The Girls of the Grand Prix

 
LEFT TO RIGHT: SYDNEY SHULMAN, LILLIE KEENAN, BRIANNE GOUTAL, VICTORIA COLVIN IN THE GRAND PRIX RING AT THE HAMPTON CLASSIC. PHOTOGRAPHS BY DEBBY HYMOWITZ

 
One of the premier events and grand finale of the Hamptons summer social scene, The Hampton Classic horse show, is taking place this week. The pinnacle of the show is the Grand Prix, a spectacular display of athleticism, bravado and showmanship that is not to be missed. Scheduled for Sunday, it is an event defined by speed and precision, and features massive jumps with heights up to 1.6 meters (5’3″) and spreads up to 2.0 metres (6’7″). The fastest time with the least amount of faults wins, and it requires perfect teamwork between the rider and the horse.

With a $250,000 purse, The Hampton Classic Grand Prix offers some of the richest prize money in the sport. It is part of the Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge which awards a $200,000 bonus to the horse-and-rider combination that manages to win the $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon, the $250,000 Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic, and the $250,000 Grand Prix at the National Horse Show.

The event is unique for many reasons, not the least of which is that men and women compete against each other in the same event. And second only to the competition is the style. From helmets to jackets to shirts, pants, and boots, the top riders are sponsored from head to toe. While many of the brands like Charles Ancona, Pikeur, Tucci, Samsheild, Parlanti, Grand Prix and Essex are known only to the cognoscenti, the look is nothing but chic.
 
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CLOCKWISE TOP LEFT: BRIANNE GOUTAL WARMING UP, AS SYDNEY SHULMAN AND ANOTHER RIDER WATCH; LILLIE KEENAN WHO IS PARTNERED WITH HERMES AT THEIR SPONSORED JUMP; TUCCI BOOTS; CHARLES ANCONA CUSTOM SHOW JACKETS, SPONSORS OF SYD SHULMAN AND BRIANNE GOUTAL; TORI, BRIANNE, SYD & LILLIE KEENAN.

 

While many people come to The Hampton Classic to see and be seen, they sometimes forget the reason they are there is the athletic competition among intensely focused and highly trained athletes (and their horses). Photographer Debby Hymowitz and I had a chance to meet up earlier this week with four of the top female competitors in the Grand Prix: Sydney Shulman, Lillie Keenan, Brianne Goutal, and Victoria Colvin, ranging from ages 16 to 25. I asked them about their thoughts on the star-studded social scene at The Classic, and whether they enjoy competing with so much happening outside of the ring.

“In America there is a lack of spectatorship from outside the sport and the Hampton Classic is one of the few horse shows that is successful in bringing in a crowd. Whether that’s for social purposes or for sport, it’s still amazing to have them there,” says Brianne Goutal. “We do have to change the way we interact, however. We have to please the public and compete for the crowd. The horses might have different reactions and you’re dealing with stress you might not be used to. In general, though, I love the crowds and it’s great for the sport!” Read More

 

Six of One

 
BLIZ TRACKER

 

Half dozen of another. No matter how you count it, the innovative Bliz Tracker sunglasses can be converted from sunglass to a shield, come with two sets of lenses and an extra jawbone or lower frame, for six different style and functionality options.

We first spotted Bliz eyewear in the Winter Olympics on many of the cross country skiers. A Swedish brand, Bliz developed a large following in Scandinavia for their performance sunglasses and goggles specifically designed for Nordic skiing competition. The lenses are made from unbreakable polycarbonate and feature 100% UV protection. Both the nosepiece and temples are rubber and fully adjustable for a great fit and comfort.

Whether running or cycling, wearing a helmet or visor, we love these sunglasses for their flexibility, performance and style. In addition, the glasses come with an optional strap which can be used for extra security to hold glasses in place under more strenuous activity. The Bliz Tracker retails for $119.

