S H OW YO U R COLOURS “It’s the real deal: it’s all solid brass and nickel,” she remarks on the workshop. “I start with authentic things, like an antique feed sac, and twist them into wearable, relevant products.” Yuhasz Smith insists on supporting the community and establishing relationships with her manufacturers. “We stay on their farm and they host us, feed us, and we participate in their Amish family events. We get to work side-by-side at their studio, and then everything is delivered by horse and buggy,” she explains. In all, a team of 13 Amish women sewing soft goods and six, male harness makers work full time for Rebecca Ray. Her eldest lead seamstress, Maryann, has been working for Rebecca Ray Designs for 10 years since Yuhasz Smith stopped sewing herself! Her office team consists of “serious horse people,” according to Yuhasz Smith. Many spend their weekends at the short stirrup ring watching their children compete in guarder straps and braids. “We are doing all the things that we talk about and we make. This makes us the most authentic brand: you get what you see.”
New For Spring ’13
The magnificent color scheme for Rebecca Ray Designs Spring ’13 collection ranges from black, bone, and cobalt blue, to lime, orange, and yellow. The new pebble leather accessories are both functional and fashionable. For example, the “Marie” can be worn three different ways as a wristlet, cross-body, or clutch. Along with creating new styles, Rebecca Ray has also partnered with The Devon National Horse Show, The Racehorse Museum, and Lake Placid Horse Show for co-branded accessories. Seven Barks Stationary line is also a new addition to the Rebecca Ray collection. Vintage postcards are iconic: they make perfect thank-you notes, or can be dropped in a brass frame for the perfect wall accessory.
Classic, Nostalgic Luxury
Her love of designing doesn’t stop with accessories: Yuhasz Smith also dabbles in interior decorating. Recently, she and her husband bought a historic, 35-acre farm just outside of Cleveland in Chagrin Falls. After spending the whole summer moving, she and her family are now experiencing a complete historic restoration project.
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“We inherited all of the old tractors on the farm, and moved our Percherons to begin a breeding program,” Yuhasz Smith describes. “We are working with the historical society to restore the house and barn, which had not been lived in for over 10 years!” Previously, Yuhasz Smith’s home inspired decorators with her French country chic style and color palettes.
Valencia Saddlery
Rebecca’s energy emanates that of a talented entrepreneur, which many aspire to become. She and her family are looking forward to building their new farm, raising Percheron horses, expanding the Rebecca Ray collection, and living a lifestyle that reflects the true American equestrian dream.
Burbank, CA
Opposite page from top: Each Rebecca Ray item is handcrafted in the U.S.A. Large and small cufflinks and the Marie Green Clutch This page: Rebecca, her husband Derek and daughter Elizabeth
Santa Clarita, CA
LA Saddlery Gallops Saddlery Tigard, OR
Olson's Tack Bellevue, WA
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