In the horse world, we are always looking for that pop, that zing to help us stand out in front of the judge so that they are able to notice us. This may be a long-sweeping trot, a slow continuous lope, a fast spin or simply the expression on our faces.
One thing that is constantly helping exhibitors to find that edge is fashion. The fashion of the horse showing world can be easily compared to the fashion of the everyday world, only with a lot more crystals. Things are constantly changing and trends can change like the leaves on a tree in the fall. Style, colors, crystals, chaps, you name it, and there has been a fashion change to it.
We live in this complex world where we want to look similar to the styles that are new, but not identical. So the question is how do we do this? How are we able to predict what’s coming up in terms of fashion and how to grab the attention of a judge? GoHorseShow asked some leading designers and stores to help out us with these questions.
1. What are some trends that are coming up? Any recurring? Any we’ve never seen before?
Lindsey from Lindsey James Show Clothing
Different textures are really popular such as numerous laces, sequins, hide and so on. All over collaboration of texture is popular and all different shapes and sizes of stones including numerous of small and big stones are always a statement. We now add other textures of stones other than the traditional Swarovski’s, such as cabochons, chains, etc. Everything is dependent upon the person wearing the garment and their personal taste and what look they are striving to obtain. Another thing that is in style is airbrushing fade.
Wendy from Show Me Again
Some of the hottest trends embrace the focus on specialty and quality fabrics, and you can expect to see varying fabrics, leathers, and textures used together on the same garment. The more distinctive and one-of-a-kind, the better, so plan on seeing unique combinations that have never been done before!
Many exhibitors continue to opt for the simple button down shirt look, and a recent poll conducted by Show Me Again told us that for some smaller shows, 52% of people will go bling-less, but will break out the bling at the bigger shows. Bling is here to stay!
Jessica from East Coast Show Apparel
Now that we are coming into the summer, riders in the show pen are looking for a cooler look. Exhibitors are keeping it simple with plain fitted shirts, scarves and vests. For ladies, these cooler options have been a growing trend for over the past three years and are popular now more than ever. Show shirt designs are expanding as well with patterned shirts, two toned collar and cuffs. Crystal embellishments are being added to spice up the style as well.
Vests have continued to gain momentum again, from cotton material to lace to crystal and fringe. This allows riders to express their personality. Plain suits are also a trend that comes and goes for the Halter and Showmanship classes. I have seen a lot of them recently in the show pen and a classic look that always looks good.
Looks for men are also changing in the show pen. Guys have always had it easy to get ready with just putting on a plain starched shirt and going. Branded shirts, such as Harris or Good Ride have been popular over the past few years but that is changing too. Now prints and patterns for guys have become much more popular, even full ties versus the tied scarves.
Anna from La Collezione di Anna
Something I really like this year, that is very feminine and gives a new look is the double breast. I suggest it to my customers using some lace on the sleeves so it looks like a vest, but is as stylish as a jacket.
The vest is still “hot” and probably will remain for a while. I like the features rich, with a rock/punk appeal. Anyway, for the big end of season events, the jacket remains a more complete look.
For the horsemanship and showmanship, I like the tone on same tone color, using symmetrical designs. Pants and chaps for these classes must be a perfect color match.
I’m proposing for next season, the colors will be like the uniforms used in the 50’s such as burgundy, blue avio, petroleum color and moss green.
Darilyn from Piccola Rosa Show Clothing
This year in Europe compared to the past years, people are showing with the vest a lot again but they are also being made with a lot of design on them too. The designs are fun to make because, again our fantasies can be often played with, by changing the shapes of the neck line from being a square neck line or a “V” neck line, to high collars versus low collars, and to shoulders that are shaped in a high aggressive style versus plain.
Personally another thing is having “a clean” design. So many times we see jackets so loaded of design that once you go out in the pen, you cant see the design of the jacket at a distance and everything seems to be blend and not be so defined!
Design is very important. It has to be clean and original, and is very personal to each individual! Colors and design can make a big difference.
Keri and Trista from Closet Space
Since we are on the consignment end of the industry we tend to see trends a little later in the cycle. Although, the first word that comes to mind to sum up the current trend is…texture. The show apparel industry has reached heights we have never seen before and they won’t be leaving any time soon, they truly are a piece of art.
2. What are your contributions to some of the new styles coming out?
La Collezione di Anna
I always try to mediate the new styles with the needs of the rider. For example, fringes are something I love, but I don’t suggest it to every customer. This really depends on the rider’s horsemanship and on the movement of the horse. Each of my outfit has removable fringes and all the moving parts can be fixed in a manner that they don’t move anymore when needed.
Very often customers ask me to follow the shiny new trend, and of course, I try to accommodate them, but it is essential to me to be able to discuss it with the trainer and to adapt the “trendy stuff” with the real needs of the rider.
I consider the outfit, not just as a piece itself, but as something to complete a figure of horse and rider. Of course, it has to look beautiful, but first needs to help the owner feel confident and, most importantly, it must be functional to make the customer win the class.
Lindsey James Show Clothing
Some options we give our clients are symmetrical or asymmetrical design, or fringe or no fringe. If they choose fringe, we hide with rhinestones, a chain, or a combination of both. Hand beaded dangling beads are fun too! Often we will hang these from sections of chain to add more detail.
Vests are coming into style for the warmer summer shows. You can wear a simple plain button up under them. We offer embroidered Lindsey James Show Clothing button ups for the vest option which are available in numerous colors, black and white being the most popular. We use a lot of 4 way heavy stretch fabrics as the base to ensure the best fit especially since we sell off the rack inventory in addition to our custom fitted pieces.
