Whats Hot!

It seems there hasn't been a dull moment this month with so many fun shows sneaking up on us!  I'm sure many of you are looking forward to putting all your practice and training to good use out in the ring at the upcoming shows.  Springtime in northern California sure hasn't felt like springtime at all this year, with so many cool and cloudy days full of showers, but it makes for perfect sewing conditions!  It's harder to be cooped-up inside when the sun is shining outside.  Our saying around here is that "May is the new January."  As a team we've been keeping right on track for our much anticpated June deadlines for our Pinto World Show clothes ordered.

I must say this years' bunch of clothes have been a ton of fun for me as a designer because I've been given so much creative freedom with many of these designs.  I feel very lucky to be trusted by such a great group of clients who are adventurous and brave enough to let me do my thing!  Personally, I love surprises.....and I guess many of you do too!  I know my own personal show style would be considered by some to be over-the-top.  My own wild tastes aren't shared by everyone...that's just what makes the world go around.  So I tend to kept my crazier ideas on reserve for those daring gals who like to be trendsetters.  I often find just getting to know my clients and paying attention to their personality gives me enough insight to understand how to design something they will love.  We hope you'll all be pleased with your new looks!

I think there are two types of clients: the first are those who just want to "leave the designing to the designer" and the second are those who have a very specific idea of what they want to wear and how they want to be seen.  These clients just need a little help executing their vision.  I can honestly say I enjoy both types of clients.  Each pose a new set of challenges for me.  If I had to classify myself, I would be in the second group because I know what I like and what I want almost all the time!

Throughout the process we are always learning and listening to our clients.  Sometimes it's easier to find out what they dislike if they're not really sure about their own style.  As an artist I love the creative collaboration challenges that custom clients' orders sometimes pose.  Right now we're immersed in youth designs for the 14-18 group.  These young ladies are an adventurous bunch!  Working on their show clothes is making every day a lot of fun.  We are doing a lot of collaging of materials for a very 3-D effect.  Experimenting with multiple fabrics, laces, sequins and solids in combination with prints, leather, suede, and crystals is becoming a fun and exciting new trend.  I really like the intricate details created by layering, when using mulitiple materials together.  It is a great way to get more bling for your buck.  Sequins, beaded fabrics and fancy trims are definitely going to be a hot trend this year at all of the world level shows for youth and amateur riders.  That's my prediction on whats hot!

This is a picture we just received of Julia Aaron wearing a Custom By Heather Showmanship suit. She's looking as cute as can be and was the high-point walk trotter at the big Appy show in Findlay, Ohio. Congratulations Julia & thanks for the great picture!

Heather