Equestrian Designer has Heritage at Heart
Equestrian fashion designer Silvia Teixeira considers sustainability is one of her top priorities.
On looking into how she can apply it to her work she realised that inadvertently part of her work is already made in a sustainable way!
Text Teresa Burton. Photo Lena Saugen
Silvia’s passion for horses started at a very young age. During her studies of Fashion Design at the Faculty of Architecture of the Technical University of Lisbon, she learned about Riding Costumes and the Traditional Portuguese Riding Costume. After her faculty graduation, she did an internship at Maria Gonzaga’s Costumes in Lisbon, known for creating beautiful costumes and wardrobes for TV, theatre, and film productions before she opened a workshop dedicated to designing beautiful handmade and bespoke garments for horse lovers.
Silvia applying finishing touches to her creations worn by Model/Rider Laura Gosche
“I am inspired every day by antiques, films and TV series, music, photography, art, nature, my family and friends, and of course riding my horse.”
Recently Silvia has been teasing us with glimpses of her new collection posted on her Instagram page. Her work is unique, and these sneak previews of things to come are no exception. When an opportunity came up for a costume shoot, we couldn’t resist the chance to invite her to bring some pieces for the day.
It took a little time to convince her to jump on a flight from the Azores – but we were persistent, and she came!
Goncalo Linhas and Laura Gosche at Quinta do Palhão
The photoshoot was held at Quinta do Palhão, Vila Chã De Ourique – the home of classical rider Goncalo Linhas and his wife; Equine Vet Nara Franca.
First Image Goncalo Linhas and Nara Franca Second & Third images Laura Gosche
We were also fortunate to have the opportunity to be present when the first horses moved into their newly built stables.
Goncalo, Nara and one of Goncalo’s students, former model Laura Gosch wore the garments for the photos
Silvia´s latest collection is the first in a series of small themed collections of garments for equestrians and horse lovers. Not necessarily to wear just in the arena.
Nara Franca stunning in a black silk jacket
“It is a way of expressing soul through fashion,” she says.
“All of those who know me are aware of my passion for film and tv series. Not just the costume design, but everything that makes a good story. All the work put in to create the perfect step outside reality moment.”
I will wear high heels so you can hear my approach on the cobblestones (….) You listen for my footsteps.
Polly Gray . The Peaky Blinders
“I work with some lovely ladies with fairy hands”
Cobblestone is my first `inspired by´ small collection. All designs are handmade and unique. All are prototypes for the future exploring through sizes, colour pallets and textures.
Commitment to sustainability
Silvia considers sustainability is one of her top priorities. On looking into how she can apply it to her work she realised that inadvertently part of her work is already made in a sustainable way! For example, she does not mass produce – all the garments are made with a purpose and are unique. All are made in her atelier by her, or by local seamstresses.
We cannot wait to see the full collection, coming out in September 2022.
Silvia ́s work is presented in the Lusitano Horse Finder online shop and through the shop you can also commission her to create unique pieces for you.
Text by Teresa Burton Photo Images by Lena Saugen
