Photos: Biker fashion

By Susan Carpenter

Designers have been revving up their collections this season with studded handbags, strappy boots, leather jackets and other items of “biker chic” -- fashionable, motorcyclist-derived clothing that allows women to look tough without actually throwing a leg over. As a longtime biker, I’ve seen this trend come and go over the years, and it always gets my hopes up. Maybe this time someone will design clothing that’s functional and more fashionable than the pinked and fringed schlock that’s normally offered up to female motorcyclists in the name of protective gear.

Little, if any, of this is actually intended for real riders, of course. But here are some looks for those who are more capable with four wheels but like to look like they prefer two.

Pictured: Jodhpurs by Helmut Lang, $850 at Helmut Lang stores. The combo legging, with stretch leather, is comfy on a bike; just don’t take a spill.  (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)