I went to the beeeeautiful Cotswolds today.
Wow what a gorgeous part of England. I was swan necking through all the villages at the stunning stone cottages and rolling countryside.
I then arrived at Martin Keighley’s training yard. I was invited down to meet with Martin and discuss with him a new jacket for him to wear at the Cheltenham Races next month. I was so nervous initially as I don’t know much about horse racing and trainers but Martin and his wife Belinda were so welcoming.
Martin had done his homework as I’d requested. He’d brought into the meeting room previous/currents suits.
This is always a useful starting point to see what people have been used to wearing, what they like and dislike about their current wardrobe. Martin had a very well loved/well worn(!) Magee Covert Coat. He then tried on one of my Bodycoat samples (like an overcoat but slimmer).
Both Martin and Belinda loved it- so we decided to make Martin a new coat to wear over his existing suits. Chances are it’ll be quite chilly at Cheltenham Races in November, it’s such a big open space and when the wind blows you know all about it! We discussed adding an action back into his jackets in future as Martin was talking about how hands on things can get at a race meet and ease of movement would be great as he often feels restricted in his jackets and coats. I showed them all the detail we could include which they loved.
Contrast collar and buttonholes, and the piece I was most excited about… a bespoke lining I’d commissioned for Martin from Illustrator and friend Sheri Lennon.
It was a race horse design and I was keeping everything crossed he’d like it- which he did! They seemed really thrilled with all my ideas which was just awesome. I love working with people that enjoy the process. Martin chose a gorgeous grey tweed with navy overcheck from one of my favourites, Lovat Mills in Hawick up in the borders of Scotland.
Belinda seems just as excited, if not more, about me being able to make boys tweeds. Mini Me for Martin! Martin and Belinda have two boys.
I joked with Martin that Freddie gets more social media coverage than him! Martin says he does!
#AskFreddie
Wee Freddie manages to get himself and his microphone in front a lot of the Race influencers, jockeys, trainers and reporters at the race meetings and has quite a following on YouTube.
Belinda said she’d send him and his brother along to say hi. Can’t wait! (I might even need to quickly make up a wee tweed jacket to have on the stand for him to try on!)
Ooooh exciting. I just so, so hope we can get some good coverage! Everything crossed.
Plus I got a mention!
And got home tonight to find Martin had mentioned me in his blog!
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