Fashion winners
The Cheltenham Festival isn’t all about the racing – it’s what you wear, as LEWIS CLARKE finds out when he chats to designer Jade Holland Cooper about her new Menswear Collection, what the races mean to her and her plans for the future
AS the Cheltenham Festival rides high in the social calendar, it’s impossible to overlook the sartorial influence of designer Jade Holland Cooper. With an eye for tradition and a flair for the contemporary, Holland Cooper has become synonymous with racing fashion.
“I’ve always been part of the Cheltenham Races,” Jade begins, her passion for the sport of kings as evident as the quality of her designs. “Holland Cooper is the epitome of racing fashion.”
Fifteen years ago, Jade’s journey began with 30 tweed miniskirts at the Badminton Horse Trials.
Today, her brand remains a bastion of British heritage, with pieces that pay homage to equestrian roots.
For Jade, The Cheltenham Festival is more than an event; it’s a celebration of style across generations. “It’s one of the highlights of the year for me,” she shares.
This year is particularly momentous, marking both the 15th anniversary of her brand and the centennial of The Cheltenham Gold Cup.
“It’s the ideal opportunity to showcase that we are the Fashion Partner of Cheltenham Racecourse.”
Cheltenham stands apart from other equestrian events. “People embrace the sense of occasion,” Jade observes. Her boutique becomes a hive of activity, with customers planning their festival attire months in advance. “It’s lovely to see people making such an effort.” The festival has unveiled Holland Cooper’s eagerly awaited Menswear Collection. “I aimed to strike the ideal balance to fit practically into any man’s wardrobe,” Jade explains. From fleece gilets to classic tailored Cheltenham Coats, the collection promises to be a festival essential. Cheltenham’s lack of a formal dress code doesn’t deter racegoers from donning their finest. Jade states: “Cheltenham is the home of the finest racing in the world, with this comes some of the finest fashion – the perfect occasion to wear your best outfits and favourite accessories.
“It has become the country catwalk, and a sea of Holland Cooper showstopping styles. It’s the perfect occasion to wear your best outfits and favourite accessories,” Jade states.
Jade hints at exciting new styles and fabrics to look out for, urging fashion enthusiasts to keep an eye on their website for the latest updates.
The festival is a magnet for celebrities and fashion influencers. Jade recalls the presence of stars like Idris Elba and Pixie Lott in previous years.
While fashion takes centre stage, the essence of the festival remains the horse racing. Jade shares her anticipation for the races saying: “I have a great relationship with leading jockeys and tipsters, so [am] taking their lead on who to back. My husband Julian Dunkerton is a keen racing fan and will certainly be placing a bet or two.”
Post-festival, Jade’s vision for Holland Cooper is clear: consistent growth and the development of a state-ofthe-art head office in Gloucestershire. Dunkertons Park, near their flagship boutique, is set to become a cultural hub, hosting a variety of events.
For more information on Holland Cooper and their collections, visit www.holland cooper.com, or follow Jade Holland Cooper and Holland
I’ve always been part of the Cheltenham Races Jade Holland Cooper