From Barn to Boutique:
Equestrian Style by Oakbark & Chrome
All Images Courtesy of Oakbark & Chrome
When horse enthusiasts with a flair for fashion merge their passion for equestrian life with cutting-edge design, the result is the distinct and captivating style of Oakbark & Chrome.
Athena Leone and Roxanne Rabalais, the spirited founders of Oakbark & Chrome, are crafting a brand that combines the rigours of horseback riding with the finesse of high fashion.
With her venture, Pup & Pony Co., Athena Leone brings her proficiency in creating matching accessories for horses, dogs, and their owners. Her life with Brahm’s Opus, a retired racing thoroughbred, and Gibbons, a rescue cocker spaniel, is a part of her joys in outdoor activities and echos her commitment to durable and practical athletic gear. Her background in healthcare parallels her creative journey, showcasing her ability to complement functionality with finesse.
The other dynamic founder, Roxanne Rabalais, infuses her vibrant spirit into Spiced Equestrian, offering whimsical apparel and accessories. Her competitive edge in national-level dressage and her experiences with her horses, Fable and Céleste, shows her deep connection to the equestrian world. Her early foray into business and branding through programs like the Waterloo Business Centre and York/Sheridan design program gave her foundational knowledge and an innovative mindset.
The founders share with FORWARD how their equestrian lifestyle influences the designs at Oakbark & Chrome. Each piece in their collection is not just an accessory; it is created to share the value of life lived in the saddle and the unspoken bond between rider and steed.
“The inspiration for Oakbark & Chrome comes from the high standards of the equestrian world, from finding personal strength and growth in and out of the saddle, and from the many soul-mending late-night evenings in the barn aisles.”
“The inspiration for Oakbark & Chrome comes from the high standards of the equestrian world, from finding personal strength and growth in and out of the saddle, and from the many soul-mending late-night evenings in the barn aisles,” related the founders.
They share that world and those values by blending a practical design with elegant lines and subtle details that relate to their equestrian roots. The brand products carry the spirit of their equestrian roots, evident in the stirrup-shaped logo clasps and the tack-inspired closures that resonate with any horse lover’s aesthetic. The journey from passionate riders to founders of a fashion-forward brand was paved with shared experiences and a supportive community.
“It was through our coaches and our incredible riding communities that Athena and I connected and found the encouragement to launch Oakbark & Chrome.”
Roxanne recounts, “It was through our coaches and our incredible riding communities that Athena and I connected and found the encouragement to launch Oakbark & Chrome,” Roxanne recounts.
Authenticity is the cornerstone of their creative process, as the founders stress the importance of real-world testing. Each design begins in the barn, a true test of its durability and design. Their Rider Belt Bag was born from the necessity of a bag that could work just as well in the saddle as out of it, as detailed by them on the iterative nature of their design philosophy.
“We test every product in the barn and sometimes while riding. For example, when we developed our Rider Belt Bag, our prototype did not sit as firmly as we had hoped during our ride. By repositioning where the bag fastens to the belt, we were able to correct this issue, and now the bag stays in place, even when sitting the most animated trot,” shared the founders.
Oakbark & Chrome’s products balance style and substance in a blend of utility and luxury— “Our approach is straightforward yet thorough, focusing on luxurious materials that withstand real-life scenarios,” they clarify. This dedication is vividly illustrated in how the team refines their products, from the placement of pockets to the choice of durable materials capable of withstanding the elements.
“Our methodology revolves around real-life testing and refinement, ensuring each piece not only complements but enhances the user’s experience,” Athena elaborates.
This hands-on approach ensures that each piece serves a functional purpose, withstands the rigours of equestrian life and beyond, and is durable in the sophisticated arenas of fashion.
Feedback from the equestrian community is a key component of their success. “The insights we gain from direct engagements with horse enthusiasts and high-level riders like Allie Schmidt are invaluable. These interactions shape our products and help us maintain relevance and responsiveness to our users’ needs,” the founders say, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the equestrian community. They appreciate the robust feedback loop that informs their product evolution.
“In more recent pieces, like the tote bag, we spoke to riders who loved it and used it to and from the barn but mostly needed it to hold laptops and things they needed to keep clean and tidy and away from mud and mess. Things like the levelling feet were added to the bag, an elastic opening to minimize accidentally dropping hay and grain inside, and minimal loose straps to get caught up in the unorganized nature of shared barn spaces.” Oakbark & Chrome.
Oakbark & Chrome’s Ontario base influences its operations, and the varying Canadian climate dictates the durability and functionality of its products. “The diversity of our climate challenges us to think innovatively about the functionality of our products,” they say, highlighting how geographical location enriches their creative process. Meanwhile, “our proximity to the GTA allows us to engage with influential fashion incubators and startups, further refining our vision and outreach. We would like to specifically thank Susan from Toronto Fashion Incubator, Ken and Krystal from Hamilton Fashion Week, Jodie from Startup Fashion Week Toronto, and Nancy, Jocelyne and Andrew from Horn + Mane for their unwavering support and guidance”.
Looking forward, Oakbark & Chrome remains committed to its roots while expanding its vision. “We continue to draw inspiration from our interactions with horses, ensuring our designs not only serve equestrian needs but also enhance the lifestyle of our clientele,” they conclude.
As Athena Leone and Roxanne Rabalais venture into new collections and collaborations, such as their much-anticipated black collection and the prospective outerwear line, Oakbark & Chrome is taking a bold step towards merging equestrian functionality with high fashion, promising an exciting evolution of this dynamic brand. — “Our products will always be designed to work well in a barn and for riding horses, but the application of those solutions extends far beyond horses and into any active lifestyle where polished sophistication would otherwise seem at odds with the environment you are in.”
Explore more about Oakbark & Chrome and their exquisite blend of equestrian heritage and functional design at Oakbark & Chrome, where every product manifests its unique brand ethos.
