0 Holland Cooper: Inside The Boutique Experience
Join Editor-in-Chief, Brontë Clare Mitchell, as she ventures to the home of Holland Cooper for a personal styling experience like no other.
Cheltenham, a historic town nestled in the Cotswolds recognised for its exquisite hospitality, beautiful countryside and classical architecture. Some will note Cheltenham as the King of British racecourses, but as we all know every monarch needs a consort and there is one name which occupies this role with elegance, Holland Cooper.
Formulating a vision to create timeless clothing for every aspect of life female-founder, Jade Holland Cooper, has created a label adored by women all over the world. From her debut 2-metre stand at Badminton, to the launch of the Holland Cooper website, Jade never veers away from her initial concepts to create heritage designs fit for every lifestyle.
Consistency is something Holland Cooper must be applauded on. If you’re a follower or customer of the brand, you will know just how frequent they release new products and each one is bathed in diversity. In an example most recently, we saw the launch of their contemporary country boot, The Albany, the perfect transitional boot to take you from the rural landscape to the city effortlessly. Only a few months later, Jade announced a new addition to the footwear collection, the HC Shearling Slipper, superbly crafted from soft suede and finished with cosy, internal shearling lining. The brand listens to their customers attentively, providing women with pieces that will take them through every aspect of life.
Whilst shopping online became prominent and almost mandatory since the pandemic, Jade’s desire to pull the HC shopping experience back into reality was substantial. In October 2021, Jade opened The Holland Cooper Boutique on the site of the brand’s HQ at Dunkertons Park in Cheltenham. The store accommodates the art of clothes shopping with personality, exceptional assistance and celebration, hosting a personal styling experience bathed in luxury. Champagne (or tea) in hand, you have the freedom to view Holland Cooper’s original collections or browse their bespoke garments, which are only available at The Boutique. In the industry of personal styling, often connotations of exclusivity and privacy are thought of and we inflicted to buy the most expensive items on the rack. As you may know Holland Cooper never like to follow the trends, and this doesn’t differ with The Boutique. Jade has translated purpose and participation into a personal styling experience which welcomes you with open arms.
As soon as I stepped through the double doors of The Holland Cooper Boutique, I felt at ease – just like you do on their stands at country shows – from the homely scent of their new candles to the store design, which echoes the brand image superbly. The Boutique’s unique and luxurious design has been carefully crafted with custom-made fittings and furnishings to complement Holland Cooper’s portfolio of lifestyle collections. Every detail from the vintage Chesterfield sofa, to the soft lighting raised above the rails makes The Boutique comforting with style.
The HC staff were second-to-none! Operating on a one-to-one agenda, the flagship store enables that each customer receives the attention, bespoke care and freedom to browse without the hustle and bustle you may experience on the high-street. On arrival, I was informed that discretion was not needed and to utilise the space to try on anything in my ‘HC Wishlist’ and the choice across the floor was awe-inspiring! The statement Marlborough trench is the pièce de résistance of the collection and stocked fully at The Boutique in the form of custom-fit and original styles.
Fashion is so versatile, and one thing Jade ensures with her designs is that they can be styled distinctively each time. This is something I learnt alongside one of the HC stylists when trying on the trenches, the pieces are so adaptable in design that they can be changed depending on your choice of style for the day. If you’re wanting to create a more fitted, military look the classic HC buttons can be done up to the top of the collar to showcase the double-breasted front, whilst the belt can be secured at the front creating a clean finish which emphasises your silhouette. However, if you prefer a more relaxed fit, the trench can be kept open and pulled back using the buttons on the breast of the coat to give the trench flexibility in movement and allow your outfit underneath to be exposed. The waist belt can further be taken to the back of the coat and tied to compliment your figure. Classic and timeless, the Marlborough full length trench coats are a wardrobe staple and a lifetime investment. Something I would have only learn through entering The Boutique and chatting to the HC stylists on the store floor.
That’s the beauty of personal styling at The Boutique, if you’re unsure about a garment – try it on! If you want to find out multiple ways to style your silk scarf – let the HC stylists teach you! And if you’re hunting down that staple blazer – take your time and browse!
