Nicky's Rag Tales

There was only one piece of news this week for me. Heidi Higgins winning best dressed at Punchestown on Friday. I’ve known Heidi for the past year and hope that I have become a mentor of sorts. A few weeks ago whilst having a chat in my showrooms , (actually Heidi chats and I listen) she mentioned she was going to enter Best Dressed at Punchestown. I said I would be there and thought she would have a great chance. At almost 25 years of age it’s almost unbelievable that the designs and quality of her collection is one that is both mature and fresh and I love her use of colour and simplicity of design. Of course Heidi is the best advert for her clothes and she always looks stunning.

Did I see her winning? Did I even know Heidi won? Was I at the races at all? The truth is that as much as I love fashion and dressing up for Punchestown I’m actually far more interested in the actual racing! I read the race card, study the form and when I can, place my (small) bets in the betting ring rather than on the Tote. So, on Friday, my friend Moyra and I parked ourselves right outside the champagne bar at a table with a great view of the final fence and the winning post and that is where I stayed for most of the day.

Yesterday I called Heidi to discuss the Interns that I am about to interview for her next week and during the conversation she finally asked me if I had been at Punchestown on Friday and did I know she had won the competition. I was gobsmacked and absolutely delighted and while we were talking dashed to the nearest newsagents to see Heidi in her beautiful blue dress and jacket photographed on the cover of every paper in town! We both agreed that you couldn’t buy that level of publicity. I predicted a great future for the Heidi Higgins Label last year and I was right. I had two great wins on the horses on Friday but backing Heidi Higgins is proving far more satisfying!

Heidi Higgins in her Portlaoise Studio/Boutique

Selina (my assistant) in Heidi Higgins Boutique/Studio