Thank you, Burghley – reflecting on a very special four days
Updated: 13 hours ago
There are some events that stay with you long after the stand has been packed away, and my first time exhibiting with Country Living at Defender Burghley Horse Trials was certainly one of them.
Set within the magnificent parkland surrounding Burghley House, the event brought together world-class equestrian sport, British brands, independent designers and visitors from across the country. I was delighted to exhibit my collection of silk scarves in the Country Living Pavilion and to introduce so many people to my brand for the first time.
A wonderful start to the show
One of the most memorable moments came remarkably early. Within just 30 minutes of the event opening on the first morning, I sold my first scarf!
After all the preparation involved in exhibiting - the planning, packing, arranging the stand and wondering how the collection would be received, it was a wonderfully reassuring start. Seeing someone discover a design, try it on and decide that it was the scarf for them was incredibly special.
It set the tone for four busy and rewarding days filled with conversations, colour and a shared appreciation for beautiful things.
What were the highlights of exhibiting at Burghley Horse Trials?
The greatest highlight was meeting so many people and hearing their reactions to the scarves.
Visitors frequently commented on the colours and the originality of the designs. Every Charlotte Broady scarf begins with one of my own photographs, often taken in my Oxfordshire cottage garden or while walking in the countryside. Flowers, leaves, reflections on water and the delicate patterns found in nature are transformed into designs that move and change when they are printed onto silk.
A scarf can look quite different when it is taken from the display and draped around the shoulders. Colours that first appear subtle can suddenly become more noticeable, while an unexpected shade can bring warmth to the face or lift a familiar jacket beautifully.
It was lovely to see visitors respond not only to the finished scarves, but also to the stories and photographs behind them.
Celebrating scarves designed and made in England
Another particularly encouraging part of the event was hearing how much people valued the fact that the scarves are made in the UK.
Every scarf I design in Oxfordshire and have professionally printed and finished in England. They are created in limited quantities using carefully selected fabrics, including pure silk twill and soft silk blends.
For many of the people I met at Burghley, knowing where and how a scarf had been created made it feel more personal. They appreciated the combination of original British design, skilled production and small-scale manufacturing.
In a world of mass-produced accessories, there is something meaningful about choosing a scarf with a recognisable story behind it.
Finding the colours that truly suit you
Helping clients find the right scarf was one of my favourite parts of the show.
Choosing a scarf online can sometimes be difficult. At an event, it is possible to place different colours close to the face, compare softer and brighter shades and see how each design works with someone’s hair, eye colour, complexion and wardrobe.
Sometimes the scarf a person was initially drawn to was exactly right for them. On other occasions, trying a completely different colour revealed something much more flattering.
We also talked about the clothes people already owned. A thoughtfully chosen scarf can bring new life to a navy jacket, soften an olive or neutral coat, or introduce colour to a simple dress without changing the wearer’s personal style.
The aim was never simply to find a beautiful scarf. It was to find a beautiful scarf that felt completely right for the person wearing it.
Sharing simple ways to tie a silk scarf
Throughout the event, I was also able to demonstrate different ways to wear and tie the scarves.
Many people love scarves but are not always sure how to style them. A few simple adjustments can make all the difference: allowing a long scarf to fall naturally over one shoulder, creating a relaxed loop around the neck or tying a silk square neatly beneath a jacket.
These demonstrations often became relaxed conversations about personal style, favourite colours and the occasions people were dressing for. Some visitors were looking for something to wear every day, while others were choosing a scarf for a wedding, a holiday or as a special gift.
Seeing someone look in the mirror and realise how naturally a scarf suited them was a genuine pleasure.
The pleasure of meeting in person
Online photographs can show a design, but they cannot fully convey the softness of silk, the way the fabric catches the light or how the colours change as the scarf moves.
That is why meeting people at events such as Burghley is so valuable. Visitors can touch the fabrics, try different shapes and colours and hear the story behind each design. A scarf is not simply something displayed on a website. Once chosen, it becomes part of someone’s wardrobe and, hopefully, something they will enjoy wearing for many years.
Will I return to Burghley Horse Trials?
I very much hope so!
My first experience of exhibiting at Defender Burghley Horse Trials was busy, encouraging and full of memorable moments. From selling the first scarf within 30 minutes of opening to helping clients discover colours and designs that genuinely suited them, it was a very special four days.
Thank you to everyone who visited my stand, purchased a scarf, tried on a design or simply stopped to talk. Your generous comments about the designs, colours and British craftsmanship meant more than you may realise.
And yes, I hope to be back at Burghley next year.
Charlotte x
Comments