So, I bet this is the part of the blog post where you will be dying to know which items were in my green bags at the end of the shopping session? The following day, Friday 11th November, commenced the start of The November Meet at Cheltenham Racecourse, one of Britain’s most eminent social dates in the racing calendar besides The Festival. As I was attending, I knew I wanted an outfit with a classic aesthetic, but which featured an item that would pop beyond the darker colours stereotypically worn for Winter racing. Starting with the first layer of my outfit was the ‘Lace V-Neck Blouse’ in ‘Ink Navy.’ Not only did this piece provide warmth with its long sleeves, but the delicate lace trim on both the collar and cuff edges adds a unique body to the shirt making it stand out when wearing coats and blazers. Speaking of blazers as many of you know, no outfit of mine is complete without a statement blazer. A blazer to me adds elegant structure to an outfit and Holland Cooper hand-cut and make their collection entirely in England using wools woven in Scotland. Diving in for a long-line blazer to layer the look, I choose the ‘Jubilee Double-Breasted Blazer’ in ‘Black Twill’ and WOW this piece is gorgeous! Launched to celebrate the Jubilee, this blazer is beautifully elevated with platinum-plated hardware, a rich purple lining, and a bold Scottish Jubilee Tartan lining to the under-collar.
As I mentioned, colour was imperative and so we sported the outfit with the ‘Luxe Tailored Short’ in ‘Macpherson,’ a beautiful vibrant tweed combined with modern sophistication. With a high-waist fit, their soft-wool blend material makes them versatile to wear for every season and the tweed combination of bright reds, blues, greens and yellows makes them a piece people will turn their heads to see. Designed with large belt loops, we knew that this outfit needed layering with a simple yet characteristic HC belt and what better accessory than the new ‘HC Slim Logo Belt’ in ‘Black.’ With a branded gold HC buckle and HC embossing to the strap, this belt is ideal for adding a luxurious touch to any race day outfit or casual style. Finally, to the last piece of the jigsaw, footwear, and as I touched on before Jade had designed a footwear closet of dreams. But, with so much choice where do you start? We had to keep comfort and practicality in mind when choosing the shoes, however we also weren’t in a position to compromise on the style, and luckily their collection ticks this box perfectly. Recommended to me by the HC Stylist were the ‘Marlborough Knee Boot’ in ‘Black.’ Sitting just below the knee, don’t be put off by their four-inch heel as these boots couldn’t be comfier! Detailed with the gold monogramming to the ankle strap and crested rivets to the top closure, these super soft suede boots elevate any look and mould to any style.
After the most heavenly shopping experience inside The Boutique, I was so honoured to be invited to stay at the iconic No.131, an elegant townhouse hotel in the heart of Cheltenham owned by Jade Holland Cooper and her husband Julian Dunkerton. The hotel is composed of a collection of 36 beautifully designed bedrooms draped in new-fashioned luxury, making No.131 the perfect destination for any Cotswolds getaway. From the moment I stepped I checked-in, to the handing back of the key card at the end of my stay, hospitality was exceptional and faultless! As Harper’s Bazaar so correctly stated, ‘Your stay will feel like spending time in a home away from home.’ From superior suites with double open showers for a couples weekend away, to family suites with additional twin beds for the little ones, the choice is so diverse! If you’re looking for a weekend which includes the three best S’s, ‘Stay, Shop and Snack,’ No.131 have the best offer this Christmas!
