As we were designing our Spring 2025 Collection, the theme of the American West kept rearing its head. Tough, ruggedly elegant, and perfectly poised females filled our inspiration board. All accompanied by horses and the vast landscape of the old country.
The story started telling itself. Strong women, the awe and wonder of the most majestic animal, and how they care for each other. The fabrications, colors, and styles started to fall in line. New broadcloth colors of Cactus and Sand, new textured suitings, solids and linen based pinstripes. Equestrian inspired silhouettes, structured pieces paired with moveable knits.
As we set out to find a location to make this story come to life, a dear friend up in Wilton, Connecticut started reaching out to horse stables and farms asking if we could shoot on location with them. After several rejections, she called Rising Starr Horse Rescue. Founder and Executive Director, Kelly Stackpole, gave us a resounding ‘YES’, mere days before the shoot, and welcomed us with open arms.
We arrived with our close knit team of six, a car full of clothes, and a vision. The staff at Rising Starr were exceptionally kind and helpful, prepping one horse after another for us to shoot with, helping us navigate the grounds, and teaching us so much along the way.
Our curious minds asked questions throughout the day, like ‘Is that gentleman reading to the horses?’ in observation of a volunteer pacing slowly through the main indoor stalls, literally reading a thick novel out loud in German. These are rescue horses. Some have endured incredibly hard journeys to get to this safe haven. Hearing that low and steady voice of the reader calms them.
We learned the stalls with the red signs were horses that still needed a little distance, like Goliath. He was a recent rescue and was still acclimating to this new and hopeful environment.
We learned that when entering an arena, some of the veteran horses will come running to the gate, because they know food is here. I tried not to panic as these two pinned me at the entrance waiting for snacks.
But the star of the day was Poseidon. Poseidon is an 11-year old cremello quarter horse with the sweetest disposition. We spent the car ride home back to Brooklyn, trying to figure out how to adopt him. A couple months after our shoot, Poseidon was adopted by Berkshire Horseworks, and is serving as a therapy horse. Nothing makes more sense, as Poseidon served as our very own therapy horse for the day.
We are still amazed at how perfect this location was for documenting this collection. From the fields to the practice rings, the setting was spectacular, even magical. Capturing breathtaking images with these beautiful animals was something my team will never forget. And learning and witnessing Rising Starr’s heartfelt mission, turned something that we do season after season into a truly amazing experience.
Kelly started Rising Starr in 2005 when she learned so many horses across America were being treated inhumanely. As a rescuer myself (of cats), meeting Kelly and getting to know her organization was kismet. We are forever grateful to Kelly and the staff at Rising Starr Horse Rescue for the most memorable day.
View the full Spring 2025 Lookbook.
For more information on Rising Starr Horse Rescue, visit: www.risingstarrhorserescue.org.
