At a time when, due to the pandemic suffered by COVID-19, social isolation has been imposed on us, nature is reborn with strength, a fact that is not only reflected in the decrease of environmental pollution, but also leaves pleasant images of animals roaming freely in deserted cities due to the imposed quarantines. As a result, the horse is re-emerging as a model of elegance, nobility and freedom.
TORY BURCH – CHANEL – BALMAIN – SELF-PORTRAIT – MICHAEL KORS
The Horse as a symbol of Freedom
From wild “cowboys” to elegant horsemen, there was no shortage of equestrian influences on the catwalks of the major Fashion Weeks. Equestrian themes were subtle, yet striking as at Tory Burch and Roland Mouret.
ISABEL MARANT – BRANDON MAXWELL – DSQUARED2 – CÉLINE – REDEMPTION
Straddling fashion and culture, following countless shows of solidarity from major luxury brands, Gucci presents its ingenious Spring-Summer 2020 campaign #OFCOURSEAHORSE. Created by “The Favorite” Director Yorgos Lanthimos and Christopher Simmonds director, the images show horses and models as protagonists in paradoxical scenarios.
The horses, a symbol of freedom, were photographed at various locations in the City of Angels: beaches, parking lots, swimming pools and airplanes; as well as at the luxurious Chateau Marmont hotel located at 8221 Sunset Boulevard. A freedom of self-expression that conveys “the power of fashion to break the cage of rules with the self-determination of personal style,” stated Alessandro Michele.
Few symbols in the fashion world are as recognizable as Gucci’s equestrian buckle, the metal detail that has adorned its classic loafers for more than 60 years.
It all began with Guccio Gucci, the son of an Italian merchant who became the founder of one of the world’s most luxurious fashion brands. Before starting his leather goods company in 1921, Gucci worked at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he realized the importance, and symbolism, of equestrian sports for members of the English aristocracy. This led him to later include elements of horse racing and polo to his brand.
When Gucci’s son Aldo created the original Gucci loafer in 1953, he decided to include the world of horses in his design. Almost immediately, the shoes and their symbolic equestrian buckle became wardrobe staples for the international jet set, including European royalty and Hollywood celebrities.
The Gucci loafer remained timeless and unchanged, an ultimate symbol of classic and effortless style, until 2015. When the maison’s newly appointed creative director, Alessandro Michele, reinvented the horse in several innovative designs. Most notable was the “Princetown” loafer, heel-less and leather-lined it became a cult classic object that was accompanied by bags and other accessories decorated with the characteristic equestrian buckle.
A horse, whose image also reminds us of iconic logos of notable fashion firms. Founded by Thierry Hermès as a harness workshop in Paris, the iconic French firm also features a horse in its characteristic logo. A horse-drawn carriage that went from producing harnesses to supply European nobles, to making inroads into fashion (20th century) with its first “Haut à Courroies” bag, created for riders.
In Burberry (1901), symbol of British luxury, an English gentleman appears riding a steed as a symbol of nobility, honor and protection (shield). Direct reference to the waterproof gabardine fabric invented by its founder, Thomas Burberry, which was a great change in the heavy outerwear to allow freedom of movement. An “Equestrian Knight” inspired by the 13th and 14th century armor on display at the Wallace Collection in London.
Straddling Fashion and Culture. Introduced in 1974, the legendary Ralph Lauren logo also features a mounted horse, in this case inspired by polo. A sport chosen to convey the prestige and privilege of American high society, as well as the proud traditional American culture.
The classic New York-based Coach 1941 logo was introduced in 1962. Designed by Bonny Cashin, a famous fashion designer and artist, it featured the image of a horse and carriage as a symbol of luxury, royalty and elegance.
A horse that also symbolizes our magazine representing luxury, not as purchasing power, but as freedom to offer exclusive content. Betting on a boom in sustainable creativity. The COVID 19, has allowed us to savor the restrictions that come with a pandemic and rediscover that there is no greater luxury than the freedom to think and act independently.
Images courtesy of de theimpression.com and the submitted firms.
