If you aren’t familiar with Phyllis Stein, you need to be! Phyllis Stein designs equestrian tees with a rock-inspired flair. Most are made from a bamboo cotton which means they are super soft and come in a flattering shape. In short, they’re adorable! Velvet Rider recently sat down with creator Meredith Duncan to find out more about these fabulous tees!
VR: What brought about the creation of Phyllis Stein? What is the inspiration behind the name?
PS: Gosh, that’s a good one! I took a very long hiatus from riding – stopping in my teens and returning to it in my, ahem, thirties. Coming back to the sport (once I had chasing boys and school out of my system) and having to relearn the posting trot (I can’t make this up) amongst other humiliating things made me appreciate the humour in my own foibles. Of course, I appreciate the traditional elements of the sport (likely far more than you would think) but between the training, athleticism, dedication, and talent that all equestrians, no matter what level of performance or experience put forth – the fact remains that we’re all a funny bunch, and stupid stuff happens all the time, to ride horses is to be humbled – and I wanted to celebrate the realities outside of all the polish that is the end result of all the hard work. As for the name, its a play on words. I literally had the idea for Phyllis Stein in my head for years before I finally took the leap and invested in my first box of shirts in the Summer of 2012.
VR: Where do you get your style influence?
PS: Oh, everywhere! Half of it comes from something ridiculous that’s happened at the barn, a show, a conversation overheard at the French fry truck while standing in line, often something stupid I’ve said or done, which happens a lot. The types of things that really resonate with me are common sayings or phrases that, when placed in a different context are funny, or sexy or sassy – but most of all relatable. On the other hand, with the Hickstead tees, I just saw this horse and this partnership affect the world in such a profound and positive way – so many people felt they were able to connect with Eric and Hickstead. They were rock stars in every sense of the word – and so I wanted to create a garment that celebrated his life and not his loss – I wanted it to be very masculine, very badass and more than just a little rock and roll – hence the vintage concert tee. That has absolutely been my favourite project to date; the day I got the email that Eric said “yes” I stepped outside the office and cried my mascara off!
VR: What is the fit of the Phyllis Stein tees?
PS: Our standard tees fit long and lean and are a contour fit; as a woman with curves and boobs (can I say boobs?) I wanted a t shirt that actually made you look GOOD while wearing it, and equally as important, I wanted to offer exceptional quality. Sometimes this is to my detriment as the garments are manufactured for me, and printed by a boutique shop – so they can take a little longer to make, cost me a little more than they need to – but at the end of the day I think its worth it. I want your Phyllis tee to be your favourite tee! I’m looking at new styles for upcoming products, but really wanted to nail down the standard tee before looking at making changes to it. Its been a really fun process and I have learned so much, especially from other women, like myself, who are also creating amazing things as an extension of their love for horses.
VR: What is your go-to style piece?
PS: Ok, this Hickstead is my hands down favourite, but I did some around the 2012 Olympics that looked like the Ramones logo (I am an aging punk rocker – shhh – don’t tell anyone) but was redesigned to name the members of the Canadian Equestrian Team. It’s a tank that I love to throw on with a blazer, jeans and a fun piece of jewelry.
VR: Do you have a particular customer in mind when you design? Who is she? What is she like?
PS: That is a fantastic question! In short, she is someone who wouldn’t be caught dead in a t-shirt with a picture of a horse running on a beach with a saying about how horses give us wings written on it. Don’t get me wrong, I think we should all celebrate the gift that horses give us, I just think some people like to express it differently. A Phyllis Stein girl is, in my mind, a woman of any age, who is brave, strong and brings her best every time. She’s also a little cheeky.
VR: Can you tell us anything about what is coming? Anything new and exciting for 2013?
PS: Eeeks! Okay, I’ve decided to terrify myself by designing structured garments. I am in the early stages of working on a prototype for what I am calling The Little Black Jacket. Timeless, sexy and tailored. I am hoping to release a limited collection of show clothing for Spring 2014. Fingers crossed!
VR: Do you currently own any horses? If so, what kind and what type of riding do you do?
PS: I do! I belong to a big grey tank of a Hanoverian mare named Gertie, whose talent and bravery far exceed my own – but we make our own fun, she and I. Sometimes in the hunter ring.
I was lucky enough to receive the “Breeches & Boots & Whips & Spurs” tee. I absolutely adore this tee! I love the saying…it’s so very equestrian, and the fit is superb. It’s very flattering and the tee is so soft. This will become your go-to tee like it has for me. It’s so easy to throw on with your favorite pair of jeans or breeches. Throw a boyfriend blazer over it and add big earrings for a night out. I love this cut for a tee!
Be sure to pick up their Limited Edition Hickstead tee. What better way to honor the infamous Hickstead than with this tee?
This tee is perfect for the dressage rider. I love the retro feel of this tee with the humorous slogan, “Cute Mover.” In the equestrian world, we all talk in terms of how good a “mover” a horse is…or maybe a cute boy! 😉
Be sure to check out Phyllis Stein’s other designs on their website. These tees will soon become your favorite ones to wear too!
