Music, modelling, TV work and a new equestrian brand with Nermina Pieters-Mekic
In our latest podcast episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the multifaceted Nermina Pieters-Mekic, founder of the groundbreaking new brand, Equidae London. As we chatted about her diverse background, from singer and songwriter to TV star and model, Nermina shared the exciting journey that led to the creation of her equestrian fashion brand.
A Journey Through Chapters
Nermina’s life has unfolded in various chapters, each marked by different passions. From growing up in the Netherlands and studying law to pursuing modelling and music, she eventually found herself in the UK, where she became a cast member of the Real Housewives of Cheshire. However, her deep love for music and horses remained constant throughout these diverse experiences.
Inspiration for Equidae London
One of the significant inspirations behind Nermina’s venture is none other than Princess Anne. Nermina found herself drawn to a particular image of Princess Anne riding in a red jacket. This image sparked the idea for a signature piece in her collection, which is a jacket with embroidery on the back, combining a high end look with technical features.
Lockdown project
Equidae London grew as a concept during lockdown. Nermina wanted to bring something fresh and different to the equestrian market, something that blended fashion with function and comfort. She realised that she spent the vast majority of her life in equestrian clothing, so set about designing pieces that embraced current trends that were also sustainable and had ethical production at its heart.
Performance and Sustainability
A crucial aspect of Equidae London is its commitment to performance wear. Nermina collaborated with a factory in Portugal that is renowned for its performance fabrics. These fabrics undergo testing for rubbing, sweating, and have antibacterial properties. Not only did Nermina do the research, she also visited Portugal and handpicked the fabrics to tick all the boxes for each design. The Equidae base layer is a great example as it is made with a brushed fabric for warmth and sweat absorption- every piece in the collection is designed with the rider’s comfort and functionality in mind.
Building the Equidae London brand
The brand didn’t come to life overnight, and to ensure she was on the right track, Nermina did a lot of research, seeking advice from friends in the fashion industry and building a team of experts. The process involved trial and error, with Nermina actively testing prototypes, riding in them, and even washing them in various conditions to ensure durability.
Equidae London is not just about fashion; it’s a conscious choice. Nermina envisions her brand’s pieces not just looking good, but aligning with the sustainable and ethical values of her customers. She’s very aware that, with Equidae London, she has the ability to make a positive impact.
Challenges Along the Way
Embarking on the journey of building a brand is never without its challenges. Nermina shares the surprises and obstacles faced during the two and a half years of establishing the brand. From working closely with designers to navigating factory changes, each step in the process presented unique challenges. However, Nermina emphasises that the feedback from users makes it all worthwhile. The highs come from witnessing individuals appreciating the quality, colours, and intricate details of Equidae’s products.
What’s to come from Equidae London?
Moving into 2024 and beyond, Equidae London will be focusing on expanding the collection, collaborating with diverse athletes, and creating a team to propel the brand forward. Nermina wants to grow a brand that resonates with riders and non-riders alike
To find out more about Nermina and Equidae London, find them on Instagram, or through the Equidae London website.
