Fairholme Fashion and Equestrian Couture: Liberty Clark (Fairholme Old Girl 2022)

The brains behind the brand? Liberty Clark, a former Fairholme College Equestrian Captain who has turned her childhood passion into a thriving business.

‘Being part of the Fairholme Equestrian team was such a rewarding experience,’ she says. ‘It deepened my love for riding and also gave me an appreciation for how much quality gear matters. That understanding became a cornerstone of Cheval Liberté.’

Her idea for an equestrian fashion label first emerged in 2019, when she was a Year 9 student at Fairholme. ‘I’d spend hours sketching designs and pinning them to my wall. At that stage, it was just a dream,’ she recalls.

By Years 11 and 12, the dream became more tangible. She credits Fairholme’s fashion program and her teacher, Ms Mandi-Joy Miese, for helping bring her vision to life.

‘We had a project to create a brand in Grade 12, and that’s when I thought, “Why not use my equestrian label idea?” Ms Miese was incredibly supportive,’ she says.

After graduating, she decided to take a gap year to save money and focus on her vision. ‘It was scary at first, but I thought, ‘What have I got to lose?” ’

Cheval Liberté’s mission is simple: to provide eco-friendly, high-performance equestrian wear. From sourcing sustainable fabrics to using biodegradable packaging, the brand is designed with the planet in mind.

‘I wanted every aspect of the label to reflect my values,’ she explains. ‘Fairholme taught me a lot about the importance of responsible practices in fashion, and I carried that with me.’

The brand’s baselayers are a testament to her commitment. Offering UV50+ protection and moisture-wicking technology, they’re designed for comfort, safety, and durability.

‘Sourcing sustainable fabrics that meet the performance needs of riders wasn’t easy,’ she admits. ‘But the challenge has been worth it.’

The journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. During the sampling phase, she had to find a new manufacturer when her original partner couldn’t meet her design expectations. ‘It was a major setback,’ she says. ‘But it taught me resilience and adaptability—key lessons I learned at Fairholme.’

Launching her brand has brought many proud moments. ‘Seeing riders at events wearing my designs is surreal,’ she says. ‘Hearing positive feedback, especially about the quality of our fabrics, makes it all worthwhile.’

With plans to expand into men’s equestrian wear and offer inclusive sizing, the future looks bright for Cheval Liberté. ‘I’d love to open a boutique one day,’ she says. ‘For now, I’m focused on creating designs that help every rider feel confident and comfortable.’

She hopes her journey inspires others to pursue their passions. ‘Life is short. If you are reading this and thinking about creating your own brand or pursuing a career that’s outside the traditional path, that’s perfectly okay,’ she advises.

Reflecting on her time at Fairholme, she credits the school for giving her the tools to succeed. ‘Fairholme taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and organisation,’ she says. ‘Those lessons have been crucial as I’ve juggled university, running my label, competitive riding, and part-time work.’

For Liberty, blending her love of fashion and equestrian sports with a focus on sustainability has been a dream come true. Cheval Liberté the Label isn’t just a business; it’s a reflection of her values and a way to make a meaningful impact. As she looks to the future, Liberty remains driven by her belief that with passion and determination, even the boldest dreams can become reality. 

To explore Liberty’s designs and learn more about her journey, vis it Cheval Liberté the Label online at chevallibertethelabel.com or follow the brand on social media for the latest updates and collections.