The allure of countryside idyllicness in Britain for high-end fashion and agricultural industries
Riding Jackets, Tartans, and theCall of the British Countryside
It's no secret that top fashion designers are dabbling in 'Anglomania' - British country style, with brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Celine all doing a lovely dance with our wooded, rolling hills and rustic charm. Classic countryside apparel offers plenty to play with, from bold tartans, knitwear, waxed jackets, to striking red riding jackets - endless opportunities for reinterpretation.
The outdoor lifestyle and picturesque landscapes, as well as the rich history behind it all, have surely captured the imagination of designers and consumers alike. The ideal of an escape to the serene, verdant countryside couldn't be more enticing, serving as a much-needed antidote to our increasingly urbanized, digital, fast-paced world. Designers like Daniel Lee, Chief Creative Officer at Burberry, envision these models as weekend escapees, seeking peace and disconnect in the great outdoors.
Coco Chanel might have unwittingly started this sartorial legacy in the Scottish countryside during her love affair with the Duke of Westminster. Innovative and practical, her take on country wear landed squarely with the modern woman of the time, who desired durability, versatility, and elegance in her ensembles. A philosophy that many contemporary designers still honor today.
Take Miuccia Prada, for instance, who admires Queen Elizabeth II, a picture of elegance and practicality. Her Miu Miu 'Miu Balmoral' collection features Argyle knitwear, quilted gilets, mid-length skirts, thistle bag charms, and Church's walking boots, all evoking the essence of the British countryside. Waxed jackets are now a staple for the brand, adding a touch of country chic to their urban-minded pieces.
Meanwhile, older sister Prada showcased a barn jacket in the Spring/Summer 24 collection, igniting one of the season's biggest trends. Styling it with pencil skirts and fitted shirts revealed that even the strongest urbanites can let a little country style in. The Erdem x Barbour collaboration is the epitome of woman these designers have in mind: strong, independent, sophisticated, and practical, a balance equally valued in both rural and urban settings.
Craftsmanship is key to the longevity and appeal of British country clothing, and luxury brands rely on it heavily to set themselves apart. British-made tweed, Scottish kilt-makers, and traditional methods of Harris Tweed production have been integral to fashion shows, like Dior's cruise show held in the gardens of Drummond Castle. The pure, untainted wool spun and woven by islanders in the Outer Hebrides is known for its traditional production methods, reflecting the enduring integrity of British rural life.
English country house interiors have also influenced fashion runways, with designers like Erdem Moralioglu delving deep into the fabrics and patterns of historic homes like Chatsworth. Meanwhile, Hedi Slimane's Celine collection for Spring/Summer 2026 nods to the eccentricities of the British aristocracy, infusing traditional styles with unconventional elements such as flower-adorned hats and electric red knee-high socks.
Movies and television have played a significant role in this ongoing love affair between fashion and the countryside. Period dramas like Downton Abbey, films like Pride and Prejudice, and contemporary series like Rivals, Saltburn, The Gentlemen, and Traitors all offer glimpses into the homes, landscapes, and pastimes of the countryside set.
Florals reminiscent of English country gardens have long been a staple in high fashion collections, from Christian Dior's dreams of the Isles to Erdem's elegant flora-inspired collections. The airy, pastel bouquets evoke a sense of calm and a connection to nature that resonates with so many. The countryside offers endless stories to be told, and high fashion is finally starting to listen.
Amie Elizabeth WhiteFashion enthusiast Amie Elizabeth joined our platform in 2022. Her historical studies at Edinburgh University and previous experience in interior design and fashion styling lend themselves perfectly to her contributions to our London Life section and the weekly Barometer feature. She's also a regular contributor to the prestigious Luxury London, covering a diverse range of topics from Chanel suits and art events, to the best pies in London.
Footnote
The selection and integration of enrichment data was made with consideration for coherence, relevance, and the overall flow of the article.
- Amie Elizabeth White, a fashion enthusiast and contributor to our platform, brings her historical knowledge and background in interior design and fashion styling to her work in the London Life section and the weekly Barometer feature, showcasing topics ranging from country sports fashion to luxury London events.
- With a burgeoning interest in 'fashion-and-beauty' trends inspired by the British countryside, Amie Elizabeth White delves deep into the floral patterns reminiscent of English country gardens, exploring their subjective appeal and the tranquility they bring, alongside the eccentricities of aristocratic styles seen in Hedi Slemane's Celine collection for Spring/Summer 2026.
- Echoing traditional lifestyles and 'lifestyle' ideals, Amie Elizabeth White tuned into the cottagecore aesthetic brewing within the fashion industry, investigating how home-and-garden elements have found their way onto designer runways through innovative collaborations like those between Erdem and Barbour, and Dior's fashion shows held in the gardens of Drummond Castle.