Piccola Rosa Show Clothing
I think that the new trends for this year is using lots of chains, studs and maybe a little less fringes in respect to last year. People get tired of having always something moving on their jacket, and some times its better not to have so much movement in certain classes, like the western pleasure. That’s why we propose to our customers the option to have removable fringes, with this they have both options and never get tired of the jacket.
Another trend that I am liking very much at the moment is the fact to play with the shoulders of the jackets or vest. We like to do them in an aggressive design or shoulders that are extravagant in an extreme way.
Another option we offer to our customers is to be able to put on the jackets certain jewelry that is removable and still leaves the jacket clean and elegant. When the various jewelry, chains, fringes, unique shoulders and ornament jewelry are removed and the jacket is more elegant then aggressive.
Show Me Again
Show Me Again loves the creativity our exclusive designers are able to explore for our customers, now that just about any texture, leather, fabric, or unique finding is fair game. We find it amazing how designers are creating sophisticated pieces from combinations never before thought possible. All the new options just provide more chances for an exhibitor to find a piece to fall in love with, or that will suit a rider’s personality perfectly.
East Coast Show Apparel
Having the opportunity to work with companies such as Cowboy Couture and Cowgirl Rocz, has enabled me to offer in-site to some of the new looks for summer. In April, I worked with Cowboy Couture to design the Ladies summer line that just started shipping last week and the shirts have been flying off the shelves already with little exposure. The goal is bring something different to the market, not just another show shirt.
Closet Space
The new styles are incredible and absolutely stunning in the show pen. Designers have their customers feeling bold and confident in the pen, knowing they look fabulous. They help make our job easier by creating amazing pieces that our customers have to have.
3. What is your inspiration? How do you know what’s “hot” and what’s “not”?
Lindsey James Show Clothing
For the horsemanship classes, back zip tends to be more suiting dependent upon your body type. It gives a longer taller line for the horsemanship classes. The design is usually just on the upper portion which is traditional using color blocking and symmetrical lines for this class. This is very classy and gives a little more formality to the class. But we do sometimes make asymmetrical horsemanship’s, it really just depends on the client’s preferences. Another option on the horsemanship’s is a full sleeve design or 1/2 sleeve design.
As for the showmanship’s, they are to be very tailored looking and well fitted. A long or short style can be worn as long as they fit well. The matching pants and boots are still very popular to finish the look. For riding jackets, a curved hem is a great way to give a longer more elegant line.
Show Me Again
At SMA, because of our type of business, we try to be very selective for our customers in choosing what to consign and offer to our customers. We offer consignment of both pre-owned, designer show clothing, as well as brand new show clothing direct from designers, so we have an extremely wide selection and variety, so a unique and “hot” look can be achieved for anyone’s budget.
What we see in the ring usually reflects what is hot on the runway, like today’s focus on color. Another movement we’re seeing reflecting the popularity of color is matching pants and chaps with a coordinating show pad and hat, all to create a color and style story for an exhibitor. Customers who preview our website or visit SMA on the road can begin to build a color theme from the large variety we offer, with assistance from our professional staff members, who are exhibitors themselves.
La Collezione di Anna
My inspiration comes from music. When I design an outfit I associate the customer to a song, and I create my project based on that. The customer personality is the cornerstone of my inspiration. Living and working in Italy really helps me to be up to date with the latest fashion trends
Closet Space
We do not design or create any of our pieces, but it is our responsibility to our customers to consign styles that are current and trendy. We service a large spectrum of customers, from World and Congress exhibitors to 4-H and local level exhibitors. We enjoy being able to offer quality pieces at affordable prices to our customers and making them feel great in the show pen.
Piccola Rosa Show Clothing
Living in Italy is our biggest inspiration in fashion design, and it helps us create single and unique pieces for all kinds of customers. For example, different customers of ours wanted something new and different with the shoulders. Since we are able to draw inspiration from elite fashion designers, we were able to help both clients get what they wanted.
East Coast Show Apparel
I am constantly looking for patterns and designs that I think will complement the rider. Everyone has a different body type, so my inspiration is to create a look that will work for him or her. I also listen to my customer’s wants and needs, then build from that. I want my customers to be happy with the piece designed for them. I feel like several looks that have hit the market have been mass-produced. My goal is to never duplicate a piece and also to make a look that is easy to match something the rider already has, such as black or brown chaps.
4. Anything else you would like to add?
Show Me Again
One of the features our customers love about Show Me Again: They can TRY IT ON!!! Their favorite piece on the rack may not be the best piece for them, and something that they aren’t at first attracted to may look completely different when worn. We love the ability to interact with our customers in this fashion, and it makes a big difference in their happiness and feel in the ring with the garment.
We’re also planning a few exciting new ways to offer even more to our customers, so watch for extra opportunities to connect with SMA in 2013!
Piccola Rosa Show Clothing
Our jackets are custom made, we custom measure to have a quality fit. The fact that they are made individually with an Italian seamstress keeps our jackets high quality. We use precious stones, leather, and materials and these are just a few things that make them unique. Made in Italy says it all!!
East Coast Show Apparel
ECSA is the innovation of Jessica Wolf Hart, who recognized a need to recycle gently used designer show clothing and offer it at a fraction of new. Founded in 2010, it has grown and now reaches customers all across the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe.
East Coast Show Apparel offers custom design show vests and pads, as well as a unique assortment of show scarves and oxford shirts. Full service consignment listing pieces from great designers. Keep an eye on our show schedule to see our next stop, visit us online www.eastcoastshowapparel.com and “like” our facebook page for specials, new items and sales.
Lindsey James Show Clothing
All of my designs are different and ours are all one of a kind. They really just depend on the clients’ personal style along with what looks good with their horse. We design each and every piece in order to complement these components and what will look best for each and every person.
La Collezione di Anna
Thank you!!!
Closet Space
Thank you again for this opportunity!
