This past August, we were lucky enough to visit the wildly popular Thunderbird Show Park in British Columbia for just one of their six major Hunter and Jumper tournaments held annually. The popularity of “Tbird” borders on cult following; known for their combination of a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, a gorgeous venue, and quality classes, Tbird’s show rings routinely draw everyone from the local weekend warrior to the seasoned Olympian.
What: CSI 3* & WCHR Summer Fort Festival, Aug 24-28, 2015
Where: Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
Claim(s) to fame: Voted 2nd best venue in North America by NARG (North American Rider’s Group), which is a big deal on it’s own, but pretty extra-impressive considering 1st place is held down by Spruce Meadows. Also, they do a pretty killer pancake breakfast. Tell your friends.
Vibe: Chill, yet outgoing. Friendly, but also ambitious. Plenty chic, but west-coasty. Sportsluxe reigns supreme. You can mix your Arcteryx and your Hermes here, and you will have to. It rains. Like woah.
Samantha Buirs (CAN)Ellicia Edgar (CAN)
Jennifer Gates (USA)Jenn Serek (CAN)Alexander Grayton (CAN)
Somewhere between timeless British chic and modern liveable luxury nestles up-and-coming label, Cocoon. The masses are flocking and the brand’s recently gotten press at Belfast Fashion Week. We linked up with designer Sara Hall to learn more about what the hype is all about, her grassroots social media start, and just what kind of butterfly this Cocoon is going to become.
Basic Stats
Label: Cocoon Luxury Wear
Age: Fledgling; Cocoon Baby launched February of 2015
Based: Newry, Ireland
Vibe: A modern Brit classic. Fresh, but feels vintage in all the right ways. Lifestyle meets luxury. Authentic Harris tweed throws a proper nod to everything Isles.
The hustle behind the bustle: Sara Hall, PR guru turned fashion designer. 33. Wife. Mum. Inspiration.
Work it: The ideal UK outer layer. The Cocoon cape is built for versatility; mix it into your everyday and worry never. Over a skirt to the office or with denim on the school run; disheveled or done. Nude lip. Bold lip. Louboutins or Blundstones. Seriously. It’s the perfect addition to your F/W capsule.
+ Tell us a little about Cocoon. Cocoon was founded in February 2015. My daughter had outgrown her baby cape and I couldn’t find anything similar in shops or online, so decided to make my own range of children’s capes, using ex-designer tweed cloth from fashion houses in Paris and Milan. Soon I was inundated with orders through Facebook, sold out on pre-orders within a matter of weeks, and had many requests for a range of women’s capes, too. Fast-forward six months and we’ve launched the Cocoon Luxe Autumn/Winter 15 range of women’s capes, in six fabulous Harris Tweed designs.
+ You started out building your customer base exclusively on Facebook, and have experienced a really organic growth in brand awareness. Any thoughts on social media as a community for fledgling designers?
Most fashion companies apparently don’t have a whole lot of success with Facebook advertising, but we have found this to be our key social market. My advice would be to know your customer, have a product you are extremely proud of, and don’t be afraid to take risks. It’s really only been a few months since I made the firm decision that this would be my career moving forward. It has always been a serious endeavour for me, but there’s definitely been a lot of feeling out and learning and sheer determination along the way.
+ How would you describe your personal style?
I like to mix various styles up – teaming a vintage piece with something from the high street and something high-end. I have always had a love of vintage and bohemian fashion, you will always see me in one version of those styles for sure.
+ Fashion is a new enterprise for you, correct?
Yes, a very new industry for me. Both my husband and I have a background in Advertising/Marketing, which is the field I have been working in since graduating from University. I have always had an interest in fashion but never dreamed I would be working in the industry. We do our own promotion and branding, so my background is definitely coming in handy!
+ There are now several options available for both babies and women at Cocoon. What’s next? Where do you envision Cocoon in 5 years?
Yes, coming into this A/W 15/16 we will have a hooded and a collared cape for women; available in 3 sizes, and a loose one-size-fits-all for toddlers (age 1-4/5). All are available in 5 distinct patterns of Harris Tweed.
As for what’s next; well, the ball is rolling in the background and we have some big ideas! We first need to get through the impending madness of the Autumn and our ‘official launch’. We are expecting things to really escalate as our next batch of stock arrives in October and we switch the focus from production side of things to the various marketing and PR that will really start to kick in to coincide with the arrival of cooler weather.
For the future, well this may be a bit ambitious but we’ve set it as a goal anyway: to be known as THE Iconic luxury cape brand; as trench coats are to Burberry, bags are for Louis Vuitton, Hunter are for Wellies. Our primary focus will be on capes, as we’d like to continue to refine and perfect our core designs.
