In 2014 I found myself in a position to be able to start my own business and Greys and Bays was created. This was all new to me and being a founder of my own business was never something I had ever planned for. Naming a business is always interesting and Greys and Bays started as Great Butts ( gb's) but soon migrated to Greys and Bays when we realised we might attract the wrong kind of attention with a name like that. By then I was fixated by gb's so we choose Greys and Bays as these are our favourite horse colours. We think of it as being that our show name is Greys and Bays but our stable and everyday name is gb's.
To truly know a brand is to know every process and person in the making of it so for me visiting the production and wash factories in Turkey was an essential trip. I fell in love with the fashion industry and realised how much hard work and effort goes into producing a top quality product. We have counted that over 100 people touch each pair of jodhpurs to make it into what you enjoy. The team lovingly cut, sew, wash, emdroider, measure, stitch, label and pack every pair by hand individually. So when we say handmade we truly mean it. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful team in Turkey on board.
Our first range to launch are"gb yardies".
These come in three different washes and are named after three important characters in my life, my daughters Nancy and Rosebud and our beloved pony Polo who we lost last year. Polo was a handsome grey Connemara cross who was adored by everyone.
The Nancy wash is classic indigo, Rosie is a more vintage wash and Polo is of course a show white.
Gb yardies will suit any generation my Mum, whilst not a rider loves the high waist, my daughters love the close fit and the pockets, personally I love the fact that I never have to pull them up, once on they stay put. My friends wear them out socially and the riders who have tested for us all say they are their favourite jods.
Our first three colours will always be part of the range and we are sure they will be firm favourites with all riders no matter what age, size or level. As the seasons change we plan to launch A/W 15/16 and then S/S 16. These will coincide with High Street colour trends so you will continue to look as up to the minute at the yard as you do off it.
We very much look forward to hearing from you about how you are getting on with your jods and welcome all your pictures to use in our gallery. We have lots planned and want you to be part of the decisions we make going forward so do get in touch via e mail, phone or facebook.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best Wishes
Rowan x