Enjoy an exclusive 2-night stay in a world of luxury at No.131, combined with a personal shopping/stylist experience in the flagship Holland Cooper Boutique, just a short luxury chauffeur drive away, plus receive a £150 gift voucher to spend inside the store. Throughout your stay, you’ll also enjoy an exclusive dine-around discovery in Gin & Juice, the 131 Terrace Restaurant, Bar Tokyo and finally YOKU their new Japanese fine-dining restaurant. So, if you’re eager to escape the 9-5 workdays and dive into a couple of days soaked in indulgence book via the No.131 website or direct through the link HERE and remember to choose the ‘Stay & Shop in Style’ section. You will thank me later, I promise…
Returning back to my week with Holland Cooper, and after my insanely comfortable evening’s sleep at No.131 there came the first day of the November Meet at Cheltenham Racecourse. To say I was excited hearing the roar from the stands as the first race commenced was an understatement – it was electric. For me, the cheese and wine equivalent of the November Meet has to be its blend of fashion and racing. As your eyes pan from the stands to the parade ring, there is a clear homage to Holland Cooper with women wearing everything from the eloquent Knightsbridge Coat to The Classic Cape. It really is a sea of HC tweeds as the brand takes pride position as one of the most recognised fashion labels in country wear and their stand, located in the shopping section at the racecourse, bares no difference.
Jade has this extraordinary visionary talent which stretches from her collections diverging to the layout of The Boutique and the exhibitions stands. She makes her customers feel well acquainted with the brand at Cheltenham, providing a stylish space for women to shop and engage with the stylists and herself as the founder. Stepping onto the stand, which you can see well before you’ve approached it, there is an aura of happiness as you are received with the biggest smiles. I was so delighted to see the same stylists from The Boutique, who gave me a tour around the stand showcasing HC’s most recently launched products and requested lots of photos be taken – which I was more than happy to lunge into! But, as you well know, time flies by when you’re shopping, and it was time to leave the racecourse and head back to Dunkertons Park for a special launch evening.
London Road in Cheltenham accommodates Dunkertons Park, a place where stylish street food, drinks, retail and leisure uniquely combine in one location. To complete my incredible week with Jade Holland Cooper and Julian Dunkerton, I was thrilled to attend the opening of ‘Waghornes Butcher’ and ‘La Boulangerie Artisan’ at The Farm Shop at Dunkertons. The event blurred the lines between retail and food, celebrating the highest-quality local food retailers to the community through the existing Dunkertons Organic Cider Shop. With open wood burners blazing and a stream of country music dispersing through the canopy, it was a truly memorable introduction to Winter and the Christmas experience. Guided around the array of local artisan foods my mouth was watering, but just before I had the appetite the dive in, it was important to taken in the inclusivity centred at the heart of Dunkertons. There was something for everyone! Wood fire pizza was on offer at ‘Sourdough Pizza Co,’ whilst a selection of Americana-style cuisine stared you in the face at ‘Ronnies,’ which is the vision of Ronnie Bonetti, The Lucky Onion Executive Chef and Culinary Director. The vast selection of foods continued inside The Farm Shop at Dunkertons where a bakery crafted with tradition, purpose and love. ‘La Boulangerie Artisan’ delivers baking from France with an edge and their passion for organic creates real bread you do not want to miss the chance to taste! Just before you thought it couldn’t get any better it does! Collaborating with Daylesford, one of Jade’s most loved names, the Farm Shop stocks a big selection of Daylesford Organic produce including soups, olives and smoked salmon.
“We wanted to create a destination that celebrates our passion for Cheltenham and the local area, alongside our love for the very best organic produce. At the heart of the activity is the Dunkerton Cidery, which serves our wonderful tradition of certified organic cider-making, pioneered by Julian’s parents for over forty years. Our increased offering will support locals and attract new customers while generating a legacy for the future.”
Jade & Julian Dunkerton
This week under the arms of Holland Cooper Clothing and Dunkertons Park has been one I will never forget, and it is one not inclusive to the magazine. This is a getaway, you can dive into wholesomely with your friends, family or partner as there really is something for everyone and what better time to book than before Christmas! I wanted to deliver a special thank you to the entire team at Holland Cooper Clothing for inviting me into this incredible week and to the amazing stylists at The Boutique who styled my gorgeous Cheltenham outfit.
Links to all the Holland Cooper items/garments are below for you to shop and the link to the No.131 ‘Stay & Shop in Style’ offer has been linked alongside.
Brontë’s HC Entire Outfit
Jubilee Double Breasted Blazer | Lace V-Neck Blouse Ink Navy | Luxe Tailored Short Macpherson | HC Slim Logo Belt Black | Marlborough Knee Boots Black