The feedback from customers so far on our customer service, packaging and the quality of our capes has been exceptional. This is an area we would like to stay on top of as we believe our customers really are our business. + 5 things you need daily or you just can’t deal:
1. Water and lots of it – with liquid chlorophol (grass product) to my husbands dismay as every time he goes to drink water it is green!! My body craves it and I drink around 3 litres a day.
2. Family time – we have a very active and hilarous 2.5 year old, so spending time with her together is a must.
3. Sleep – without my 8 hours of sleep I spend a lot of the day complaining how tired I am….it is not pretty.
4. Internet – for Cocoon most of my working day is spent online. Unfortunately I also have a little bit of a Facebook addiction – thankfully it is starting to die down due to Cocoon time spent on there.
5. A to-do list – I have been writing these since I can remember and these days the list is getting pretty long!
+ What’s your favourite Harris Tweed? (ours is Hepburn Earth, hands down!). What do you pair yours with?
This is like being asked to pick a favourite child! But I would say I am very partial to the Sienna Mix. I have probably worn this daily since I got in the first sample. It really goes with my blonde hair and pale colouring. I team the Sienna with white jeans, loafers and a simple top for a day look, or dress it up with heels and a nice top for evening wear. The Navy Grace is also great for being so versatile – it can be worn with any day look and I have worn it to a few weddings as well.
With more designers than ever before showing Pre-Fall, we’re awash with update options before the Summer is even out. Perfect, we are in such a mood for a small style [r]evolution. Here’s whats moving us this week, and which direction we’re walking it. Pitter patter.
Current location: London, UK.
Soundscape: Like, so much Dylan. Throw Blood on the Tracks on repeat and be done with it. It’s nearly August, for christsakes.
Obsessions du jour: Capes. Fringe. Mustard, the color. Equal parts plimsole and wedge, but less sold on hybrids between. Velvet, tailored. A good pair of flares, for serious, hemmed properly.
Vibe: Well-to-do boho. 1970’s, in a very shaggable, Robert Redford’s take no shit girlfriend sort of way. Hippy wavelengths, but so very clean. Suede and burnt yellow and denim and ponyskin and sex hair and a short, square mani. A little bit rough and tumble, but thoughtfully constructed. You are of the earth, for sure, but you are also a boss bitch and what Eq girl worth her salt doesn’t understand the value of crisp turnout? None, that’s what. You take your free love with a healthy side of hygiene and a fantastic haircut, and let’s not mince, you know it ain’t free, anyways. What a wise woman you are. Maybe you even write poetry. Look like you do, at any rate.
Mood board:
Ralph Lauren Pre-Fall 2015 // via style.com
Chloe Pre-Fall 2015
Shaggable shag.Robert Redford // via Details
All hail O. Palermo, for she can do no wrong.Via Erin Mcgraw.Pikeur.Babyface forever.Processed with VSCOcam with a6 presetvia Essie.Altuzarra Pre-Fall 2015 // via style.comVia AsosRobert Redford // via Harpers BazaarMax Mara // Queen Gigi Hadid
Altuzarra Pre-Fall 2015 // via style.comRalph Lauren Pre-Fall 2015 // via style.comAshley Goldberg, oil on canvas.Via The Tailored Sportsman.Like dapples.Via stylesnooperdan.Max Mara // Queen Gigi HadidRalph Lauren Pre-Fall 2015 // via style.com
Bliss[ed] Out : A Master Class in Californian Cool
This week, we caught up with the definition of charm, show-jumping darling Bliss Heers, to grill her on some pressing issues: namely, how did she get so chill, and why do we suddenly want to be her bff?
Athletic, determined, and enviably chic, this girl has got her sport- and style- ducks in a row. Game like this is made to inspire. Behold, your how-to on California cool, via it-girl, Bliss Heers.
Basic Stats
with Wilson // via Toffi images
Name: Bliss Heers
Age: 27
Vibe: American, but abroad. Blonde bombshell with a side of girl-next door. The ultimate argument for being able to remove the girl from California, but not California from the girl.
Quotable: “Style is wearing your own personality.”
Sport: International Show-Jumper
Passport: USA (Olivenhain, California)
Currently mapped at: Riesenbeck, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.
Mounts: Contendra (12), Prado K (12), Cortina (10). All German bred, all jumping the Grand Prix.
Daily necessities: “Coffee x 3, my french bulldog Wilson, my daily morning message from my dad.”
Showing in Thermal, California.
wilson via instagram
❤
Cortina
details 1
On her fantastic gene pool:
“I am a total daddy’s girl. My whole family is very athletic and both of my parents compete in show jumping. My dad retired from the show ring years ago, but my mom still rides in the hunter divisions. My mother, father, and my brother are all ridiculously fit. My mom has never lifted a weight in her life and looks like she works out everyday and my brother and father actually modeled for Iron Man magazine and have numerous athletic accolades ( Dad competed in Iron Man triathlons, my brother played College-level American football). I’m just grateful that I even look related to them.”
via Facebook
“One of the main influences on my style growing up has been my amazing mother. Last month, at 54, she could have potentially modeled for Nannette Lepore while she was re-tiling the kitchen. I don’t know anyone who can be so strong and elegant at the same time.”
