Rapha
Dubbed the Prada of sportswear by its devotees, Rapha specializes in sleek biking gear for men. Started three years ago by London-based Simon Mottram, a self-described cycling addict, Rapha provides a high-end alternative to the usual lurid polyester kit. Subtle olive green, black, white and French blue jerseys (starting at $170) are made of superfine merino wool and high-tech fabrics, and there are sporty shorts, hats and socks to complete the look. Designer Paul Smith was so enamored that he collaborated on a limited-edition jersey and cap. Coming soon: Rapha sunglasses and Savile Row jackets made of stretch suiting and tailored to fit the cyclist-commuter.
Rex Ray
You may have seen his work on tour posters for the Rolling Stones and Björk or hanging in the San Francisco moma. But celebrated artist and graphic designer Rex Ray is expanding his reach. He started selling his paintings, which often have an undulating, midcentury feel, at Jonathan Adler stores, and now his work has been collected in a monograph by Chronicle. The 160-page book ($35) is full of the San Francisco artist's paintings, paper cutouts and multimedia collages.
Rubber Watchbands
Gold-link bracelets and alligator straps are so last season. The latest trend out of Switzerland is fancy watches on casual rubber straps. Whether catering to their athletically inclined clients—Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reverso Squadra Chronograph was designed for polo players, and Breguet's Marine Chronograph for divers—or those who just want a sportier look, watchmakers have something for everyone. Raymond Weil's RWsport collection boasts several rubber-banded timepieces, including the 44mm. A word to the wise: bright white bands, as seen on Cartier's Santos 100 and Dior's Christal, will probably fare better if they stay off the playing field.