AMERICAN fashion label Ralph Lauren may have brought equestrian fashion to the high street, but several Asian-based designers are leading a new charge.

 

Horse-riding and polo-playing fashion has galloped into town, thanks to brands like Holly Tupper and BritishIndia featuring new designs lately.

 

Luxury brands like Shanghai Tang are also saddling up for some action with their sponsorship of the international women's polo tournament at the

 

Singapore Polo Club, while the club itself opened its Polo Boutique in February to non-members.

 

Equestrian fashion options have suddenly become a lot more accessible to the non-horse riding crowd.

 

And why not since polo shirts are stylish enough to rank 'smart casual'. 'Polo shirts do fabulously well,' says designer Holly Tupper, whose shirts sell from England to Argentina. 'They're comfortable, sporty - and fashionable.'

 

The American artist-turned-fashion designer opened her eponymous boutique at Cluny Court last year, but she has been designing polo shirts for years.

 

She and her husband moved to Singapore in the late 1980s because he could play polo here, she reveals.

 

Then he persuaded her to design polo shirts.

 

And today, her clients include watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre, which sponsors an Argentinian team and a polo charity cup. World top polo player Adolfo Cambiaso is the ambassador for the brand.

 

Ms Tupper's designs run the gamut, from traditional polo wear to funky fashion - the distinguishing features being the use of cotton pique fabric with a textured surface and 'polo-itically' correct numbers.

 

For example, there should be a large number on the back, and a smaller number at the top right in the front and on the left sleeve.

 

'That's because polo players always hold the stick with their right arm - so when they raise it in the air, you still see the number,' she explains about the proper playing jersey.

 

She keeps her fashion lines as close as possible to the real sporting template, while playing around with contrasting colours for the shirts.

 

Once you're a polo shirt fan, it seems you're always one, she says, describing her loyal customers who like polo wear that's different and unique.

 

Those who are new to equestrian fashion can, of course, be inspired by Polo Ralph Lauren's latest offerings - riding-inspired wear in vibrant colours. From glittering crests down to inner knee patches on tight-fitting trousers, the theme captures the brand's preppy and heritage essence.

 

Shirts are team-inspired, with oversized logos and more detailing. 'Polo has always been our number one seller. It's a timeless style that is still totally modern,' says the brand spokesman.

 

But if you want to get a feel of real equestrian wear, trot into the Singapore Polo Club's boutique.

 

Although its core business is organising polo and riding events, it is one of the most attractive retail stores on the island, beating many a branded store hands down by creating a believably authentic hunting lodge feel.

 

'We wanted to create a country manor look for the store,' says a club spokeswoman, adding that it spent close to $100,000 to convert a former squash court into the boutique.

 

Many of the club's 1,200 members were buying riding paraphernalia on line, so the club decided it could provide them with a better shopping experience.

While members can buy riding tack and polo equipment from Saddlery and SK Polo, the public can pick up polo apparel from Shanghai Tang, Jules from Just Equestrian, TianBlu and Horka, fashionable leather bags from Claudia Atencio (Argentina) or just equestrian-themed gift items like greeting cards and mugs.

 

'Sales have been very good from day one. We've had very good response from the public,' says the spokeswoman, adding that polo jerseys for children have been a big hit.

 

Shanghai Tang decided to ride side-saddle with the Singapore Polo Club for a tournament each year.

 

'Having professional polo players from all over the world come to Singapore to play in the tournament is fantastic,' says Nick Troedson, the brand's international marketing and communications manager, expressing Shanghai Tang's intention to contribute to the sport in Asia.

 

Across the Causeway, Malaysian label BritishIndia went horsey too last year when it launched a small line of riding wear. 'The BritishIndia Equestrian Collection was inspired by my daughter, whose greatest and only passion is horse-riding,' says founder Pat Liew.

 

Sport is definitely an important aspect of modern life, she says. 'I've always centred my creative vision on how I want to live, and most of my collections are centred on my family's lifestyle.'

 

Since her daughter is big on riding, Ms Liew thought the hobby could provide some kick for the brand. Riding is, after all, a sport that is popular in Malaysia. 'Malaysia's present King is a serious endurance rider and so is former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad,' Ms Liew points out.

 

The line got plenty of exposure when Ms Liew put on a fashion show in conjunction with the Sepang F1 Grand Prix just a couple of weeks ago.

Massive tents designed in the opulent style of the Indian maharajah era were built - think chandeliers and velvet cushions - and a high-fashion equestrian collection was created for the show.

 

The preppy possibilities of the collection - jackets, vests and riding boots - were demonstrated on the runway. And celebrity endorsement came in the

form of former Malaysian newscaster and avid rider Wan Zaleha Wan Radzi, the poster girl for the sport.

 

It sure does help to have poster boys and girls for the fashion - but here's another fashion tip.

 

As an insider points out, you have to be quite 'sporty' to carry off the snug riding pants. 'The reason riding pants are so tight-fitting is so they don't cause abrasions to the rider. And horse riders tend to have very fit body shapes to carry off the tight-fitting look,' she says.

 

So if you want to dress equestrian style, you might want to make sure that your body frame doesn't betray you. Otherwise, just stick to those polo jersey tops.