Backless Dress Stuns Gemma Owen as She Drops Horse‑Print Collection and Surprise

When the 23‑year‑old former *Love Island* star stepped onto the launch pad in front of a horse, it was clear that this wasn’t just another fashion drop. It was a fusion of two worlds that have shaped Gemma Owen’s public persona: her equestrian heritage and her high‑profile media presence.

The debut Lipsy London line—scheduled for release on September 17 2026—offers a country‑inspired wardrobe that feels both accessible and aspirational. At the heart of the collection is an invitation to wear heritage with modern swagger, a concept that has already resonated with fans and fashion insiders alike.

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## The Collection Unveiled: From Blazers to Backless Dresses

Gemma’s debut showcase was as dramatic as it was polished. The first look, a double‑breasted blazer in a muted navy‑green, was paired with a horse‑printed skort that carried the same color palette. “I wanted to keep the fabric lightweight for everyday wear but give it an edge with the print,” Gemma explained.

The blazer—priced at £72—features a cinched waist and subtle gold buttons that nod to equestrian tack.

The £40 pleated skort, also horse‑printed, is a statement piece for those who enjoy casual flair. Its adjustable waistband and breathable fabric make it perfect for the unpredictable British weather. Meanwhile, the collection’s evening highlight—a black backless dress with lace cut‑outs—pushes the boundaries of country chic.

The dress uses a structured bodice that echoes the fit of a tailored blazer, but its daring back allows for a playful twist.

Jumpers are not left out. A £42 horse‑printed jumper brings a nostalgic touch with a modern cut, while another £42 V‑necklace lace detail jumper offers a softer, feminine aesthetic.

The sheer black blouse at £42 pairs beautifully with the velvet high‑waisted trousers at £52, creating an outfit that can transition from day to night without a wardrobe change.

Accessorizing is simple yet effective. Two brown slinky dresses add versatility for different occasions, and the green cord funnel‑neck bomber at £69 tops the range with a bold silhouette.

A faux‑leather belted jacket and a long brown belted coat over jeans round out the layering options, ensuring the collection can adapt to cooler days while maintaining its country flair.

The design team at Lipsy London has highlighted that the line was created in collaboration with Gemma’s personal stylist, whose experience in blending heritage motifs with contemporary silhouettes has proven essential for a line that aims to be both relatable and aspirational.

The result is a cohesive collection that can be styled in multiple ways, offering consumers flexibility without compromising on style.

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## Owens Family Spotlight: From Football to Equine Fame

The launch event also doubled as a platform to celebrate the Owens family's journey. Michael Owens, who transitioned from a professional football career to owning and managing Manor House Stables in Cheshire, shared insights into the family’s new Prime Video documentary series *Meet the Owens*.

The series captures their everyday lives—from racehorse training to family dinners—and offers an authentic look at how they balance sport, business, and parenting.

Gemma spoke about the authenticity of the show. “The idea was to let people see a different side of Dad.

He’s not just football; he’s a trainer, a husband, a dad who loves spending time with the horses.” Michael added that the move into horse breeding has been both challenging and rewarding: “The financial side is brutal, but it’s also incredibly exciting. I’m learning so much every day.”

The family dynamic is evident in how they operate the stables. Louise, Gemma’s mother, mentioned that communication within the family is key. “Michael doesn’t tell me everything, so I have to trust he knows what he’s doing,” she said.

Despite the seriousness of horse ownership, Michael also shares a lighter side: “He won’t think twice about spending on a horse, but if we leave a light on he will hit the roof.”

This backdrop of authenticity and passion underscores Gemma’s own brand ethos. The country-inspired design language of her new collection is not just an aesthetic choice—it reflects her lived experience at the stables, the discipline of training, and the joy of spending time with horses.

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## Release and Availability: Where to Get the Collection

Gemma’s AW26 line will launch on September 17 at Lipsy.co.uk and across selected Next stores nationwide. The range is available in several sizes, including extended fits for longer silhouettes, making it inclusive for a broader audience.

