I'm excited to announce a new designer kid on the block, or should that be yard, of equestrian clothing. Jordan McCabe, 18, has combined her passion for horses and fashion with the determination to bring affordable style to an industry, which in my opinion, is crying out for this sort of creative talent.
Jordan, from Co Durham, started sketching out ideas for her brand Aztec Diamond Equestrian (named after her showjumping mare) because she felt that quality, fashion-forward equestrian clothing was too expensive for the average rider. With the help of designer, Stacy Marshall of Creative Textile Solutions who helped her find a manufacturer recognised for their eco processes and innovative technology, she has managed to turn her dream into reality.
When I asked Jordan who inspired her designs, I was glad she didn't trot out the usual catwalk of names but listed designers like Alexander McQueen, Proenza Schouler, Jean-Pierre Braganza, and Andrew Majtenyi. The latter three, have provided inspiration for her next collection so I really look forward to that.
Anyway, back to her brand new first seasons collection. My personal equestrian fashion passion is for show shirts so I started prancing on the spot when I saw the Sweetheart Lace Shirt (pictured above) which flirts with another of my favourite details, a puff sleeve. Jordan has divided her range into three collections, and this is from the more expensive Limited Collection which is aimed at the competition or 'I want to look good at any time' rider, but at £60 I still think it's a really good price.
Jordan says that her personal passion is for breeches and I must say I've also put the two designs from her Limited Collection on my shopping list! The Sweetheart Lace Breeches, are white with a perfect behind- a really attractive band of black lace at the top, and nicely shaped pockets. And I love the idea of the Hounds Tooth Luxe Breeches, which are black with a really subtle embossed hounds tooth pattern that shows up when it catches the light. The back pocket is trimmed with studs- yes, another firm favourite of mine- I gave Jordan extra gold stars when she confided that she is not a 'blingy' person!
As for the other two collections- Essentials and Everyday, there is a lot to like there too. The designs are simple but stylish and I like the elegant colour palette of black, white and greys. The price points in the Essentials are excellent and I really recommend you snap up some of these wearable pieces which will look good both in and outside the yard. For instance, Jordan has designed the show shirts so the collar can be undone and folded back so you can still wear them when you've finished horsing around.
So all in all, a great start to what I hope will be a successful career for an inspiring young business woman.
Go take a look at www.aztecdiamondequestrian.com and tell me what you 'really, really want'!
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