from the archives: open hunt

Much to my delight, there has been a very British equestrian influence on the fall runways of designers as divergent as Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Emilia Wickstead. I grew up with horses, riding pretty regularly until college took over my life, and I will always have a soft spot in my heart for horses - and the clothes worn while riding them. I always preferred riding English, not only because it was more exciting (hello, jumping) but because it was more stylish. Trim hacking jackets, breeches, tall black leather boots - it's a look that's equally chic in the show ring and on the runway.

Flashback to fall 2008, when I styled a shoot at the Grosse Pointe Hunt Club for the September/October issue of Ambassador Magazine. Photographed by Michelle Matiyow and Lians for LM Studios, the concept was to juxtapose formal, aristocratic portraits of the models with sexier, cinematic shots that told a different story. Check out the full shoot, with credits, below.

Open Hunt
Photography: Michelle Matiyow and Lians for LM Studios
Fashion: Rebecca Voigt
Models: Philip Lucia for Ford and Tyler O. for Wilhelmina
Hair: Monica Jadan for Lamia & Lamia
Makeup: Amy Asmar
Manicures: Di-Ann Crombez for Lamia & Lamia
Photo Assistants: Josh Band and Megan Boltz
Fashion Assistant: Rian English
Hair Assistant: Erin Williams
Location: Grosse Pointe Hunt Club
Horse and Rider: Elliot Rentenbach riding Whitney

On Tyler: Chloe coat. Lela Rose dress. Jimmy Choo shoes.
On Philip: Paul Smith shirt. Brioni tie. Ralph Lauren vest and pants. Salvatore Ferragamo belt. Prada boots.

On Philip: John Varvatos shirt. Filippa K jeans. Gucci coat and boots.
On Tyler: BCBGMAXAZRIA dress. Fendi belt. Gucci boots.

On Tyler: Calvin Klein top. Vince leggings. Louis Vuitton coat and boots.
On Philip: Thomas Pink shirt. Juicy Couture vest. Theory pants. John Varvatos boots. Vitaliano Pancaldi ascot.

On Tyler: Oscar de la Renta dress. Ellen Christine hat.
On Philip: Etro shirt. Gimo's jacket. 7 For All Mankind jeans. Tino Cosma pocket square.

On Tyler: Bill Blass blouse. Etro jacket.
On Philip: Theory shirt. Hugo Boss jacket.

On Tyler: Bill Blass blouse. Etro jacket and skirt. Francesca Mambrini boots.
On Philip: Theory shirt. Hugo Boss jacket. Ralph Lauren pants. Gucci shoes.

On Tyler: Escada shirt. Catherine Malandrino sweater. J Brand jeans. Chanel shoes.
On Philip: Thomas Pink shirt. Polo Ralph Lauren sweater. John Varvatos pants and boots.

On Tyler: Thomas Wylde blouse. Nicole Miller pants. Prada boots and bag.
On Philip: Louis Vuitton shirt. Filippa K sweater. Ralph Lauren pants.

On Tyler: Max Azria blouse. June jacket. Devon-Aire breeches. Miu Miu boots.
On Philip: Polo Ralph Lauren suit. Gran Sasso turtleneck. John Varvatos boots.

On Tyler: Max Azria blouse. June jacket. Devon-Aire breeches.
On Philip: Polo Ralph Lauren suit. Gran Sasso turtleneck.

On Tyler: Chanel dress. Marni boots.
On Philip: Pure DKNY sweater. DKNY shirt and jeans. John Varvatos boots.

On Philip: Gucci turtleneck and pants. John Varvatos jacket.
On Tyler: KLS dress.