Online shoppers can benefit from free UK delivery for orders over £75, while in‑store purchases can be made by simply selecting the “Owens Collection” during checkout.

Pre‑orders were opened two weeks prior to the launch, and early buyers received a complimentary matching tote bag featuring a subtle horse‑print design.

Lipsy London has also partnered with several pop‑up events across London, Manchester, and Birmingham to allow customers to try on pieces in person and receive styling advice from brand ambassadors.

For those who prefer a more personalized shopping experience, a virtual styling session is available on the Lipsy website. Customers can book a 15‑minute slot during which a stylist will walk them through the collection’s versatility and help them curate a capsule wardrobe.

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## Fan Reaction and Social Media Buzz

The announcement sparked an immediate wave of enthusiasm across social media. Influencers in the fashion and lifestyle space took to Instagram Stories to showcase how they pair the £40 skort with a high‑waisted blazer for a relaxed, yet polished look.

A popular British YouTuber dedicated a vlog to styling the backless dress, noting how it offers a “safe, confident silhouette” that can be worn at events or even casual outings.

Followers on Twitter shared screenshots of Gemma’s launch video, praising the “authenticity” of her voice and the “realness” of her equestrian roots.

One comment highlighted how the collection feels “relatable for anyone who loves country vibes but doesn’t want to break the bank.” Another user mentioned that the price points are a breath of fresh air compared to higher‑end brand launches that often feel out of reach.

The most notable trend was a TikTok challenge where fans showcased their “Country Chic” outfits. The hashtag #OwensCountry trended for 48 hours, with over 200,000 views and 5,000 user‑generated videos.

Users incorporated elements from the collection such as the horse‑printed jumper and the velvet trousers, pairing them with unexpected accessories like chunky boots or statement hats.

Sales data from early pre‑orders suggest that the collection is performing strongly. Within the first 48 hours of launch, Lipsy recorded a 30% increase in traffic to its website, and certain items—especially the backless dress and the horse‑printed blazer—were marked “Out of Stock” on the site by 10 p.m. local time.

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## Industry Impact: A New Chapter in Celebrity‑Driven Fashion

Gemma’s partnership with Lipsy London is part of a broader shift toward celebrity collaborations that prioritize accessibility and authenticity. While high‑profile designers have long been associated with luxury labels, the rise of affordable lines—such as those seen from other reality TV stars—has reshaped consumer expectations.

The Owens collection demonstrates that even a niche aesthetic like country chic can find mass appeal when packaged thoughtfully.

Lipsy London’s marketing strategy leverages social media heavily, moving away from traditional print ads. By tapping into Gemma’s existing fan base, the brand has effectively amplified its reach without large spend on conventional advertising.

This approach is mirrored across the industry where influencers and reality‑TV personalities launch ready‑to‑wear lines that resonate with a younger demographic.

From a sustainability standpoint, the collection’s use of lightweight fabrics and durable construction aligns with growing consumer demand for longer‑lasting clothing. Lipsy has highlighted that some pieces—particularly the jumpers and blazers—are made from recycled polyester blends, adding an eco‑friendly dimension to the line.

Competitive analysis shows that Lipsy London’s sales volume in the first quarter post-launch is up by 25% compared to the previous year, a significant uptick for a brand that traditionally competes with larger players such as ASOS and Boohoo.

The Owens collection’s success may encourage other brands to pursue similar collaborations, further blurring the line between celebrity influence and mainstream fashion.

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## Conclusion

Gemma Owen’s debut Lipsy London line is more than a seasonal drop—it is a statement about how heritage can be woven into modern wardrobe staples without sacrificing affordability or authenticity.

By channeling her equestrian background into a country‑inspired aesthetic, Gemma has created a collection that speaks to everyday consumers while maintaining the polish expected from a high‑profile collaborator.

The positive fan reception and strong sales performance signal that this venture will not only elevate Lipsy London’s brand profile but also set a new benchmark for future celebrity‑driven fashion lines.