I’ve always been fascinated by the moments when fashion transcends fabric and runway, becoming something almost mythical. This year, as we celebrate the Year of the Horse, it feels only fitting to spotlight campaigns where luxury fashion and equestrian elegance collide. From Gucci’s playful Spring/Summer 2020 campaign to Stella McCartney’s Winter 2023, horses have trotted their way into the visual language of fashion, symbolizing freedom, power, and grace. They’re more than props; they embody the spirit of the collections, connecting the brands’ heritage with bold storytelling. In this roundup, I invite you to explore these campaigns through my eyes, celebrating the beauty, drama, and timeless elegance that only a horse can bring to the world of haute couture.
Loewe Fall/Winter 2008 Campaign
A visually striking moment for the Spanish luxury house, captured by photographer Steven Klein and starring iconic model Stephanie Seymour. The imagery showcased subtle yet powerful fashion narratives tied to the collection, emphasizing Loewe’s expert leather craftsmanship and seasonal tailoring through bold, elegant portraits that blurred the line between art and style. While the campaign focused primarily on high fashion and standout editorial visuals, it also reflected the brand’s evolving identity under creative leadership of the period, positioning Loewe as a distinctive voice in luxury imagery during that era.
Chloé Spring/Summer 2015 Campaign
Photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, captures an idyllic, sun‑drenched seaside retreat at Paradise Cove, California, starring models Caroline Trentini and Eniko Mihalik in flowing, bohemian‑inspired outfits. The imagery evokes a carefree, 1970s‑vibe of friendship and freedom, with the two models walking and horse‑riding along the beach accompanied by majestic horses that add a natural, serene touch to the campaign’s dreamy aesthetic. The campaign beautifully blends Chloé’s signature effortless elegance with the soft warmth of summer and equestrian grace.
Versace Spring/Summer 2017 Campaign
Shot by renowned photographer Bruce Weber, celebrates freedom, energy, and the dynamic spirit of summer through vivid imagery set in the Kentucky countryside. Models Edie Campbell and Anna Ewers appear alongside majestic horses, with Campbell even balancing on a horse’s back — a striking visual that underscores the campaign’s themes of nature, movement, and liberation.
Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2020 Campaign
Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2020 advertising campaign, titled “Of Course a Horse,” is a highly creative and playful fashion narrative that places horses as co‑stars alongside human models in surreal everyday scenarios — from beaches and car washes to traffic jams and swimming pools. The campaign was conceived by Creative Director Alessandro Michele and brought to life through the lens of director Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his unconventional storytelling.
Dior Spring/Summer 2021 Couture Campaign
by Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri was a dreamy, symbolic celebration of craftsmanship, inspired by tarot archetypes and inner transformation. The show blended elaborate couture artistry — from hand‑painted jacquards to reimagined silhouettes — with mystical themes that evoked both introspection and enchantment. A striking white horse appeared as a central motif, adding a sense of regality and theatrical drama to the presentation. This moment highlighted fashion’s playful nod to equestrian elegance during Paris couture week.
Hermès Fall 2023 Campaign
Strongly emphasized the French luxury house’s heritage and understated elegance, using a refined monochrome palette to showcase its craftsmanship in men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. Models such as Sanggun Lee and Fernando Cabral were styled in sophisticated layered looks that reflect Hermès’ enduring commitment to quality and timeless design.
Stella McCartney Winter 2023 Campaign
The “Horse Power” campaign stars Kendall Jenner against the dramatic backdrop of the Camargue Salt Flats in France, where she is photographed alongside majestic white ponies, emphasizing the campaign’s central equestrian theme. The imagery highlights the profound bond between humans and horses — reflecting designer Stella McCartney’s lifelong love of equestrian life and inspired by her personal connections to horses.
Horses have always represented strength, freedom, and elegance — qualities that resonate deeply in the world of luxury fashion. As we reflect on these campaigns, from Dior’s mystical Spring 2021 visuals to Versace’s untamed Spring/Summer 2017 adventures, it’s clear that designers continue to harness the horse’s power to create unforgettable imagery. In the Year of the Horse, this tribute feels particularly special, reminding us how fashion can honor nature, myth, and movement in one striking frame. I hope this journey through equestrian-inspired campaigns inspires you to see the runway not just as a showcase of clothes, but as a stage for storytelling, imagination, and, of course, the majestic horse.
by Olga Barrale