycling apparel brands at the time, the founding members wanted to offer something modern and unique. At the intersection of cycling aesthetics and visual art, their approach harmonizes colours, trends, and performance with engraving, textures, and shapes.
Drawing on their diverse experiences in the field, they quietly set out to create their first collection of jerseys featuring fragments of various works by artist François Vincent, a founding member of the project. Worn primarily by the team’s entourage during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, the first jerseys incorporated existing works of art that lent themselves well to the canvas of a cycling jersey.
Drawing inspiration from the colors, shapes, and all the visual elements of the artwork, the task involved designing, structuring, and adapting the artistic universe to cycling apparel. Was it more appropriate to place the bird in close-up on the sleeve or rather on the back pocket? Every detail was carefully considered to ensure a harmonious visual integration and a coherent, optimized design that placed the artistic vision front and center. Thus, the cycling jersey served as a true canvas.
The Essentials
With the resurgence of road cycling in 2020, the idea of developing a full clothing line became more relevant than ever. This led to the creation of the Les Essentiels collection, which features a more minimalist modern aesthetic without straying from Le Braquet’s artistic roots. Each year, a limited-edition artistic jersey is created in collaboration with an artist from the Montreal scene to preserve Le Braquet’s legacy, rooted in collaboration with local artists.
The goal: to design a unique jersey, worn with pride on the roads of Quebec, that celebrates both local art and cycling culture. Since 2020, the team has made it a point of honor to collaborate with a new artist each year, while customers now eagerly await the arrival of this exclusive jersey, typically unveiled in early June.
LE BICAR X LE BRAQUET
A collection that evolves
Originally, the jersey designed for artistic collaborations was based on our TEMPO model. However, over the years, changing trends and the evolving needs of cyclists led to the adoption of the PODIUM model as the new canvas for artists. With its more fitted cut, this model appeals to a wider range of cyclists, whether beginners or experienced riders.
Since the collaboration with artist Gabrielle Laïla Tittley, also known as PONY, the technical T-shirt has also been added to our artistic collection. Originally designed for gravel riding, the collaboration revealed another segment of our customer base, who have embraced the technical T-shirt for training, running, or simply for hot days. It’s a great way to broaden our horizons and offer a product for everyone.
PONY X LE BRAQUET
Making an Impact Beyond Cycling
Another thing that sets the jerseys from our artistic collaborations apart is their charitable impact. Since its inception, Le Braquet has always sought to incorporate a social dimension into its organization and its designs. Artistic collaboration seemed the most effective way to achieve this goal.
Thus, since the collaboration with Cécile Gariépy in 2021, each partner artist chooses the organization to which a portion of the proceeds from jersey sales is donated. By supporting causes that matter to the artists and the Montreal cycling community, this initiative gives each collection even greater significance.
Over the years, several projects have supported Opération Enfant Soleil, the Canadian Red Cross, the construction of a center for Sun Youth, and the Grey Nuns. It’s a concrete way to give back to the community through every collaboration.
CÉCILE GARIEPY X LE BRAQUET
CHIEN CHAMPION X LE BRAQUET
What’s next?
Every year, our goal evolves but always stays true to our artistic roots: bringing together two different yet complementary worlds and creating a dialogue between them.
It’s always a real pleasure to introduce our community to local artists who stand out for their creativity and unique styles. Following a rebranding in 2025, however, our artistic collaborations were put on hold for a season.
This year, they’re back with a fresh approach. On June 11, the Canvas Collection was unveiled: a series of two jerseys created by two emerging Montreal artists. Building on the concept of a blank cycling jersey serving as a canvas for expression, the artists drew inspiration from cycling trends to create a design that reflects their personal style, while faithfully capturing the essence of their artistic worlds
Audrey-Ève Goulet draws inspiration from warm summer bike rides at sunset, which end with an ice cream cone. Haute Vitesse, on the other hand, draws inspiration from the lifestyle of bike messengers and pigeons that have been abandoned by society. The collection features both a palette of warm colors and a palette of cool colors.
Check out our new jerseys, where cycling meets art through a new artistic collaboration, right here.
AUDREY-ÈVE GOULET
