Nearly four years ago, I found myself standing in a pile of unsuitable clothes, frustrated and overheating as I tried to get dressed for a day of clays with my husband and brother. It was warm, and nothing felt quite right—nothing that allowed me to feel both feminine and functional, especially knowing I’d be wearing my light wool vest on top. Though beautifully made, that vest was a men’s XS, a gift from my dad back when there truly weren’t any decent options for women in the fieldwear space. I cherish it deeply, but that moment of steaming ears and sartorial struggle sparked something.
I envisioned stepping out of the house in a crisp, classic blouse, topped with a vest tailored just for women. The next day, I began sketching. One idea led to another, and soon I had pages filled with rough illustrations and lists of design elements. The vest was the first thing I drew—and interestingly, the final sewn design isn’t far off from that original sketch. The blouse that made it into SS25, the Charlotte, wasn’t even the first blouse idea I had. But it became the one that best embodied what I wanted to say with this first collection: refined, polished, versatile, and distinctly IH.
SS25 was never about throwing together trendy pieces. It was about laying the foundation for something bigger. I wanted garments that would set the tone—sophisticated, tailored, feminine, and elegant—while also being timeless and highly wearable. Pieces that could return in new colorways and details in seasons to come. I also wanted to make sure these garments served a purpose: welcoming more women into the sport with pieces that are comfortable, thoughtfully designed, and confidence-boosting.
Take the vest, for instance. I wanted it to feel like a garment you’d be proud to wear anywhere, not just for sport. It needed to allow for movement, be tailored yet easy to wear, and offer small luxuries in detail. From the natural strength and breathability of linen to the tab for in-ear hearing protection cords, every element was designed with care. We added hidden shoulder pockets for a recoil pad, reverse welt pockets for quick access to your station card or lip balm, corner snaps to keep the pocket shape clean when not in use, and side vents with adjustable tabs for flexibility at the hip. It doesn’t just look good—it works.
The cartridge pouch was born from personal experience too. I don’t typically need a shoulder pad, but I always wore a vest because I had nowhere to put my shells. I was unimpressed with what was available—nothing seemed to combine femininity with function in a satisfying way. Then I came across a tote bag designed by a husband and wife duo in Oregon. It was classic and understated, and I knew instantly they were the ones to bring my vision to life. The cartridge pouch they crafted is handmade from a single piece of leather, created in small batches, and the perfect size to hold a full cartridge box or be poured into directly. Their story—one of resilience, faith, and the American dream—felt aligned with the IH woman: strong, intentional, hopeful.
When it came to priorities, silhouette and functionality led the way. These two pillars informed every decision, from sourcing to final fit. And let me tell you—the idea that 'functional' must mean 'technical' (aka synthetic, moisture-wicking fabrics) is something I hope to challenge. These materials often clash with the aesthetic and tactile standards of luxury women's wear and, more importantly, their environmental impact contradicts the very values many of us hold dear. Instead, I focused on natural fabrics that hold shape, breathe well, and feel incredible on the body—the kind of pieces that don’t scream "shooting outfit" but rather whisper, "beautifully dressed woman."
That said, the journey wasn’t without its lessons. Fabric sourcing was far more challenging than I anticipated. It’s not just about finding a fabric that looks good—it’s about feel, weight, weave, transparency (literal and ethical), minimum quantities, and cost. I quickly learned that 'poplin' doesn’t always mean poplin. Navigating the sea of suppliers and sifting through the noise of questionable practices and cheap imitations was a full-time job in itself.
Fit was another beast. Every neckline, sleeve length, armhole drop, placket width, pocket placement—you name it—was considered, refined, and sampled multiple times across sizes. The truth is, you can’t fit every body. But what you can do is obsess over the details and do your utmost to create something truly flattering for a wide range of women. The time, expense, and emotional investment in perfecting fit was monumental. But it was worth every second.
So, how do I want women to feel in these pieces? Polished. Sophisticated. Confident. Whether they’re stepping into the field for the first time or heading out for a spring lunch in town, I want them to feel like themselves—only better. Not dressed up, but dressed well. Ready for the day. Ready for the world.