Technological Innovation

Founded by Luigi Bergamo in 2003, Q36.5 is a brand dedicated to cycling clothing, developing some of the most advanced cycling fabrics in the world.

In order to promote the launch of the L1 Dottore bibshort—one of the most innovative bibshorts manufactured by Q36.5—it was designed an owner’s manual titled ‘Anatomy of the Modern Bibshort.’

The Booklet

Written and conceived by author Lodovico Pignatti Morano, the booklet is a cultural pamphlet in all respects, conceived to inspire both professional and amateur cyclists.

Completed by an essential catalogue of products and technical instructions for the bibshort’s care, the booklet is actually dedicated to the history and evolution of this clothing, illustrating the innovative solutions that have been developed by Q36.5

The Design

The design of the booklet was developed with the purpose to contribute to the cultural value of the publication by providing functionality through the graphics and expressiveness through the aesthetics.

The cover, in particular, is characterised by an old engraving found in an anatomical treatise from the 17th century. The image effectively and originally suggests the idea that Q36.5’s bibshorts are carefully shaped according to the anatomical structure of the legs.

The choice of an ancient engraving for the communication of the innovative technology used by Q36.5 enhances the subject of the catalogue in an original and uncommon way.

The Layout Grid

The composition of the pages has been structured on a typographic modular grid that was specifically designed for the catalogue.

Considering the small size of the pages and the variety of the contents—titles, texts, captions, comments, drawings, photographs, quotes, etc.—the grid allowed to rationalise the layout process and also gave clarity and consistency to the communication.

Drawings and Photographs

Drawings have been specifically made for the catalogue. Details of illustrations emphasise the technical quality of the bibshorts, while the use of silver ink has been made to highlight those parts of the bibshorts that are actually woven in silver thread.

Photographs are always used on double-page spreads with one of the two halves strongly blurred. This solution increased the legibility of texts and also suggests the perception of multiple visual levels, giving depth to the pages.

Aesthetic and Cultural Value

Anatomy of the Modern Bibshort is a unique publication that distinguishes itself for its original aesthetic and cultural value, demonstrating the passion and attention of Q36.5 for both this sport and cyclists.

—Nicola-Matteo Munari