From 11 Years in Product Design to a 2025 NY Product Design Award Win: Krittika Bhekasut and the Story Behind the SPIN Vintage Foldable Helmet
Updated: Sep 19
For designer and founder Krittika Bhekasut, SPIN started with a simple problem. She wanted to start cycling, but she couldn’t find a helmet she actually wanted to wear.
In 2013, cycling was becoming increasingly popular in Thailand. More people were riding for exercise, recreation, everyday life, and different styles of bicycles were gaining attention.
Krittika wanted to join in, but most of the helmets she found felt too sporty, large, and serious for her personal style.
So, she decided to create her own.
“I wanted a helmet that felt more fashionable, colorful, lively, and lightweight.”
Inspired by her love for vintage style and classic cycling, Krittika began developing a helmet that combined fashion with everyday function. That idea eventually became SPIN, which she began producing in Thailand in 2014.
Designing Something People Want to Wear
Creating the first SPIN helmet was only the beginning.
The design continued to change as Krittika and her team learned more about what cyclists actually needed. They improved the helmet’s shape, structure, and materials while working to keep it lightweight, comfortable, and practical.
Customer feedback also became an important part of that process.
“I believe a successful design should be both beautiful and useful.”
One of SPIN’s most recognizable features is its foldable structure, which makes the helmet easier to carry and store. Its vintage inspired appearance also gives cyclists an alternative to the traditional sporty helmet.
For Krittika, the goal was to create something people would enjoy wearing while still fitting naturally into their everyday life and personal style.
Growing Beyond Thailand
SPIN did not become an international product overnight.
Krittika started small, selling the helmets at independent markets and local cycling events in Thailand. Those events gave her the chance to meet cyclists directly, introduce the product, and hear what people thought about it.
As the brand became more familiar within the cycling community, SPIN began appearing at larger events and connecting with visitors from outside Thailand.
Slowly, those connections started reaching further.
“This did not happen quickly. It took several years to gain experience, build trust, and develop relationships with customers in Thailand and overseas.”
Customers began sharing feedback and photos, while some international buyers eventually placed larger orders to showcase or sell SPIN in their own countries.
For Krittika, watching something that began as a personal idea reach people outside Thailand became one of the most rewarding parts of building the brand.
“It has taught me that patience, steady effort, and good relationships can help a small local brand gradually reach people beyond its home market.”
International Recognition
More than a decade after the original idea for SPIN, Krittika reached another important milestone.
Her helmet design received a Silver Award at the 2025 New York Product Design Awards.
For Krittika, the recognition meant more than receiving an award. It gave her confidence that an independent design created in Thailand could also connect with people internationally.
“It made me feel that my work was beginning to receive international recognition and that a design that started as a small personal idea in Thailand could be appreciated by people from different backgrounds and cultures.”
The award also encouraged her to keep developing SPIN and continue growing as a designer.
More Than a Good Idea
Building SPIN taught Krittika that designing a product is only one part of creating a brand.
She also had to learn about materials, production, marketing, customer service, international shipping, and all the smaller details involved in turning an idea into something people could actually buy and use.
One of her biggest lessons was learning how to listen.
Not every piece of customer feedback was easy to hear, but some comments helped identify problems that she and her team had not noticed before.
“I learned to accept those problems, listen carefully, and use the feedback to improve the product.”
Over time, that process helped both Krittika and SPIN grow.
What Comes Next
Krittika does not see SPIN as the end of her work as a designer.
She hopes to collaborate with other designers, businesses, and creatives while continuing to improve SPIN without losing the identity that made it different in the first place.
She is also interested in exploring products beyond cycling helmets.
“My journey as a designer does not end with one product.”
For Krittika, the next step is simply to keep learning, exploring new ideas, and creating products that bring together thoughtful design, practical function, and personal expression.
Check out SPIN Foldable Vintage Bicycle Helmet!
Website : https://krittikadesign.com
Email: krittika.bhekasut@gmail.com
Editor: Michaeline stephanie
Comments