HATTIE PEARSON x EMMA EVANS X PARIA
A large amount of our collaborations manifest themselves out of pure serendipity. Whether it be a mutual connection, a cheeky DM or bumping into someone in the street - if the vibe works, we are all over it like a cheap skin suit.The universe aligned with this banging tie up with Hattie Pearson and Emma Evans.
Rather than give you the marketing blag, we thought we would let Hattie set the scene, and had a lovely little fireside chat to talk us through the collaboration
So, who is Hattie P?!
I'm a radio presenter doing afternoons 1-4pm to the nation on Hits Radio and the voice of the biggest commercial media competition in the UK, Make Me A Winner - giving away life changing cash every day! I'm the founder of Girls on Film, one of Manchester's longest running club night's which celebrates queer joy and bringing people together through music we all love. I'm also a VoiceOver artist often heard on BBC Sport promos.
I've always loved riding a bike since a young age but in the last couple of years (after only buying my first road bike 18 months ago) it's become extreme and somewhat obsessive.
I took up triathlon and became an ambassador for the Outlaw series and completed my first Ironman last October. I'm a proud member of the incredibly supportive community, 10Ironwomen whose goal is to have a 50:50 gender split at the start line of a full distance triathlon/Ironman event. Usually the female participation is as low as 7/8% and we believe that together if we are visible in numbers then we'll encourage more women and non-binary folk to join in the fun of endurance sports.
This year has seen me take on my first winter triathlon in Courchevel (bike up a mountain, run through snowy trails then ski tour to the top of the summit), take part in the 24 hour relay race, Endure24 with the 10Ironwomen (and we won)!, I completed the Etape du Tour starting out from Nice and tackling 4 huge climbs over the 130km with only 7% women on the start line. (of the 16,000 people that signed up, 10560 completed it and only 684 women. Along with countless sportives including the 200km Tour De Manc I also completed my first 200 miler in one day cycling from Barmouth back to Manchester - never again!
Hattie x Paria
I started working with Paria earlier this year and it couldn't be a more perfect fit, quite literally.
I was looking for kit that wasn't the usual hues and bland designs. When I saw the leopard print set I knew this brand was on my level. During the Etape du Tour I had people double taking and complimenting me on being bold enough to wear the bibs and jersey. Why does cycling kit need to be boring? It doesn't!
When Sam asked if I wanted to create my own kit I almost fell off my chair - a total wild dream that I could never have imagined would be a reality. I knew there was no way I could do it alone and without a second of doubt I picked up the phone to my best bud Emma and asked her if she'd help work her magic and deliver something bright and unique.
What this kit means to me
There was a space in time that I wanted to be a fashion designer growing up. I've always enjoyed expressing myself through my choice of clothing with predominately purple/pink/leopard print always being my go to.
Sharing this design experience with Emma has been so wholesome and fulfilling. Our friendship has many dynamics but most importantly Emma is one of those people that no matter what is always there for me. She uplifts me, supports me, makes me laugh and surprises me. There is never a dull moment when Emma is around. She oozes creativity and positive energy. Her artwork is full of life and I have a number of pieces of hers in my home and whenever I pass them I smile to myself.
Emma has created something that I'll be proud to wear on out on my bike and I'm so grateful that she said yes to helping me. This kit, to me is so much more than bib shorts and a jersey it's a representation of friendship, women supporting women and living life to the fullest.
Over to Emma
EMMA EVANS
So, who is this Emma character eh?
Hi, I'm Emma Evans, an artist and illustrator with over 20 years of experience. My passion lies in creating bold, colourful artwork with uplifting messages that inspire and empower people. Art, for me, is a way to spread positivity and connect with others.
How I Created the Kit
Whenever I start a project, I rely on an old-school approach: a mind map on a large A3 sheet of paper, sketched out with a Sharpie. This process helps me clarify my vision by laying it all out visually. The cycling kit I designed was inspired by my close friendship with Hattie.
From this foundation, I developed the colour palette. Hattie and I both love purples and pinks, so these colours naturally took centre stage. To balance the vibrancy of pink and purple, I introduced soothing blues and greens, creating a harmony that reflects our personalities.
Designing the Graphics
The next step was designing the illustrations, which I created using Procreate. Each illustration on the kit holds deep personal meaning for me and Hattie. For example:
- "Go Smash It" is Hattie’s saying, which I placed on the back of the jersey to inspire anyone cycling behind.
- One of my own sayings, "Fookin' Livin'," Life’s too short, the saying is about embracing life you’re way.
- The peace birds, facing each other, symbolise the bond between Hattie and I, always flying together and being reunited.
- The stars in the design represent Hattie—my bestie and the star she’s been this year, exemplifying discipline, determination, and consistency in her goals.
- The large eyes on the back, one of my signature illustrations, shout encouragement to whoever rides behind.
- Of course, we couldn’t leave out a nod to our Manchester roots—the iconic worker bee is a symbol of our hometown, representing our love for the city.
- The hearts on the shorts feature my signature characters and are a personal tribute to my pal, Hattie P.
Bringing the Kit to Life
Once the graphics were finalised, I compiled them into a detailed Tech Pack, which includes everything the factory needs to create the kit: graphic scale, material quality, trim details, stitch colours, size specifications, and even washing instructions.
We chose sublimation printing for the kit, a process that uses heat, pressure, and time to transfer dye onto fabric. This technique ensures that the intricate details and vibrant colours of the design are perfectly preserved.
After the factory produced the initial pre-production samples, we worked closely with the team to fine-tune every detail—ensuring the graphics, fit, and sizing were just right. Once everyone was happy, we give the green light for full production.
What This Kit Means to Me
This kit means the world to me. It’s more than just a cycling kit—it’s a symbol of my friendship with Hattie, a celebration of bold, fun designs, and a personal expression of love, strength, and connection. Creating something together and putting it out into the world feels.
