In the realm of equestrian elegance, Australian showjumper Edwina Tops-Alexander has seamlessly transitioned from dominating the sport to designing a captivating jewellery collection that embodies the grace and strength of her career. Speaking with Eugenie Kelly and captured through the lens of Lena Saugen, Edwina delves into the mindset and proficiency that have shaped her journey, with Harriet Crawford bringing her vision to life through styling.
"The day I'm afraid is the day I'll stop," Edwina boldly states, underlining the importance of mental strength and fearlessness in reaching the pinnacle of success in showjumping. This trait, deeply ingrained in her character, has propelled her to break records and achieve historic milestones, such as being the first Australian to compete in the individual final of the World Equestrian Games in 2006. Her daughter, Chloé, at only five, already exhibits a similar resilience, eagerly wanting to ride again even after an injury, showcasing the perseverance inherent in the Tops-Alexander lineage.
“Coming to live and compete in Europe aged 24, I’ve had this mindset I needed to go at riding 100 per cent to be successful. Mindset is everything to me. It controls your thoughts, emotions, input”
From her base in Monaco, Edwina navigates a demanding schedule that includes training horses, scouting for future champions, managing international competitions, and overseeing Stal Tops — a state-of-the-art equestrian facility she runs with her husband. Amidst these challenges, she's also finalizing an equestrian-inspired fine jewellery collection, proving her ability to thrive under pressure.
Edwina's foray into fashion and jewellery design is a natural extension of her passions. Having served as an ambassador and consultant for prestigious brands, she grew up with a fascination for fashion and jewellery, particularly pieces with equestrian motifs. Her collection aims to transcend trends, offering discrete, simple designs that are versatile and story-telling.
The "Toti" collection, named affectionately after her "heart horse," Itot, symbolizes the deep connections and shared journeys in the equestrian world. Itot du Château, a chestnut gelding with a challenging past, exemplifies resilience and partnership, mirroring Edwina's own path to success.
Navigating the elite sphere of grand prix showjumping demands not only skill and determination but also significant financial backing. Edwina's narrative of perseverance, from her humble beginnings in Australia to international acclaim, underscores the role of mindset and self-belief in overcoming obstacles. Her collection, featuring 20 pieces of 18-carat gold jewellery, integrates symbols of connection, strength, and trust, embodying the essence of her and Itot's journey together.
A portion of the collection's profits will support a foundation in Belgium that provides equine therapy for the disabled, reflecting Edwina's commitment to giving back to the community. With plans to extend this support globally, Edwina's vision for her jewellery line goes beyond aesthetics to embody the values of ambition, resilience, and solidarity within the equestrian and broader communities.
Edwina Tops-Alexander's transition from a celebrated showjumper to a jewellery designer showcases her multifaceted talents and unwavering dedication. Through her collection, she aims to inspire others to embrace their ambitions, harness their mindset, and achieve their dreams, much like she has done in both the equestrian arena and the world of fine jewellery.
Source: Vogue Australia, January 2022
