Equally fashion’s most prestigious French Maison Hermes began as a bridle maker for European elite and their cavalry in the 1800s. It wasn’t until 1922 that Hermes debuted a collection of women’s handbags. Before that it was known for saddle bags and stirrups - all items still sold today by the elite fashion house.

“When I was at Tatler I often took inspiration from country pursuits for our more grand fashion stories,” explains longtime stylist and founder of Disco Group Ailsa Miller. “There’s something about equestrian tailoring in a beautiful estate setting that will always ring true with their readers!” “Even now though, I can see elements of that style in a lot of my shoots. I take crisp white shirts on every job, especially if I’m styling a portrait of a celebrity - nobody ever looked bad in one.”

And it is for this reason that Mia S. Lei, designer of the eponymous Equestrian wear brand has released a collection of white button ups that seamlessly shift from riding ring to office, stables to city. The pleated Gloria shirt is hand-finished by Italian couturiers and its accented collar and cuff give it an unequivocal day-to- night appeal. Equally the crisp-collared Arabella made from cotton jersey with the buoyancy of a slight stretch and cotton poplin panels at its front is a modern-day classic. As stylist Miller attests, a fitted white shirt suits every style. “If you think back to the 80s Jilly Cooper style, the equestrian look has always been a classic chic approach. Riding boots have been in fashion favour since Princess Diana’s time. I think part of the reason it has such style staying power is that it suits any age.”

Furthermore, young fashion-conscience consumers are also busy, time-poor individuals who need their clothing to work as hard as they do. “As much as I may have a wardrobe bursting with clothes after a decade in fashion, I still have a small flat, and I prefer every item of clothing to multitask!” describes Miller of her signature style. “A tailored jacket will take me everywhere - even smartening up denim shorts or slipped over the shoulders for evening. In an a ge when we invest more in quality pieces, it’s important to think differently about how you can repurpose them for your own style. A riding blouse can be tucked into this season’s floor-sweeping wide-legged trousers, under a dress for a fresh take on layering, or for its original intended purpose!”

Bridget Arsenault