Quality over quantity:
“Because I’m constantly on the road, I travel light and carry my favorite staples with me. I mix and match constantly…and I’m definitely not afraid take a risk once and a while, like mixing Dubarry boots with a sundress. My basic wardrobe lives in my suitcase: my favorite skinny jeans, flats, a classic sweater, blouse, little navy dress (which I find more versatile than black) and a blazer. Throw in my show whites and I’m good to go anywhere in the world. “
details 2
with Phillip Weishaupt in Cabo, San Lucas
details 3
mid-show cuddles with Reed Kessler // pc Joe Norick via Facebook
Classic office uniform, with a twist:
“A couple years ago I was give the opportunity to do some modeling for Pikeur. Since then, I have ridden in nothing but them. They are practical and oh so comfortable. On top I wear a simple shirt with long sleeves (I hate tan lines) and a crew neck sweater. For riding at home I have a collection of Lulu Lemon shirts and pullies. At the show, I’ll add a bright cashmere sweater.”
Keep it fresh:
“I hate thinking that I look as tired as I feel. I keep a good moisturizer, lip gloss, and a NARS blush/ bronzer duo with me at all times. Even you can forget that you’re tired when you put some color back in your cheeks.”
with Prado K
Workout vibe:
“Normally my gym shirts have some witty saying on them, like “come to the dark side, we have cookies”. And my running shoes are obnoxiously bright.”
Never look like you’re trying too hard:
“Whether it’s to the barn, nice dinner, or dancing, I keep it simple. I love looking and feeling natural, like my clothes were made for me. My accessories are minimal and my shoes are comfortable. Period. I have one favorite pair of black peep toe pumps that I usually bring along. They’re ‘Nike Air’, just in case I just HAVE to dance the whole night… I love wearing classics, but I don’t do boring.”
Abroad closet essentials:
“Winter jackets have become my ultimate indulgence. Being from Southern California and living the last 3 winters in Germany, I know that I invested wisely. I’m sure I’ll have them for years to come, and I feel that I’ve already gotten my money’s worth out of them. My favorite barn jacket is a dark blue, zip up Bauer. It’s fantastic to ride in. It’s so light and comfortable. My favorite non-barn jacket is either my simple Marc Jacobs black leather jacket, or my handed down Denim jacket from my mom.”
Goofing around with her LA Masters winnings, 2014
The last word
“I find that everyday is an opportunity for us to be inspired by something. It’s exciting to think when we get up in the morning, that we have a chance to reinvent ourselves as we would like to be, both inwardly and outwardly. We learn and share, bettering ourselves and people around us. Fashion trends are not different then social trends. I’m a firm believer in suede and empathy.”
2. linen dress Calypso, boots Dubarry, jean jacket Saint Laurent, fringed bag Proenza Schouler, hat Iverni, watch Kate Spade
3. lace dress JOIE, belt Dolce & Gabbana, d’orsay flats Nordstroms, aviators Ray Ban, frenchie ring Nach Bijoux, blush/bronzer duo NARS, lip balm Rosebud Perfume Co, hat Ally
Logistics: Harrods London standout. Timeless and sexy simultaneously. Whispers sweet nothings to our tweed obsession. Pop up shops at major Equestrian events UK-wide.
Manifestation exercises: You probably own a rustic country cabin, but with a butler, or at least someone to hedge the bushes and live in during the week. You should be able to prove actual experience on a hunt field prior to purchase, or have a Rover key in your pocket during (Land, not Range). You may or may not know how to shoot a pheasant. Any man who can carry off the Sloane jacket (Grey Donegal, please) with white denim earns an automatic catnip rating of 8.5, regardless of height.
Key pieces: The label is known for the ladies capes, which come in a wide range of UK-made tweeds, with or without fur trims. Bonus points for rolling up in the Gold Label offering, which boasts a healthy dose of raccoon fur. Also, you will require a tweed mini skirt, because sex.
Accessorize with: Heiress waves set in mermaid-length layered locks. Oversize sunnies. Dramatic mani (black, mulberry, silver foil). An appreciation for monogramming. Bangles and rings ok, but only if stacked.
Soundscape: The huntsman calling the hounds; Richard Branson.
Tonight’s dream fodder.Designer Jade Holland Cooper in one of the line’s staple miniskirtsChic silhouettes for all.Excuse us while we google pheasant hunting.Delicious raccoon trims from the Gold Label.
