Horse riding: key pieces to borrow from the chic and iconic sport

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For several years, the sportswear spirit has invaded everyone’s wardrobe… From jogging pants to trail running shoes, backpacks, and Nike, Adiddas, or Lacoste with its tennis skirt and polo; all brands are trying their hand at the casual/sportswear mix. Today, on the occasion of the 12th Hermès Jumping, an international show jumping competition held this weekend (March 18-20, 2022), we invite you to take stock of equestrianism and its fashion trends. Seize the opportunity to learn more about equestrian fashion pieces to borrow and urgently integrate into your wardrobe.

Hermès in 4 words: Horse, Orange, Scarf, Kelly

At the origin of the brand with silk scarves as famous as its Hermès Orange, there is a man: Thierry Hermès. In 1837, he launched his harness and saddle workshop and quickly became a master saddle-maker. That is, someone who designs, makes, and sells harnesses and other horse equipment. After his death, his son and grandson developed the brand’s concept, and Hermès began producing and manufacturing equestrian items such as horse blankets, silk racing jackets, large leather bags for boots and saddles, etc. The saddle stitch was born, and the worthy heirs of Thierry Hermès transferred the manufacturing codes of their “equestrian” items to more mainstream sectors such as luggage and leather goods. In the 1920s, maison Hermès extended its signature to men’s and women’s clothing, watches, jewelry, accessories, and interior decoration. What Hermès International is today has existed for over a century. Lola Prusac, the creator of the iconic silk scarf launched in 1929, also developed sports/leisurewear for the time, namely skiing and the beach. This is followed by the creation of the now “celebrity” bag – Le Kelly – whose name is inspired by Grace Kelly… In short, sports and leather have been the house’s battlefield since its creation.
Editor’s note: Did you notice that the famous Hermès logo is actually a harnessed duke?

The Hermès Jumping, an event that brings together the world’s top equestrian champions for a three-day competition that looks like a show, also gathers, just like the Longines Grand Prix Diane in Chantilly, a range of looks that we must be inspired by.

So, let’s all get in the saddle to discover the pieces that will become your passion or that already are!

The riding boot

Obviously, when you think of riding, one piece immediately comes to mind… But not just any. The Hermès Sellier leather boot, which has spawned other models, such as the Jumping model in leather with a flat sole in the form of boots or ankle boots with its iconic fastener inspired by the Kelly bag, or the Dressage model with heels, also in leather.

The names of the models obviously echo the world of horses at Hermès, but other brands have been inspired by the Sellier creator, such as Prada, Tod’s, La Modeuse, Boden, Alaia, Legres, and Girotti FR with their models of riding boots. The riding boot will adapt to your entire wardrobe… Chic and understated with dark jeans and a turtleneck sweater, sexy with a short skirt and a casual tweed or wool coat, or resolutely fashionable with a pleated midi skirt.

The competition shirt or polo

If you want to borrow items from the equestrian world, also adopt the dress codes of competitions with the competition shirt/polo. What is it? A close-fitting garment made of technical material that is worn under the competition jacket. The principle of this garment is simple, it must have a white collar – the epitome of elegance – and button up to the base of the neck. Worn on riding pants, it is a fairly basic piece, but mixed with a Fashionista wardrobe, this garment with a Mao collar can make an impact. Pair it with vintage washed carrot-cut jeans or a pleated skirt for a school girl look.

An oiled jacket or nothing

Your wardrobe may already include one… The famous Barbour oiled jacket is also a garment from the equestrian world. It is worn in rainy weather or when it’s windy because it is a real insulating and technical coat. A guaranteed British effect. The quilted jacket – the summer version – also goes very well with any jeans, whether in the city or in the countryside.

Equestrian brands to check out without hesitation

Every sport has its preferred brands. For equestrianism, Hermès is indeed the Mother House. But to find inspired and inspiring pieces, you can also turn to these brands, some of which have technical clothing that can be perfectly adapted to the city and the scene: Pénélope Leprevost, an eponymous brand launched by the French show jumping rider who won a medal at the Rio Olympics, DADA Sport, Pomme, and Polo Club.

The next piece to make a comeback

Finally, it is very likely that the jodhpur, the famous equestrian pants imported from India, will one day make a comeback on the catwalks and therefore in our wardrobes. In the meantime, brands have understood that every sport can be a source of inspiration, and equestrianism has nothing to be ashamed of. Moreover, a brand like Ralph Lauren still draws inspiration from the world of horses, but more in a Gentleman Farmer way.

The Hermès brand has understood the importance of associating its legendary brand with a sport as chic as equestrianism, and in this emblematic place that is the Grand Palais. Let’s remember that the Grand Palais, a stone’s throw from the Champs-Elysées, hosts various events such as the FIAC, the book fair, the Floralies, or the Electro night, Octobre Rose, an ice rink in winter… Luxury brands have understood that this iconic venue deserves to be invested, and it should be noted that Hermès International, with its Show Jumping Competition, is not the only Couture House to take advantage of it. Indeed, Chanel also holds several fashion shows there every year, always with an American-style show and above all a mastery of decorum that allows you to travel while remaining under the Nave. And what about you, what is your passion then?