 

Gimme a V… Files

 

 

LEFT COLUMN: ASHISH FU VARSITY COAT; HOTEL PIGALLE HAT; RUSSELL ATHLETIC ARCHIVE RA EAGLE LOGO SHIRT; VFILES SPORT PLUS MOTO L/S JERSEY; CENTER COLUMN: VFILES STOREFRONT; VFILES T-SHIRTS; VFILES WHATEVER SLIDES; SALOMON SPEED CROSS 3 CS; RIGHT COLUMN: MOSCHINO QUILTED JACKET & SKIRT; ASHISH USA TOP; ASSK REAL TREE LONG BOMBER JACKET

 
Located on the corner of Mercer & Grand in Manhattan’s Soho, is VFiles, a curated shop, cyber fashion community and new trend-setting mecca for the coolest of the cool. Similar to Supreme on Lafayette and Opening Ceremony around the corner, VFiles has a unique point of view reflected in every item sold in the store, which ranges from high end fashion to technical sport pieces. I was particularly impressed to see a selection of Salomon trail running shoes there, one of the most advanced on the market, chosen for their striking design. I asked friend and founder, Julie Anne Quay about the mix.

“There are three global languages, fashion, sport and music. We try to speak to those audiences. So you have fashion, which is Moschino. You have sport, which is Salomon. You have music which is represented by a lot of young designers that are also hip hop artists and DJs. Ashish is a brand heavily worn by Katy Perry. Rihanna wears a ton of VFiles Sport Plus and Melitta Baumeister.”

VFiles has its own sport line VFiles Sport Plus, but like the Salomon shoe, this customer is wearing these pieces not for performance but for style. Says Julie Anne, “The Salomon shoe looks amazing, but it also does what it’s supposed to do. That is what makes it a great piece of merchandise. The influencers, that top 1% who are setting trends, are looking for form, function AND design.”

Julie Anne is an athlete herself and SoulCycle instructor as well, but has made her career in the upper echelons of the fashion industry and appreciates the style of both. “Clothes speak to you. Like right now I don’t know why, but I really want that Moschino Sponge Bob Coat.” I hear what she’s saying because I really want that Assk Real Tree Long Bomber shown above. It’s all in the mix of sport and style.

VFiles is located at 12 Mercer street and online at VFiles.com 

-CL

 

Back To The Future

 
ADIDAS ORIGINALS MICROPACER OG

 
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Adidas has just released the Micropacer OG, once the most technologically advanced sneaker on the market. Originally introduced in 1984 to coincide with the Los Angeles Olympics, the Adidas Originals Micropacer was the first shoe to feature a built in pedometer that showed steps and distance, paired with an LCD screen integrated onto its exposed tongue. The Adidas Originals Micropacer quickly became an icon thanks to its unique combination streamlined design and technical gadgetry.

This new re-issue of the once futuristic shoe has been produced in its original silver color way accented with blue stripes and red detailing on the sole. Long before the advent of the fitness tracker, the Adidas Originals Micropacer was the only way to monitor your every move and continues to do it with style.

 

Fall Fitness Preview

 

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After a bright and colorful summer, fitness gear and apparel has turned to black and white for fall, making a bold and graphic statement at the gym, on the bike, on the road and trails. These are our picks for the seasons chicest!

ROW 1: HURLEY DRI-FIT MOTO WOMENS JACKET $80. This slim little moto jacket is a hot look for gym transit or any other destination. It features Nike Dri-FIT for sweat management and styling details like an assymetric zip and contrast panels on the shoulder and sleeves. CAMELBACK EDDY GLASS WATER BOTTLE $25. Made from naturally BPA-Free and lead-free glass, the Eddy water bottle delivers fresh and clean hydration. It features a patented flip-top valve technology and is wrapped in a stylish silicone sleeve for added protection. SWEATY BETTY ACCELERATION CYCLE TOP $120. This fitted cycle jersey has been updated for fall with a bold geometric print. It features flat reflective seams, plus zip and double mesh pockets, and silicone grippers at the hem.

