The Clotheshorse: PK International

By Renee Spurge December 10, 2012

Fall is our absolute favorite time of year as we have an exuberant  affection for sweaters, tall boots and scarves. However, the 90 degree temps not uncommon to a Southern California autumn are making us pine for winter. Hopefully a cold, cold winter! Right about now everyone is a bit tired of having to worry about their bikini bodies and craves  a crisp day when they can zip up their favorite hoodie, slip on a comfy pair of boots and take the dogs for a breezy stroll. The holidays are coming and stores are overflowing with fabulous winter sportswear just begging shoppers to layer themselves with beautiful knits, faux furs and stylish tweeds.

The top equestrian brands offer fantastic pieces that will ensure riding enthusiasts look great, whether at the barn, out celebrating with friends or holiday shopping.   This year is no exception. Goode Rider, Barbour, Gersemi, Ariat, Pikeur and Arista have put out stunning collections of stylish rain coats, fur-collared jackets, comfy zip ups, puffy vests and (our favorite!) long, belted sweaters.

If you want to be up-to-the-minute, consider adding PK Sportswear to your closet. This colorful fashion brand is based in the Netherlands and new to the U.S. market; it launched in California in the fall of 2011.

Like many other successful riding collections, the PK International clothing line is created by equestrians. Unable to find clothing to suit their needs, Dutch riders Hester Hauer and Marieke de Heul were inspired to create their own brand. It’s quite a hit in their native land, and PK is the official outfitter of the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS).

The company sponsors dressage riders Lotje Schoots, the 2007 Dutch Young Rider Champion, and Kirsten Beckers, a young rider who then rose to prominence as head dressage trainer at the Broere Stud in Alblasserdam.

“The PK clothes are not only comfortable, but very fashionable,” Schoots says. “It is sportswear, but you can present yourself in a smart   appearance everywhere, at anytime.”

That lungeline-to-luncheon look is exactly what the designing minds at PK intended. This collection looks great on or off a horse. Every piece is made of high-quality luxury fabric, and the offerings change each season, with different color palettes, cuts and styles that will make you a stand-out where ever you go.

What we love most about this season’s PK collection is that it has something for everyone. If you favor fun and sporty and embrace vibrant colors and flashy detail, you will love the Hailey sweater and its playful varsity look.

Also check out the Fantasy tech zip-up shirts, which are both functional and form flattering and come in a high-tech, wicking fabric.

However if your design aesthetic is more on the classical side then we highly recommend our personal favorite piece, the Liberty fleece blazer. This little number is sophisticated, cozy, and definitely a standout piece this season. We also love, love, love the Pearle fleece zip-up. (We are, after all, suckers for fur and leather details!)

For those who miss their traditional European-cut breeches, the Lancet breech is designed similar to a Pikeur Mondega. It also has playful plaid trim detailing that ties the collection’s whole color story together.

Renee Spurge and  Tabitha Knaub own L.A. Saddlery in Burbank, CA. Take advantage of their flash sales — amazing deals that change daily! — at www.lasaddlery.com.

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