The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” rings true for me when it comes to my horse show experiences. Thanks to the incredible support and shared love for horses of everyone who has had a hand in my journey, my passion for horses and riding was realized as a young child, and continues to endure to this day. From my horse-addicted family, to the guidance of my trainers and mentors, and of course, from the wonderful people at Show Season – who have been styling me in one-of-a-kind suits since I was eight-years-old – I have been able to “keep my fire burning.”
Over these years, going to Show Season has become an annual routine for my mom and me, as we always find time at Nationals to go hang out with Melissa and Patti, and pick out our new suits for next years show season. They are our “go to” place for everything that is chic, stylish, and embellished in show suit attire, and I am convinced that their special attention to detail has been a part of my success. Not only do their fabulous suits help me to pull off a complete presentation on my horses, but they make me feel more confident when I hit the show ring.
Moreover, as someone who not only has a deep love for horses, but for fashion as well, the entire event of picking out a new suit – getting fitted, choosing fabrics, trims, colors, designs, etc. – is almost too much fun, and Melissa and Patti go above and beyond to help and give their opinions. My absolute favorite part of the experience, however, comes a few weeks later when a package with a “Show Season” return address arrives in the mail that holds within it my dazzling new suit!
The whole process almost feels like magic! You decide on a few swatches, and then – POOF! – your custom-tailored suit appears on your doorstep. Never once, in my many years of going through this routine, did I get up from the Show Season table and actually think about all of the labor or other people that were involved in making one of my suits. Behind the scenes, nevertheless, is where the magic really happens. Here, there is a large number of people who are engaged in the development of bringing these materials to life in a garment, and, in this way, although when you get up from that table the work might seem over, it has just begun.
For 32 years now, Show Season has brought together the very best team from all over the county to deliver your garments in a timely fashion, and, outside of Melissa and Patti, they have continued to work with many of the same skilled tailors they started with all those years ago. This distinction has given Show Season the stability of quality and consistency that is a standard in all their garments. From a client’s perspective, it is easy to overlook all that goes into the process of creating our garments, as Show Season has mastered it’s art, and makes it appear effortless to the customer. Nonetheless, for this team – from sales reps, to suppliers, to tailors, to pressers – each handcrafted piece involves extensive labor and attention to detail.
The process begins after the materials have been meticulously chosen, when the dozens of measurements that are taken from the client (which ensure a uniquely exceptional fit every time) have to be converted into measurements for riding attire. Needless to say, these measurements are quite different from street wear, as the arms, legs and shoulders of a rider are in atypical positions other than just standing. After this has been completed, the creation of patterns, cutting, and sewing are then fulfilled for each garment; a process that involves HUNDERDS of hours. This is the ultimate in wardrobe investment, and, although it is no small task, the labor involved does make your suit look and feel that much more special, and gives it that WOW factor that Show Season is known for.
The end result is a suit that fits like a glove, is impeccably tailored, and is customized to your own unique fashionista style. Although, in truth, being perfectly outfitted won’t win you red roses, it is important for riders to be well turned out for the ring in order to make a good impression. As such, being beautifully dressed could make all the difference in the world, and, in a Show Season suit, you will at least feel like a champion before you ever even hit the show ring.
☆P.S. Be sure to check back for my new bi-monthly Blog posts, offering a client/amateurs perspective, as well as tips on showing and fashion!!