Horses and countryside attire on the catwalk in London Fashion Week

Horse prints and countryside attire, the likes of which is usually seen on the hunting field rather than catwalk, has once again been thrust to the forefront of fashion.

Leading British designer Paul Smith, who unveiled his 2010 autumn-winter collection on Monday (22 February) during London Fashion Week, has joined the growing brigade of designers that draw their inspiration from English heritage.

Smith’s latest collection includes tweed caps, riding capes and chunky woolens, as well as short-sleeved tops with a horse on the front.

“I am a British designer, and it is very much about the English aristocracy,” the designer told press backstage at the show.

The collection, which evokes visions of country houses and outdoor pursuits, mixes earthy tones and traditional fabrics with bold splashes of colour.

Paul Smith added: “It’s got a lot of the English countryside about it, but in a very modern way. Its theme is that of the ‘naughty debutante’.”

The fashion world went horse and country crazy last year, when Jimmy Choo teamed up with Hunter wellies and a saddlery-inspired range of handbags by Osprey London. Vogue also included two striking photos of models in hunting dress.

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