ROW 2: OAKLEY FLAK JACKET $150. While the Flak Jacket can be customized, we love this graphic black and white model. A performance standard in sport sunglasses, the Flak Jacket is designed for optimal clarity, fit, peripheral vision, glare and sun protection. PUMA FERRARI WINNING BALLET FLATS $75. This is the perfect flat to take you to and from your sporty destinations and all stops in between. The upper features leather mesh and a breathable sockliner for optimum fit and comfort, with a rubber outsole for grip.

ROW 3: OSPREY REV 12 BACKPACK $110. This backpack is designed for high-intensity activity, but makes a great gym bag as well, with multiple storage pockets and sleeves for all your essentials. A dual zippered, dedicated water compartment provides on-the-go hydration. NIKE LEGEND 2.0 TIGER TIGHT $75. Reveal your animal instincts while training in these graphic tiger striped, sweat wicking, stretch tights. ATHLETA POWERHOUSE TANK $49. This sporty slub tank, with its stunning strap design, has great comfort and style from the gym to the street.

ROW 4: UNDER ARMOUR HEATGEAR® ALPHA PRINTED SPORTS BRA $24.99. This compression fit, mid-impact sports bra features super-smooth, double-layer HeatGear® fabric and provides a second-skin feel for superior comfort and support. OAKLEY PRINTED DEDICATION SHORT $47. This 3″ short short offers athletes a supportive fit with graphic style. Sweat-wicking fabric stretches four-ways for comfort and enhanced range of motion, while reflective elements deliver increased visibility.

 

Boots In The “Wild”

 

 

Now in theatre is “Wild”, starring Reese Witherspoon, based on the bestselling memoir by Cheryl Strayed. The book tells the story of the author who hiked 1,100-miles along the Pacific Crest Trail, as a way to overcome her mother’s death, crumbling marriage and a life out of control.

For those who read the book, the cover will be memorable for the image of the single worn-in red laced hiking boot. These boots play a large role in Strayed’s journey and were recreated for the movie by Danner, a Made-In-America heritage brand based in Portland, Oregon. Danner is releasing the Mountain Light Cascade which Witherspoon wears throughout the film at REI and other select stores in October, and also makes a great line of other classically styled retro hiking boots.

For a preview of the movie, click on the image below.

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Big Wheel for Big Kids

 
HIGH ROLLER

 

Many of you will remember the Big Wheel, the coveted colorful chopper style bike of the 70’s, and the thunderous roar those plastic wheels made speeding down the pavement. For those nostalgic for the toys of their youth, there is now the High Roller, an adult size Big Wheel.

Designed by a former aerospace engineer, this grown-up model features a heavy duty steel frame and fork built to support over 275 lbs, a 26 inch front wheel and custom freewheel hub for high speed coasting, and extra wide rubber front tire for superior traction. The rear wheels, however, are still plastic for those iconic sound effects and famous power slides! The High Roller adjustable seat accommodates riders from 5’2″ to 6’6″ and is generously padded with 4″ of foam.

For those who loved the Big Wheel as kid, the High Roller is guaranteed to put that same smile on your face!

bigwheel_smallBIG WHEEL

 

 

Pumped Up Kicks

 
MARC BY MARC JACOBS $428

Designer labels like Marc Jacobs, Dior and Chanel have gotten very sporty for fall, strutting super stylized sneakers down the runways. But we are equally enamored with the radical designs sport brands like Mizuno, Adidas, Puma, Nike and Salomon have in their line-ups, and these are trainers you can actually train in! So if you are looking to make a fashion statement walking down the street, running down the road, or blazing through the trails, here are 8 trainers guaranteed to get attention.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: DIOR FUSION $1100MIZUNO WAVE PROPHECY 3 $209PUMA FUTURE XT $95NEWTON RUNNING ENERGY NR II $110; ADIDAS X RAF SIMONS BOUNCE $470; SALOMON SPEEDCROSS 3 $125; NIKE AIRMAX 2014 $180; ADIDAS SPRINGBLADE $180

 

 

Sailormade

 

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With summer now in full effect, we set sail into August with nautical themed tops, jewelry, dresses, bags, towels and other accessories designed for water lovers both on land and sea. 

