Inappropriately blingy dresses, dizzying fascinators and spiky high heels on soft grass: this weekend’s Grand National has become as much a spectator sport for the fashion highs and lows in the stands as for the horses taking on the famous Aintree steeplechase.
And yet, a raft of luxury labels are experiencing a renaissance in a much more authentic equestrian aesthetic, fields away from the paparazzi-worthy looks on the sidelines. Labels built on steadfastly horsey connections, from Hermès and Gucci to heritage British brands Swaine Adeney Brigg, Hunter and Tanner Krolle, are experiencing a sudden rise in sales, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, where authenticity and provenance are prized. As a result, equestrian classicism is back on the style radar.
“Despite many customers not actually being riders themselves, it is what equestrian-inspired ranges represent that lures shoppers eager to buy in to the lifestyle,” agrees Honor Westnedge, a retail analyst at the market research company Verdict.