On yer bike: Madeleine Moxham
When she’s not making awesome jewellery, or ‘wearable construction’ as she has dubbed her instantly identifiable pieces, Madeleine Moxham can often be seen cycling around the streets of Camberwell, where she grew up and still lives. To coincide with the Tour de France -and obviously because she’s as cool as hell- I decided to ask her some questions about getting around on your bike, her favourite places in south London and staying generally fabulous while cycling.
Where are your favourite places to cycle to?
To South London Gallery or Petitou in Peckham for lunch which literally are 5 minutes away so it’s not that adventurous, but worth it for the delicious sustenance. That, or on a weekend to Shad Thames & the Design Museum or Bermondsey Street for lunch.
Do you wear heels on a bike, is it a problem?
All the time -it’s ingenious. You can wear higher heels than you would normally because you can cycle straight up to the door of your destination! Although there is heel etiquette to bear in mind.. I’ve caught them on speed bumps a few times.
What do you normally wear on a bike?
Whatever I’m wearing that day. I don’t dress for the bike much to my boyfriends amusement. I’m often just cycling locally so by the time I put on ‘cycling clothes’ I’d pretty much be at my destination!
How do you adapt your style for riding?
I have recently bought some floor length coats so I have to tie these around my waist otherwise there are chain/ brake issues. Also I realised when my hat blew off into the wind that you need to keep it a bit more streamline – I now have a Gap baseball cap I wear when it’s raining.
Do you have any tips or things you’ve discovered about cycling?
Mmmm to invest in those expensive tyres otherwise you have to faff around with a puncture every few months. It took me a while to be convinced but I’ve not had them for 2 years with no issues so would recommend to anyone.
What’s your favourite thing about being on a bike?
The convenience, not having to sit in traffic, halving your journey time, discovering back streets. You don;t always have to have a purpose which is nice so you can find new things over a larger area that you could if walking.
Do you wear a helmet, why?
Not often which I sometimes feel silly about but I really am not usually going that far so I haven;t got in to the habit. When I do I often end up leaving it somewhere! If I am going to be cycling on busy roads (like the Old Ken Road) then I would but I’d have to find it first.
What’s it like cycling around the local area?
Because the area is becoming much busier with students and popular with creatives I imagine they might think I don’t quite understand the laid back atmosphere of the area but that’s just me! I almost need a t-shirt that says ‘I was born here’ and i’ll wear what I like. I just spent the weekend in Copenhagen and the Danes cycle in whatever they want too with heels, flowing coats and big bunches of flowers. If it’s good enough for them…
You can buy Moxham pieces here or at Whistles and I suggest that you check out her brilliant Instagram.
