Carolina De Los Prados has been designing and producing fine horse show apparel since 1998. Her fabulous show clothes company, Carolina Beverly Hills, has an exclusive collection of one-of-a-kind show clothing. We asked Carolina to let us know what’s hot for 2012 and what to look for in the pen this year.
Happy
New Year to everyone! For 2012, flashy is back. But this time, it’s in the form of prints, geometric shapes, polka
dots, metallic shades, and oversized floral patterns that will take center stage
this year. How do we incorporate these bold trends into our show outfits? The
concepts can be applied daringly, in overall patterns on a show jacket, or more
subtly, by using symmetrical or asymmetrical blocks.
Geometric
Shapes
Geometric
shapes are fun to work with. They offer a dynamic pop to any design pattern,
creating energy and vibrancy. On their own, geometric shapes can be striking
and compelling – they command the eye’s attention.[NPI
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their diagonal lines, triangles (as shown here on the left) are the most favorable shapes in the show pen.
An upward triangle suggests growth or “reaching the top,” with its
upward-pointing corners reminiscent of arrows.
To balance such distinctive
shapes, be sure to soften sharp lines with smooth ones. Try overlapping a sharp
solid line with a curvy line, like a flower or swirl. This combination lightens
the shape’s impact, which might appease those judges with less risk-taking
sensibilities.
Circles
are also useful for focusing attention in show clothing. The closure of the
shape suggests unity and wholeness. Less common in man-made objects, the
circle’s organic feel also creates interest. Placing a circle on the back or
upper sleeve of a show jacket can create an arresting “bull’s-eye”
effect.
Due
to their simplicity, squares and rectangles are both the easiest and most
cost-effective shapes to work with. These shapes are soothing to the eye
because of their visual regularity. An easy way to enhance the complexity of
these simple geometrics is to rotate them, or accent them with the placement of
applications. An
effective show jacket should combine one simple geometric shape with more
refined patterns that involve smaller, curvy shapes for softness, depth and
detail. An easy way to check your design for the right mix of shapes is to
squint and/or get some distance from the item. As the design lines become
blurred, and the details “disappear,” the overall effect of the
design is easier to see. This squinting trick will also simulate what the judge
will see as he or she glances at the show pen.
Polka
dots
Used
wisely, polka dots can be a powerful shape on a show jacket; pair them with
geometric shapes for the greatest impact. Stars or triangles can be placed in
the center of each dot, or layered on top to create an over pattern. Again,
upward triangles are the most favorable geometric shapes, as the upward
diagonal lines suggest action.
Metallics
Shiny
bronze will be the most prominent metallic color this season. This warm tone is
ideal for show clothing, as bronze pairs easily with black, brown, burgundy,
tan and white-based show jackets. Use this shade as a base for mixing in other
metallics as well. With a black-and-white jacket base, copper and gold accents
on a bronze brocade block can work well on a sorrels and bays and some Paints.
A burgundy or emerald base with gold and bronze highlights offers a
sophisticated complement to a Palomino. Black on a bay is classic and elegant,
but adding white applications overlaid with bronze and silver turns up the
volume. An all-metallic jacket in different jewel tones can make a bold
statement and capture lots of attention.
Florals
Blocking
prints on a show jacket is the best way to create an eye-catching visual
without overwhelming one’s figure. An asymmetrical, diagonal block works best
to contrast the soft, curvy shapes of florals. If you have a petite frame, an
overall print can still work, as long as the print is small — think calico
florals or small paisleys. If the florals are fine enough, they will appear
solid at a distance, and can be enhanced with diagonal geometric lines for
sharp contrast. If you have a large frame, I encourage you to take advantage of
this oversized floral trend and wear the pattern enthusiastically this season.
May
any trend you choose this year for your show outfits bring you the best of
luck. Don’t be afraid to experiment with them all! At the same time, don’t
choose a look that reflects the current trends unless you feel comfortable in
it. More than any color or pattern, self-confidence and preparedness in the
show arena will ultimately increase your chances of winning.
Best
of luck this season, and may all your dreams come true this new year!
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Carolina
De Los Prados,
Owner, CAROLINA Beverly Hills
Exhibitor, Novice Western Amateur Pleasure
Click here to learn more
about Carolina.
