Embrace Style and Sophistication: Gemma Owen's Latest Collection
A Nod to Equestrian Roots: Daytime Chic
Gemma Owen's initial designs for Lipsy London draw heavily from her equestrian background, featuring elegant country-inspired ensembles. A highlight is a refined double-breasted blazer, perfectly paired with a pleated checked skort, exuding a sense of tailored elegance that is both modern and timeless.
Transition to Evening: Glamour and Allure
As the collection evolves, Owen introduces a range of evening wear that emphasizes glamour. Her backless cut-out gown with intricate lace details is a standout, showcasing her ability to combine sensuality with sophistication. Additionally, the line includes a daring sheer black blouse complemented by high-waisted velvet trousers, offering bold choices for a night out.
Comfort Meets Style: The Knitwear Selection
For those seeking comfort without compromising on style, the AW26 collection offers an array of cozy knitwear. Among these are a charming horse-printed jumper and a V-neckline jumper with delicate lace detailing, providing warmth and elegance for the cooler seasons.
Outerwear Essentials: Jackets for Every Occasion
No autumn collection is complete without essential outerwear, and Owen's line delivers with a stylish green cord funnel-neck bomber jacket. Further embracing the green palette, a faux-leather belted jacket is presented alongside a vintage Porsche 911, adding a touch of classic luxury to the ensemble.
Family Insights and Career Transitions: The Owen Documentary
In a recent television appearance on BBC Breakfast, Gemma Owen, alongside her parents Michael and Louise, promoted their documentary series, 'Meet the Owens.' During the discussion, Gemma addressed public perceptions of her father, former footballer Michael Owen, challenging the notion that he is "boring" and emphasizing his engaging personality as revealed in the series. Michael Owen also elaborated on his career shift from professional football to the challenging world of racehorse ownership, highlighting the financial complexities and personal fulfillment he finds in this new venture. He shared that the transition from a lucrative football career to the unpredictable nature of owning racehorses presented significant financial hurdles, stating, "The biggest challenge is the financial side. It's a bloody hard business and I can't keep haemorrhaging money."
Financial Realities of Racehorse Ownership
Michael Owen candidly discussed the financial pressures of his current career. Despite a successful football career that earned him a substantial net worth, his foray into breeding and training racehorses through Manor House Stables in Cheshire has proven to be a financially demanding endeavor. He noted the constant need to manage funds carefully in a business where competition from wealthy international buyers is fierce. He recalled an instance at an auction where he spent £273,000 on three horses, a decision that his wife, Louise, expressed some frustration over due to the lack of prior communication and the significant investment involved. Louise humorously pointed out Michael's financial paradox: "He won't think twice about spending money on a horse, but if the kids leave a light on in the house he will hit the roof!"
Post-Football Life: Finding New Purpose
Michael Owen also reflected on his retirement from football, describing a period of adjusting to a life without the constant adulation and competitive buzz. He admitted to feelings of diminished self-worth after his career-ending injuries, which reduced his performance to 50% of his peak. This led him to a desperate desire to retire, as he no longer enjoyed his job. The documentary captures his journey to finding a new purpose in horseracing, a passion he has harbored since purchasing his first racehorse at 18. This transition, while financially challenging, has provided him with the renewed sense of purpose he sought.
