Foxhunting Life editor Norm Fine was interviewed on the Horse Radio Network last Friday, July 26, 2012 by Helena Bee and Sissi Finn for their program “Chasing a Fox in a Little Black Dress.” The interview was aired on “Stable Scoop,” the network’s flagship program, and may be heard at the network’s website and through Stable Scoop’s other outlets such as The Chronicle of the Horse, iTunes Radio, Horse.com, Equestrian Life, and Chasing a Fox.
Helena and Sissi hunt with the venerable Myopia Hunt in Hamilton, Massachusetts. In addition to their radio programming productions, the pair has teamed up in a new venture which provides style consulting services for the hunting field as well as other equestrian pursuits and all related social activities such as hunt balls, hunt teas, race meets, fund raisers, polo matches, and cocktail parties.
“I have a long history in equestrian retail and a former career in corporate marketing,” says Helena. “With Sissi’s style expertise and my business acumen, we figured we could eek out a small living from Chasing a Fox!”
The partners also offer personal shopping services. They have successfully dressed both men and women for formal events such as hunt balls and black tie fund raisers as well as all the other social gatherings that are part and parcel of the sporting life. Comfort, style, and etiquette are their main considerations.
“Many people don’t know what looks good on their particular body type,” explains Sissi. “Proper fitting attire is a nationwide problem in America and not just something equestrians are challenged with. We offer an educated style eye, a compassionate approach, and an in-depth knowledge of the equestrian apparel industry. Anyone can read the *guidelines for hunt attire,* but if you choose the wrong fit or your clothes are hanging off you, it doesn’t matter if you followed the rules or not. Correct and thoughtful turnout shows respect for staff, hounds, and your fellow foxhunters. We take the functional approach to hunting attire and add a little flair to it.”
Helena ands Sissi are members of the American Equestrian Trade Association and have been offering freelance style services to private clients in the Boston, New York, and
Newport, Rhode Island markets for years. Recently a client contacted them for help in finding a gown for a hunt ball. Signing her request as “Fashionably Challenged,” the lady wrote:
“My biggest body issue is my fat arms. Besides that I’m ok with the rest of me. Can you find me something to wear that I will feel pretty in and not worry about people looking at my arms?
“Also, I have another, less formal event a few weeks later and need something to wear to that, too. It is going to be a little warmer so I’m thinking about spring. It’s a Fund Raiser Cocktail party at night.
“Hope you can help as I think I’ll fall a little short on my own.”
“Dear FC,” wrote Chasing a Fox. “Here’s a dress that will stun your fellow foxhunters and help you feel super comfortable and quite sexy! A fabulous, formal, split-sleeve dress with delicate shoes that fit the style and formality of the garment. Just imagine yourself walking across the dance floor in this beauty, with the fabric flowing about your feet and your arms covered, but not so much that you end up looking matronly.
“For the fund raising cocktail party, consider a this Trina Turk dress in hibiscus. Either pair of shoes will work with the dress, but we love the leopard print best!”
Helena and Sissi have also performed personal shopping services in finding formal hunt attire, cutaways, canary breeches, proper gloves, and coordinating apparel. They offer style assistance for event organizers and fashion merchandising advice to equestrian apparel retailers and manufacturers.
We wish them the best of luck in their venture. While women’s fashion, of which I have very little knowledge, was not the subject of my radio interview by Helena and Sissi, I do recognize classic simplicity, elegance, and flair when I see it. And I see it here. You can see more at Chasing a Fox in a Little Black Dress.
Posted July 26, 2013
