Rider Creates Safe and Stylish Motorcycle Jackets
Combining armor and allure, Alexis Dudley of Flying Dutchess makes jackets for women.
It’s no question that today’s rider demographics are a lot more complex than they were 20 or more years ago. It’s great for our hobby, but makes product planning difficult. Thankfully, several niche companies have formed to cater to small but growing groups of motorcyclists.
Alexis Dudley, a fashion designer and motorcyclists, is launching a company that creates and markets motorcycle safety gear made for any by women. Without sacrificing either safety or femininity, she’s created a growing line of stylish and safe jackets that female motorcyclists can be proud to wear. The company is called Flying Dutchess.
There’s just one rule: no black jackets. According to Dudley, there’s already far too many, and we tend to agree. In an interview with the Santa Fe New Mexican, she clearly outlined her vision:
“Every time I looked for jackets that were fashionable … the leather was really thin, they had no armor, the back was not covered, so if you fell, you were not going to be protected at all. You were just kind of like a trophy,” Dudley said. “You could either look darling on your bike or look like you borrowed something from your uncle that had everything you need to be safe.”
We really admire her drive and ambition. It’s a noble cause for sure, to make attractive jackets that also protect the rider. We hope that in encourages more women to stop dreaming and start riding, as more riders is always a good thing.
We recommend checking out the Flying Dutchess website, even if you’re well outside of the target audience (we’re talking to you, dudes). Show some of the designs to the women in your life that have expressed interest in riding in the past, and who knows? Maybe that will be the key that unlocks a lifetime of enjoyment for them and a new riding buddy for you.
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