The equestrian influence on Stacey Clark's fashion line Odilon is as subtle as the inspiration she has taken from years as an art student and from the Southern California desert -- but they are all there.

Victoria-raised Clark, 23, recently debuted her spring 2010 collection at L.A. Fashion Week to significant buzz.

Models posed like sculptures on podiums in the front hall of the Japanese American Museum in downtown Los Angeles. Fashion elite and celebrities including actor Lukas Haas and musician Lady Tigra perused the Odilon wares -- named for the French symbolist painter -- like artifacts in a gallery, a departure from the traditional runway show.

"I see designing clothes as making art," said Clark from her home in Los Angeles. "There is an equestrian, archeology and military vibe to the line, and the muted colours of Southern California and Palm Springs."

Clark began riding at the age of five in Victoria and went on to train and compete in show jumping all over North America. Her mother taught her to sew and make patterns at age eight.

Clark's parents, Betsyn and Stephen Clark, helped found the Money Mart chain -- sold in the mid-1990s -- and now own Cashline ATMs

She attended Glenlyon-Norfolk School with her two sisters, also competitive riders, and went on to study fine arts at the University of Victoria.

In 2006, Clark decided to move to L.A., where her older sister was pursuing her riding career, and to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

Her vision, newly honed merchandising skills and some venture capital led her to release her first collection aimed at modern women between 18 and 35 .

"I felt I had enough creativity and know-how to create a garment line on a large scale," said Clark, who added it takes about $50,000 to produce and promote a clothing line. She is working on promoting her fall line, and recently scouted Victoria's LoJo boutique district for potential carriers.

If response to her spring line is any indication, Clark is definitely one designer to watch.

Women's Wear Daily said of Odilon's fashion week collection:

"Stacey Clark created a cohesive collection of archeology and military inspired separates and body conscious dresses in refreshingly light layers of chiffon, linen and Spandex."

Fashionable equestrian wear has permeated its own circles as well, with more Victoria women at the helm of the trend.

Horse ManUwear is the cheeky brainchild of local lawyer Catherine Murray, who wanted to see her teen daughter ride horses in something that united her love of the sport with a passion for Lululemon clothing.

She took cues from teen trends -- printing form-fit hoodies with colourful horse patterns and splashing words like "Whoa!" across the tush of jogging pants.

As the business took off, Murray's friend Frann MacLean -- a marketing specialist -- stepped in to help it grow. With a third partner, Access Records co-owner Gail Gordon, and the acquisition of Vancouver equestrian-wear line Arista, the women have the riding fashion market covered, with a distribution office on the Saanich Peninsula and customers across Canada, in the U.S. and overseas.

"Equestrian uniforms tend to be conservative. There are centuries of traditions behind the buttons, breeches and style," said MacLean. "But outside the ring people become more adventurous. They want clothing that is not only fashionable but technically functional as well."

The equestrian lines are sold in tack shops across the Island, as well as Donatello's "town and country inspired" boutique in Sidney.

"We haven't pursued the mainstream market. It's a trend and Nordstrom has expressed interest but right now we are focusing on our supporters in the riding community," said MacLean, adding the pervasive popularity of the equestrian look is natural.

"There is energy and freedom to being on a horse and, from the fashion perspective, it's a look that's sophisticated, comfortable and easy to accessorize."

FASHION EVENTS

What: Naughty or Nice at Lil' Sweet Nancy's

When: Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Where: Lil' Sweet Nancy's, 650 View St.

Why: Stop by Lil' Sweet Nancy's (sister store to Sweet Nancy's on Broughton Street) for an afternoon/evening shopping party. Naughty and Nice themed cupcakes, gift bags, discounts and refreshments should make this mixer fun for gift-browsing.