It was March 2020, Lockdown. It's a period none of us probably want to think about again, but this is where this particular story ends - and begins.
In 2018, I visited The Game Fair and was struck by the many stands offering clothing for women. Nothing special about that, I hear you say. More specifically, I was struck by what the stands weren't offering - pretty, feminine clothing designed specifically for women living the country lifestyle. Almost without exception, every item sold for women was an altered version of a man's clothing item, and I came away determined to solve this problem, as I felt I couldn't be the only girl wanting something more feminine.
At this stage, The Finer Horse was an equestrian lifestyle blog covering events such as Badminton Horse Trials, the Cheltenham Festival, and polo at Guards, as well as putting together outfit ideas for anyone attending those events. The outfit suggestions proved by far the most popular aspect, and this, along with the concept created at The Game Fair, led to the setting up of The Finer Horse clothing brand in autumn 2018.
By 2020, The Finer Horse (King & Carr’s previous incarnation) was doing well and had expansion plans, but the seemingly never-ending period of lockdowns turned all of this upside down. Initially, this was because it was impossible to fulfill orders, with fabric unobtainable due to all non-essential businesses forced to close. Later on, the impact was felt more from the cancellation of all the events you, our lovely customers, attend with excitement (and often in a new outfit). The upshot was that despite my best efforts, I couldn't keep things going, so in June 2021, The Finer Horse had to close.
Fast forward to 2023, and the internal voice urging me to give the business another chance wouldn't go away, so I decided to be brave and take the plunge again. Vowing that this time I would do things differently and better! First off was a name change - The Finer Horse was a relic of the brand's first incarnation as an equestrian blog, and the brand is for everyone, not just horse lovers. After much thought, I decided to take inspiration from my heritage and use two family names, King and Carr, to signify a new fresh start for the brand. The next step was to have a fresh look for the fresh brand, and here I need to give a shoutout to the CB Digital Design Agency, who created a beautiful new look for the brand that I hope you love as much as I do!
And now on to the most exciting bit - the designs - what have we got planned? Well, we're starting off with a core collection combining a return of our best-selling frilled collar country check shirts that you've told us you love so much, and an exciting new design that, like our shirts, can be worn in the field or in the pub equally well, all in the highest quality, softest fabrics we could find. Your wardrobe will love our new versatile pieces in this season's cosiest colors! This is just the start, though; we're planning to launch an expanded range over time that will include more wardrobe essentials that you'll find yourself reaching for again and again, as well as accessories that will combine King & Carr's ethos of being both beautiful and practical, and all made in the UK by skilled craftsmen who are fairly treated and fairly paid for their expertise.
We've got many ideas already, but we want to hear from you!
What is missing from your wardrobe that you'd love to see from us?