Their first collection reveals chic, timeless riding wear, carried by modern and confident women; still with an edge to it. By combining the past with the present in a revolutionary way, Aisling Equestrian offers something different within Equestrian Fashion.
By Kicki Bark. Photo by Annika Holtz
It’s a chilly Sunday morning in the city center of Stockholm. I have an appointment with Charlotte Treschow, one of the two founders of Aisling Equestrian. We meet me in a crammed coffee shop. I can´t help to admire her elegance; dressed up in pieces from her own collection with high waisted corduroy breeches and a tight fitted roll neck top. Normally you wouldn’t consider wearing your riding outfit when going for a coffee in the city, but for the Aisling woman, this should not be an issue.
“Our ambition is not to compromise the function that you need in riding wear nor the style that you have outside the stable,” Charlotte says.
Together with co-founder Johanna Bodin, Aisling Equestrian was born 18 months ago.
“From the start, we had a concept, a vision, and a strong belief that we could do this. There have been many late nights, but we are a strong duo. Seeing the collection coming together has been the best motivation”, Charlotte continues.
“I used to buy my breeches from auction sites, among luxurious vintage handbags and scarves.”
Background from the Fashion industry
Charlotte grew up in the South of Sweden and has her background in fashion. Her passion for horses brought her back in the saddle as an adult.
Johanna is from North of Sweden and grew up with horses on their farm, also with a background from the fashion industry. Both are based in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, in which affects their way of thinking.
Fashion has always been of enormous interest for the duo. Both find inspiration from classic style icons like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly as well as current fashion trends and from men’s fashion.
“I used to buy my breeches from auction sites, among luxurious vintage handbags and scarves. It sometimes came up if I were lucky. That is a costly shopping habit though, but I could see that it made an impression on others when I was wearing it.”
“From the start, we had a concept, a vision, and a strong belief that we could do this. “
Despite their characteristic and somehow a bit old-fashioned corduroy breeches, Aisling Equestrian is not at all about vintage. The design is contemporary, with a modern fitting. Fabrics are high-tech material, selected carefully and developed to get the right look. Not to forget; all the colours chosen for the collection are made to fit one another, for the pleasure of mixing all the items as you like.
Choosing the city of Stockholm
When Aisling Equestrian was planning their first photo shoot, they wanted it to reflect their values. As a backdrop, they chose the streets of Stockholm.
“For the big crowd, it may appear a bit exotic, but for us, riding in the city is a part of our daily life, as we both stable our horses here in the center of Stockholm.”
So what’s the next step for the two entrepreneurs I wonder.
“Develop and extend the collection, and add new elements and accessories,” Charlotte says enthusiastically.
