One of the highlights of this website is getting to meet wonderful people (now friends) like Julie Frykman. She is the founder of a fabulous new equestrian line called In Classic Fashion. If you have an OTTB, you will adore some of her tees that were inspired by her very own OTTB. But don’t worry, there is something for every horse lover out there! VR is thrilled to be a part of the debut of some new pieces from In Classic Fashion! I know you will love them as much I do!
Julie Frykman & In Classic Fashion
VR: When did your love of horses begin?
ICF: As a scrappy and rowdy tomboy growing up, my connections to femininity were limited to my passion for horses and fashion. Before I could walk, my mom had me lead lining on her barrel racer. At 6, my dad purchased a sassy Quarter Horse mare for me. She was quite the teacher, as she often came home without a rider!
Horses were plentiful on our family farm, money for lessons was not. My equestrian experience came from hands on successes and failures, friends and boarders. We regularly had horses on the farm that came from an auction or from word of mouth that needed miles put on them. All of this gave me a great respect for horses, as well as a great everlasting love.
VR: What is your fashion background?
ICF: While project horses were good for creating a good solid seat, it was clear it was not going to fund my dreams. If I wasn’t riding or daydreaming of my current project horse, then I was cutting up my clothes to recreate them into the latest fashion. Working retail at a variety of retailers throughout high school taught me a lot about the various career paths within the fashion industry. I found a great Fashion Merchandising and Design program at Illinois State University. To complete my course work for my degree I moved to New York City and interned within the coveted Saks Fifth Avenue Internship Program. I worked in both the Merchandise Management and Corporate Public Relations departments of the notorious retail giant.
Later, my fashion career took me from working for a couture designer in New York City to Ala Moana Boulevard in Hawaii, and many cities in between. Today I feel very blessed to be married to a wonderful man, raising two thoughtful-horse loving daughters, owning my dream horse, and running this small equestrian apparel business.
VR: What is the inspiration behind the line you have designed?
ICF: The first two pieces I created were tees inspired by my current horse. This gelding is an Off-the-Track-Thoroughbred named In Classic Fashion, aka Calvin. When I first got Calvin, my circle of horse friends gave me a hard time for getting a Thoroughbred. I began to realize there seemed to be a mentality that you were either for the Thoroughbred, or you thought that all Thoroughbreds were crazy. This upset me as I realized how overlooked these tough, talented, loving horses can be. My boy was teaching me to be a better rider, have more patience, and all around just be a better partner.
As the youngest in a family of sports enthusiasts who often rooted for different teams, this frequently brought out our fierce competitive side and with that a bit of ribbing. In response to this Thoroughbred stereotyping, and out of fun, I came up with two sassy phrased tees to sport Thoroughbred pride. These tees are for the equestrian with a sense of humor, great pride in their mount, and a fun competitive side. The tees were a tremendous hit and I formed a company named after my muse, In Classic Fashion.
Supporting horse non-profits and connecting with other equestrians has been a highlight of this endeavor. We of course love all horses and their glorious diversity, this is why our TB pride pieces have gone to raise money for both TB rescues, and rescues that bring in horses based on need, not breed.
VR: What type of riding do you do?
ICF: I grew up riding western; speed events, trail riding, open shows, and dabbled in backyard jumping (aka young and crazy). With age has come a great appreciation for the art of dressage. I use the term dressage lightly, because we are in the very early stages of learning. Although, that is the great thing about dressage, whether you are just beginning or at the Grand Prix level, there is a great understanding that the learning process never ends.
While I personally enjoy watching and learning from all of the various disciplines, my heart will always belong to trail riding. The camaraderie with friends, trust with your partner, and stress reliever of nature cannot be matched. Thankfully my OTTB is just as fond of it as I am!
VR: Tell us about the new spring 2013 line.
ICF: The success of my OTTB/TB pride phrased pieces really reignited my inner fashionista and I am excited to be expanding our offering to include mainstream stylish and sporty designs. It made me want to add creative pieces that were beautiful, yet allowed the evolution to stay true to our TB pride. Once the decision was made the flood gates opened!
Some of the 2013 Spring Collection pieces are in and already being worn by equestrians and fashion divas alike. Fashion meets equestrian in our Competition Head tee and bag. I love the style and comfort of the burnout tee with the vintage flair it gives. It looks great with your favorite breeches or rocked with a great pair of jeans!
The other design makes me say “Move over Polo Pony…the Racehorse has arrived!” In both a tee and bag, this fashion forward design is like nothing else in the equestrian wardrobe. The hint of silver shimmer racehorse is ultra-hip on the tee, literally, as it wraps around the left hip. Whether you simply enjoy the beauty of the racehorse, or own a ‘Diamond in the Rough’, you can appreciate this fun tee and bag.
VR: Where do you get your style influence?
ICF: My love for fashion is deep! The best influences I find come from the most unexpected places. These days whenever I see something I love, immediately I’m thinking of how it can translate into a beautiful equestrian look. From my niece’s competitive cheerleading squad, fashionista friends, to haute couture on the pages of Vogue, it’s appreciated and inspiring.
VR: What is the fit of the In Classic Fashion tees?
ICF: I love femininity! One day I may feel like a figure hugging tee, and the next I might want a relaxed look, but I always want to feel feminine. I also enjoy variety and therefore like to use different styles and fits in my designs. You’ll find that we describe the fit within each listing and always welcome questions to assist in your decision.
VR: What are your hopes for ICF? Any new plans for the future you would like to share?
ICF: I love creating and look forward to the inspiration that the different seasons will bring.
Within the line I have fun and unique ideas that will come with growth. Female equestrians can have many sides; soft and pretty, as well as athletic and sassy. In Classic Fashion will continue to embrace those fearlessly feminine equestrians!
I love the fact that ICF now offers 2 tote bags and they are adorable at that! These can easily transition from everyday bag to barn bag, and you will still look fashionable! You have a choice between the shimmer racehorse or shimmer competition head bag!
Don’t forget to check out her other items! The Horse Lover hat is even cuter in person! I have the OTTB tee and the fit is fab–slimming and feminine! I absolutely love In Classic Fashion!
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