Charlotte off duty

Show jumping is a pastime founded in tradition and wealth as much as it is in agility and sporting prowess. So who better suited to design the uniforms for the very sport’s most glamorous proponent, Charlotte Casiraghi and her show-jumping team, than Gucci, the ultimate heritage brand.

Charlotte, who is something of a thoroughbred herself (her mother is Caroline, Princess of Hanover, and her grandmother was Grace Kelly) enthused about the collection, which includes polo shirts and a leather cap, said “I am thrilled to be working with Gucci and especially happy to be playing a part in their timely return to the equestrian world. I would like to make a special thank you to Frida [Giannini] and her team for the truly beautiful designs.” (We did say she was very well brought up).

With chum, Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley

Gucci does indeed have a past rooted in the equestrian world to return to; past – founder Guccio Gucci started out with a small shop selling saddlery in Florence. Over the years, design flourishes at the house have included the horse-bit and web striped girth strap (no, we’re not exactly sure what that is either!). Last December, it returned to the world of equestrian sponsorship, after a 20-year break.

Creative director Frida Giannini was said to jump (ho ho!) at the chance to design the horsey range, as she’s been an avid rider and horse lover herself since childhood. Well, Charlotte's team will certainly sweep up any prizes for style – lets hope when they win in the show jumping competitions that those rosettes don’t clash with the Gucci strip!