Belle Helmets was founded by illustrator Danielle Baskin in efforts to transform the dull bicycle helmet into a unique fashion accessory. Each helmet is painted by hand in New York and shipped out all over the world. We hope to change the way people interact with and think about utilitarian objects and to get cyclists to ride more safely. Safety doesn't have to compromise style!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can you paint a helmet I already have? Yes! And, I will give you a $30 discount. If you're interested in this, please email us.
Can you paint custom requests? Indeed! If you have a specific concept in mind or would like something added to an existing design (like a logo, name, or quote) or generally have no clue what sort of design you want, but still want something awesome, please send an email to the designer directly at info@bellehelmets.com.
Is painting a helmet safe? Yep! SGS Consumer Testing Services has approved that applying material to helmets is safe as long as its surface is able to skid and no corrosive materials are used. I use non-toxic Acrylic paints and water-based varnishes on CPSC-certified helmets. In any case, helmets should be used only for 5-10 years and should not be re-used after an impact... although after you stop wearing your helmet, you might want to keep it forever as an interesting object.
Can I try the helmets on or see them in person? Helmets are available in New York City at Adeline Adeline and Hudson Urban Bicycles; in Brooklyn at Eleanor's NYC and the Brooklyn Museum; in Portland at The Ruby Box; in Atlanta at Houndstooth Road; in Miami at Frangipani; in Cambridge at Follow The Honey; in Våler i Solør, Norway at Sykkelhjelm; and in Bologna, Italy at the Museum of Tarot. You're also welcome to schedule an appointment with Danielle for a custom fitting in the East Village.
Who paints and designs the helmets? Belle Helmets is just me, but I like to refer to myself as
'we' in emails. I'm an enthusiast of wrap-around images, optical
illusions, illustration, bicycle safety, colors, bikes as transportation, and science education that
you can wear on your head? I have a BFA from New York University
where I studied Art and Psychology and I also work as a book illustrator and scenic designer for film and
theater. I paint flat paintings too, but just for fun. I wear three different helmets: either
the blue sky (my first helmet), the homunculus
diagram, or the M.C. Escher Sphere. If you have your own suggestion of a helmet design, I prefer
something complex and vague, so there's more space to create a
unique image.