May is fashion month at GoHorseShow and the month would not be complete without discussing top trends in western tack. While it probably comes as no surprise that many of the top show clothing designers draw inspiration from today’s hottest fashion designers, others in the industry are also taking trends from the runway to the arena. Harris Leather and Silverworks of North Carolina are known for their commitment to quality, as well as their reputation for rolling out the newest in show tack trends.
So what inspires those must have looks?
Stanton Harris, the company’s Product Manager, says designer fashion is the starting place for many of their new ideas. Harris says, “One of our newest trends in saddle design is a filigree lace pattern, inspired by the women’s fashion world.”
Harris adds, “Companies like Tory Burch and Kate Spade are doing a lot with shoes and handbags that have a see-through lace effect. My wife is all about that stuff, and so we’ve found ways to incorporate it in our saddles.”
Many of Harris’ latest custom saddles feature the filigree lace on the saddle’s top skirt. According to Harris, “Instead of black ostrich we create a three-dimensional effect where black leather is overlaid in a lace pattern. It’s quickly becoming one of our most popular design features.”
If you’re looking for something a little more on the wild side in a custom saddle, the Harris family has you covered with the addition of exotic skins other than the traditional ostrich. Harris says, “We’ve added crocodile, elephant, and bison to our list of leathers.”
The Harris family takes pride in the fact that all of the leathers they use are real, not imitation. Harris adds, “We deal with an incredibly reputable company, the skins have to go through a customs process which ensures that they are authentic and that they were legally harvested.”
One of the main benefits of adding to the list of exotic skins is the choice it provides customers. “Traditionally we’ve used a lot of black and chocolate brown for accents in our saddles, with the new skins we’re also able to offer a medium brown, or brandy. The industry is very open to exotic skins. It’s a look people love, and so we’ve really embraced that in our design.”
The 2015 All American Quarter Horse Congress saw the introduction of Harris’ hybrid saddle seat. “For years we had people who loved traditional suede, they loved the feel and grip as they rode. About two years ago we did an ostrich seat. The feel was different; it was slicker. People loved the look, but not everyone loved the way it rode,” Harris says.
The new hybrid seat has successfully combined the best of both designs. Harris says, “The hybrid design features a seat that’s ostrich in the front and suede in the back. When you’re riding you only see the ostrich, and you still have a saddle that rides like the traditional suede.”
According to Harris, the design is so popular that one out of three seats on their custom made saddles features the hybrid seat. Additionally, Harris says, “This hybrid seat has opened us up to make seats out of our new exotic leathers. Crocodile and elephant would never have worked as the whole seat, but now that’s a possibility.”
While leather makes up the majority of a show saddle’s construction, the silver accents bring a saddle to life. Eddie Harris, Stanton’s uncle and brother to the company’s saddle maker and founder, Phil, does all of the silversmith work.
Harris says that his uncle taught himself the art. “Eddie is also seeing changes in the silver he’s designing for our custom saddles.” Traditionally, saddle silver has featured a scalloped, rounded design. “Now, we’re seeing a lot of geometric designs and crisp edges.”
This is another area where the Harris family draws from worlds outside the horse show industry. “When you look at modern technology you see many cars going to a more boxy design with sharper edges. That’s something we’re emulating in our silver. In 2016 you’ll see silver with more 45-degree turns. It’s more of a space age look, but is something our customers are really drawn to.”
Geometric designs and the addition of new, exotic skins are also making their way into western headstall designs. “We’re doing buckles with inlays of exotic skins,” says Harris. “For instance, we can do a silver buckle with a bevel that allows for the inlay of an exotic skin. It offers a nice background for a custom buckle with an initial.”
In addition to headstalls, Harris Leather is also known for their show halters. “We’ve come up with several new designs,” says Harris. “In the past, we’ve done mostly silver with a gold scroll. We still offer that same look, but now we’re doing silver with silver scroll. Harris says it’s a cleaner look, and different from what most people are used to.
Another thing that’s different for AQHA exhibitors is the ban on lip chains in halter classes. To meet their customer’s needs, Harris Leather has created a lip cord that meets AQHA regulations. “We took in all of AQHA’s guidelines when creating our lip cords. The guidelines are specific about the material, even down to the type and core of the rope. So, we’ve used our standard lead with the guideline specific cotton cord,” says Harris.
For competitors in the ranch pleasure division, Harris has set the silver aside to create a saddle that meets their minimalist needs. “A year ago we started noticing that the classes were getting more and more popular; we wanted our customers to have the option of a Harris quality saddle,” says Harris.
He adds, “There just wasn’t anyone making a high-end ranch pleasure saddle. So, we came in and filled that void.” The Harris ranch pleasure saddle is built with dark chocolate leather. The saddle features cowboy strings from each concho, and includes the traditional rear cinch.”
While it may seem like the Harris family has rolled out a number of new trends for the 2016 season, Harris assures that the company will always strive to be at the forefront of their industry. One way they’re able to do that is by taking inspiration from many sources. Designer fashion and modern technology may be two popular muses, but Harris insists that their customers are often the best source of inspiration.
“Our customers come up with great ideas. We try to make each of their ideas happen. And often, we find ourselves replicating those ideas in other saddles.”
Harris acknowledges that being leaders in the industry is what keeps his family focused on staying fresh. “It’s easier to find inspiration when you’re constantly looking for it. We never feel that we can relax. As soon as we roll out something new, we’re looking for our next idea. It’s what keeps our jobs fun and our customers coming back.”
Whether you’re looking for saddle with a wild side, or one with a soft, lace touch, the artisans behind Harris Leather and Silverworks thrive on taking their customers ideas from working concept to the winner’s circle.
