An international cycling kit company headquartered in Cape Town has launched a collaborative programme with local artists, while also supporting a local non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Premium cycling kit manufacturer, Ciovita, aims to unite fashion, form, function and community in an exciting new project, says CEO Andrew Gold.

“We are releasing limited-edition, high-performance designer gear with input from upcoming creatives. In every instance, a portion of sales is being committed to a community project with a proven and successful track record. Our mantra is life in motion – from cycling excellence to maintaining our momentum in responding innovatively and deftly to societal challenges.” 

The first collaboration of the Ciovita X programme is with Stellenbosch artist Michelle-Lize van Wyk, whose artwork is to feature on a once-off, small-run range of three cycling sweaters. Each of the images has been inspired by a different coloured gemstone and a portion of the sale of each garment goes towards AITSA!, an after-care child support group that works with pre-schoolers and supports learners until they reach school-leaving age.

The three gems used as inspiration by the artists are jacinth – described as a fiery orange/red zircon associated with spiritual depth and wisdom, sapphire – usually deep blue in colour and believed to bring abundance, calm and intuition, and beryl – often green in colour and valued for its healing properties.

“My wish is for my work to strike a chord in some way with everyone, offering insight, direction and healing, while connecting and awakening whole communities. How wonderful if our collaboration can go some way towards achieving that!” expresses the artist.

Gold says that each creative collaboration will be a once-off design. “The garments we launch are intended as collectibles. We are working with a variety of designers and creatives to make beautiful, functional gear. We hope the Ciovita X garments will inspire in their wearers a pride in personal performance, in South African talent and in doing good. To be our best selves means more than just focusing on personal development goals. It demands that we see ourselves as part of a broader community and that we find workable ways to make a positive difference.”

He adds that Ciovita is not only raising funds for AITSA! but also working with the NGO to teach mountain biking skills to many of the children in its care.