ROW 1: JULBO WAVE $120-190. From kite surfing to paddling to sailing, the Wave is designed for those who play hard in the water. A removable protective frame skirt eliminates spray in the eyes, polarized lenses provide maximum protection against glare, and the frames float should they go overboard. Photochromatic lens option is available too. L.L.BEAN GORTEX CRUSHER HAT $39.95. On rainy days, this wide brimmed, lightweight, waterproof hat will keep you dry, and rolls up to stash easily when the sun comes out to play. Soft brushed lining with CoolMax sweatband wicks moisture for extra comfort.

ROW 2: J.CREW ANCHOR TANK DRESS $62.50. Anchors aweigh in this easy summer dress perfect for the beach or chilling at home. HELLY HANSEN W LATITUDE 90 CANVAS $80. These sneaker style canvas deck shoes are a classic from Helly Hansen, known for their technical sailing line. Fun zig-zag stitch adds nautical detailing to this no-slip shoe. KIEL JAMES PATRICK PAINTED OAR BRACELETS $68. Inspired by the simple and classic design of the painted wooden rowing oars used in the Head of the Charles Regatta, these refined bronze bracelets are inlaid with a fantastic assortment of different colorful wood designs.  SAINT JAMES GALATHEE $90. No top is more synonymous with summer then the french sailor shirt. It is a timeless classic, never out of style, and Saint James has been making them since the 1950’s.

ROW 3: TIDE & POOL NOUVELLE VAGUE TOWEL $90. A wavy riff on the traditional striped cabana towel, this plush oversized beach towel is made in Brazil and has that Copacabana feel. With its double sided printing, you get two designs on one towel. NIXON THE LOWDOWN TI $175. Track swells, tides and other crucial ocean info for over 200 beaches until 2020, along with more time telling functionality with this candy colored, 80’s flavored watch. HERSCHEL MARKET TOTE $69.99.  Constructed using materials and details inspired by classic competitive sailing, this beach and city tote features a reinforced bottom and molded rubber magnetic strap closure.

ROW 4: J.CREW TEXTURED STRIPE SHORT $69.50. These sailor inspired striped shorts feature a subtle pleat detail and angled pockets for a chic maritime look anyplace and anytime. SOLUDOS ORIGINAL BARCA SAILOR STRIPE $43. The flat espadrille is a summer must have, and we love this Soludos sailor stripe classic.

 

Graston Technique

 

 
Medieval torture device or therapeutic healing method? The Graston technique feels like a bit of both. Six stainless steel tools, in different shapes, sizes and bevels, were originally designed by David Graston for athletes as to treat acute and chronic soft tissue injuries. Designed to break up scar tissue and facial restrictions, these tools are utilized by chiropractors, osteopaths, and physical therapists to stimulate the healing process. While I can attest the method is extremely effective, the scraping of a metal tool across inflamed muscles hurts like hell.

According to Dr.Peter Duggan, D.C., CSCS of Duke Chiropractic, our go-to resource for all sports injuries, “The tools pick up tissue differently than my hands. They are especially effective in treating sports injuries such as plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, Achilles, rotator cuff, calf and hamstring injuries.”

The curvilinear edges of the Graston instruments, combined with their concave/convex shapes, mold the to various contours of the body and catch on fibrotic tissue, which immediately identifies the areas of restriction. The instruments are then used to break up the scar tissue so it can be absorbed by the body. The pain one experiences is actually a small grade inflammation that is created which starts healing process.

For all us athletes, weekend warriors, or recreational sport and fitness enthusiasts who don’t want to be sidelined by nagging injuries, the Graston technique is a legitimate example of no pain no gain.

 
 

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