Pioneering artist and graphic designer David Carson has teamed up with UK-based cycling brand Rapha once more with a new collection of apparel. With the artist’s self-taught design language, this second instalment in the collaboration explores themes of freedom and self-defined success.
The capsule will be available on August 26, 2026, with early access for members of the Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) from August 25, 2026.
David Carson is an American graphic designer recognised for revolutionising print design with his bold style, earning him international influence. Carson was a top-ranked pro surfer before turning his focus to graphic design, later working as designer and art director on Ray Gun magazine in 1992.
Christina Lindquist, Global Marketing Director at Rapha, said “The open road has always been a canvas for escape. We invited legendary designer David Carson to explore what true freedom means, both in the saddle and on the page.
“While Rapha’s archival photography served as the initial spark for this journey, David quickly veered off the beaten path, allowing his own unapologetic, disruptive graphic language to take the lead. For David, the ethos of riding and the art of design are bound by the same relentless rejection of the rules.”
Reflecting on his approach to design, David Carson said “If everybody loves your work – your friends love it, your parents love it, it’s on the fridge at home – you’re probably playing it too safe. Freedom comes when you break away from the expected way of doing things and follow your own path, using one’s intuition and gut feelings.”
Carson’s style can be seen throughout his second capsule with Rapha. Motifs of clouds and sky are used to represent unrestricted thought, while uncontained typography is used to reflect breaking out of traditional design structures.
A new short film created by Rapha explores this approach, shot in the Caribbean where Carson spends his winters.
The Rapha and David Carson 2026 collection includes two short sleeve cycling jerseys, a men’s long sleeve aero jersey, men’s roadsuit, gilet, cargo bib shorts, socks and a cycling cap, all from Rapha’s performance Pro Team range. Accessories and off-bike items include a baseball cap, bidon, essentials case, unisex cotton t-shirt and unisex cotton hoodie.
Alongside the collection of on-bike apparel, ten Rapha Clubhouses worldwide will also stock custom-designed t-shirts featuring typographic treatment by Carson, exclusive to their respective locations.
Founded in London, UK, in 2004, Rapha designs cycling apparel and operates 18 Clubhouses in major cities globally, leading over 4,000 rides annually for its Rapha Cycling Club members.