What: Highlight reel, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ready to Wear Fall 2015.
Why you care: Classic equestrian club vibes. Have you seen polo? You care so much. We’re going to the club right now. Get in the Rover. Ralph Lauren forever.
Takeaway points: A neutral palette will go all the way. Keep it simple but layered. Acquire a blanket duster-length coat, as well as Joni Mitchell’s entire discography. Forget that “refined” and “leather fringe” used to be mutually exclusive terms. Strongly consider a beret, but wimp out at the last minute and buy an aubergine beanie. Temporarily lose your flatiron. Fall in love with dark moody jewel tones. You are a forest gypsy wildling schoolgirl nymph princess. Resist the urge to let your stable grow long manes; do not resist the urge to make daisy chains.
Need. Need this coat. Hyperventilating. // via style.comTouch of Americana Fringe // via style.comlayered neutrals forever // via style.comlayered neutrals forever // via style.comThe new uniform // via style.comA stylized set of tails for Sundays // via style.comTweed overcoat for the win // via style.comLayers + Visibly bunched socks // via style.comtextures and jeweltones // via style.comAn unfussed blazer is gonna get necessary + a pop o’ neon // via style.com
Why you care: The ultimate marriage of athleticism and lifestyle. Also, junk food.
General rules: Color is ok. It is not to be feared. Bonnets often do not match saddle pads and no world ends. Embrace your inner triathlete, but under no circumstances are you to shirk the pub. Bonus points given for inexplicable fitness in the face of regular bangers and mash washed down with pale ale.
Standing out whilst blending in: Do not dress for the jog. Focus on layers. Think industry insider; perhaps you are jumping the Grassroots Championship, and had to hack one out first thing, so. You will be cold in the mornings, since your mornings will look more like nights, so bring your puffer, hopefully in a neutral palette. Pick one color to pop. A pedometer is a must, but one must never discuss the results nor produce less than 30,000 steps per day. Wellies, but not the tall ones, you’re not some city civilian. Never languish anywhere; you have no spare time. Always appear hurried yet frightfully energetic.
Current plan of attack.William Fox-Pitt (GBR) riding Chilli Morning pinches Jackie Potts’ hat after winning Badminton // via badminton-horse.co.ukvia CosmopolitanJoelle Price with Classic Moet // via badminton-horse.co.ukAlexander Peternell & Asih // via badminton-horse.co.ukJonathan Paget (NZL) riding Clifton Promise // via badminton-horse.co.ukNicola Wilson’s lovely One Two Many and Beltane Queen // via badminton-horse.co.ukBen Hobday (GBR) with Mulrys Error, looking like his milkshake brings all the girls to the yard // via badminton-horse.co.ukvia badminton-horse.co.uk
What: Classic Americana rock royalty, add twist of Jersey, spritz of Society. Muddle with leather and serve on the boardwalk.
Have: A soft, forward hand. Fantastic brows. Work ethic. Undergrad degree from respectable Americana institution. ASPCA Maclay Title. Sense of humour. Famous industry friends that legit like you.
Vibe: Unbothered, workmanlike. Classic pieces, nothing too trendy, natural fibers. Tasteful but undeniably sexy. Girl-next-door-in-a-shampoo-commercial hair.
Get amongst it: Poppa Bruce’s Wrecking Ball, 2012, all the way through, while you deep condition your locks and vow to only salon color from now on. Cultivate a centre part. Aquire fantastic abs but in no way flaunt them. Maintain a first-rate instagram account. Be so down to earth everyone wants to be your bff.
Springsteen Twist // On the Rocksvia Editorialistvia instagram // @jessicaspringsteenSpringsteen // Gucci Masters 2014via Editorialistvia instagram // @jessicaspringsteenJersey Girl Vibes // via getty imagesvia Editorialist
What: Showjumper queen, but tidy. Think sportof kings, stuff of dreams, love of life, scene of scenes. Never fussy, always classy. Manifestation Exercises: Imagine everything you do is in slow motion and also black and white. Visualize that every handbag you own is lined in Baker plaid and smells of polo mints and Miss Dior. There are spare pearl earrings in your left breech pocket which you do not worry about as they are freshwater. You are going to spin and hot yoga on the off-day. Inspo: Tiffany Foster, Reed Kessler, Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco. Always: Tone on tone dressing. Navy. Conservative layers (NO BANGS). Wide brims (hats; helmets; visors). Pearls. A good watch. Working knowledge of wine pairings. Avoid: Tequila. Prints. Unbraided manes. Soundscape: James Bay, the new Mumford, the National Anthem.
Vibes.Vintage Kessler // via horse-tales.comT-Fost // tone on tone.Charlotte C, for Gucci.Tiffany Foster // Tripple X
+ Tell us a little about Cocoon. 
equestrienne.co 