ENGLISH VERSION
IN THE EYE OF
ERWAN GARDAN
BY PAULINE BOULC’ H MASCARET
“ My ambition is to make people happy” Last July, Erwan Gardan opened his cabinetmaking and equestrian design workshop in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, bringing together his two passions: art and horses. A show jumping rider who has been a cabinetmaker for ten years and trained with the Compagnons du Devoir( France’ s historic craftsmen’ s guild), he puts his skills at the service of professionals, creating fitted furniture for tack rooms, studs, stables and brands. One such client is the saddler Forestier, for whom he designed a stand to display its latest saddle at Equita Lyon. He also creates unique, artistic pieces for private clients.“ I’ m currently working on side tables inspired by Paul Gauguin, into which I slip equestrian touches such as a horse’ s bit. I’ ve also made horses’ heads carved from wood.” He works mainly with oak, sourced locally in Normandy.“ When I look at a piece of wood, its lines and curves reflect the whole aesthetic of the horse, and the colours of the different timbers match the palette of coat colours perfectly. It’ s rewarding to see my projects come to life. I especially love seeing them installed in equestrian settings: the look, the smell and the places remind me of my passion, of memories and of moments shared.”
EDITO
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ELEGANCE
BY PAULINE BOULC’ H MASCARET
The Breeders’ Cup across the Atlantic and the Melbourne Cup,“ the race that stops a nation” in Australia, provided a magnificent bridge between October and November. In sporting terms first of all, with spectacular performances and records to match, but also when it comes to elegance. The beauty of the Thoroughbreds was matched by a multitude of stylish looks, understated or extravagant, chosen with care and put together with taste. A festival of colour, in which the coats and silks on the track found their match on the other side of the rail. Keeneland was adorned with touches of purple, carefully chosen in honour of the Breeders’ Cup. Designer outfits rubbed shoulders unpretentiously with shorts and sliders, and perfectly tailored suits were worn with a cowboy hat for that quintessentially American touch. At Flemington, from the big brands’ receptions to the Robbie Williams concert, creations by the great couturiers vied with one another in refinement. Dresses, as simple as they were beautiful, mingled with suits for men and women alike, as well as superbly crafted outfits drawing on many sources of inspiration. But beyond style, each outfit reflects thought, anticipation and the care taken in preparing for the occasion. Choosing your outfit means experiencing the race and the event days before the off. In the racing world, some have also made their appearance a true signature. It is hard, for example, not to notice Jean-Claude Rouget on a racecourse. With his ever-colourful outfits, the trainer long brought his own touch of elegance to the side of the track. A personality who never went unnoticed, much like his exceptional career. After several decades at the top, the man who became the most successful Flat trainer in terms of number of wins has recently taken his bow. An immense career, studded with success, which leaves an indelible mark on the history of French racing. Among the highlights of that career, the Prix de Diane Longines holds a special place, with four victories to his name. A race that perfectly illustrates this meeting of sport and elegance, where the show plays out as much on the track as in the stands.
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