24 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com EQUINE Fashion
Continued...
BEHIND the Brand
Equetech is a name recognised
across the globe for their fashionable
technical riding clothing.
In this exclusive feature,
Noelle Vander Brink, spoke to
Liz Hayman, owner and head
designer and creative at British
equestrian fashion brand
that is taking equestrian fashion
to the next level.
AS HEAD DESIGNER OF A LEADING BRITISH EQUESTRIAN
FASHION BRAND, WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED?
“I actually came from a saddlery background originally.
I completed a HND in Saddlery Design & Technology but
then fell into textiles, rather than saddlery, as I was diagnosed
with juvenile arthritis in my hands. I used my pattern
making skills and applied it to clothing rather than saddles.
That said, whatever your background, you always need to
listen to your customer’s needs, and create unique designs,
which consumers recognise as your ‘trademark’, to stand
out from others!”
TELL US ABOUT EQUETECH AND YOUR JOURNEY BEFORE
AND WITH THE BRAND?
“I qualified as a master saddler in 2000, but couldn’t find a
job. I felt too young to start up my own saddlery, so I decided
to find an admin job, to gain essential work experience
in the industry. This proved invaluable! In 2003, I then found
a job working in the racing industry syndicate scheme. That
was certainly different! By 2005, I landed a job at Equetech,
as office manager. I worked for the company for two years
before being offered a fantastic opportunity to purchase
the brand.”
HAS YOU EXPERIENCE TRAINING AS A SADDLER INFLUENCED
ANY OF YOUR DESIGNS OR INSPIRED YOU IN ANY
WAY?
“Yes, I think so. I incorporate a lot of equestrian lorinery into
my prints, such as horse bits and stirrups, which must subconsciously
come from saddlery!”
TO HOLD A HERITAGE OF OVER 25 YEARS IS AMAZING IN
THIS DAY AND AGE - WHAT IS EQUETEC H’S SECRET?
“Never take anything for granted. Work hard and always
stick to your core business values. We offer a personal
service to all of our customers. No one is just a number!
We never attempt to imitate other brands and focus on
creating unique pieces which our customers will want to
wear. We believe all riders should have clothing that looks
and feels good, which is why our focus on ‘real riders’ also
applies to our clever design and generous sizing range.
Whether you are size 10 or plus size, our designs are for you.
We now go up to a UK size 24 as standard in our ladies
range.”
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FOR GARMENTS
AND COLLECTIONS?
“I always look at fashion trends and think about I would like
to wear. Our brand is very much fashion-led; however, our
garments HAVE to be functional. Taking inspiration from the
catwalk is great, but garments need to look good, withstand
wear and feel great in the saddle. There is no reason
why riding clothing has to be boring. Equetech customers
will have seen our bold signature prints on garment linings,
and it’s just one of the style details fashionable equestrians
love.”
YOU WORK WITH A LOT OF INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL
RIDERS - WHAT DO THEY WANT FROM THEIR
COMPETITION CLOTHING?
“Durability and style mainly. The ride so many horses every
day, so the garments get put through their paces!”
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR ‘ME’ TIME?
“Away from work, I love to spend time with my horse, Reggie,
and walking my dog Vinnie at every opportunity! At
home, I enjoy a glass of wine and a box of chocolates with
my cat Lloyd suffocating me on the sofa!”
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST RIDING MEMORY?
“I was five years old, riding a pony called ‘Smudge’ at my
local riding school.”
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