i'm dreaming of designer riding gear....

no 1 gucci girl-edwina alexander

I had a pang of girly jealousy when I read that Charlotte Casiraghi and Edwina Alexander were getting their riding kit designed for them by Frida Giannini at Gucci. Why them, why not me!! Actually don't answer that, it's all too easy to see why they would want their clothes worn by these two lady riders;  Edwina Alexander is the number one female show jumper in the world and Charlotte Casiraghi, although an amateur, is Monaco Royalty and definitely hasn't been hit with the ugly stick!

a royal gucci girl-caroline casiraghi

Now I couldn't afford to wear Gucci, but wouldn't it be nice to wear competition gear that a good, creative imagination had worked their magic on? In my dream world, well designed riding wear would be like good menswear-functional with a good cut and fabrics, no major deviations from the basic but just offered up with a twist.  The difference would be in the detail.


I'm all for updating the traditional but I'm sure there are a lot of you who would disagree with me, having read 'shocked and horrified' forum 'tuttings' over  short, butt revealing show jumping jackets and those 'what's the world coming to' marmite of riding boots made by Tretorn.  Both are worn with style by the talented Malin Baryard Johnsson who is sponsored by one of my high street fashion favourites H&M. Now, wouldn't it be great if they came out with an affordable but fashionable line of riding clothes? 

malin baryard johnsson

Maybe that's why I've always like show jumping-at the top end of the game they've never shied away from a new fashion.

Another equine sport jostling for a place in the style stakes is horse racing.  Jockeys silks which haven't changed much since the 18th century recently got a make-over thanks to an initiative by Racing for Change who are working towards attracting a larger audience to horse racing. Last Saturday Jockeys at Ascot lined up in silks designed by the finalists of a competition for graphic design students from Central St Martins College of Art and Design in London.

 henry griffin hits the jackpot

The winning designs by Henry Griffin were inspired by trips to the bookies with his dad and feature stylised fruit machine symbols, the number seven and a lucky horseshoe.

Great, lets see more imagination put into the design of equestrian clothing please! Do you agree?