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The Armour of Confidence: A Personal Look at Holland Cooper’s ‘Icon Series’

There’s a certain alchemy that happens when you slip on a perfectly tailored jacket. I know you know the feeling. It settles on your shoulders, and in an instant, it’s more than just cloth and thread; it becomes a silent statement, a tangible confidence that envelops you. It’s a spark of elegance, a touch of authority that you know is built to last. This is precisely the world Holland Cooper invites us into with its latest campaign, a place where every stitch tells a story and British tradition merges with the soul of women who don’t just wear the brand, but truly embody it.

In today’s whirlwind of fleeting trends, I find it so refreshing to see a brand championing the enduring values of patience, heritage, and personality. For me, this campaign is a toast to those moments where impeccable British design and a person’s very essence align to create something timeless. It’s a powerful reminder that true style isn’t about chasing the whims of the moment; it’s built on lasting quality, resonant history, and the unique expression that makes us who we are. Holland Cooper has gathered five women who are so much more than famous faces; they are living stories of success and resilience, each bringing an inimitable spirit to the heart of the brand.

Behind Every Thread, a Story: Pillars of Modern Elegance

What I find so masterful about this campaign is its casting. It’s a curated collection of women who represent different facets of British life, each a titan in her own field. Their inclusion speaks volumes about the brand’s understanding of what true influence looks like today.

Dame Mary Berry

Honestly, who doesn’t adore Dame Mary Berry? With her warm smile and knowing gaze, the former Bake Off judge and nonagenarian is far more than a culinary figure; she is, in my view, a pillar of British sophistication. For decades, she’s graced our homes with her wisdom and unwavering charm, becoming an icon of both baking and domestic elegance. To include her in the “Icon Series” is a stroke of genius. It’s a nod to a woman whose influence has no expiration date—a comforting, timeless presence that aligns perfectly with the enduring nature of Holland Cooper’s tailoring.

For the campaign, Mary wears the Westminster Tweed jacket, a piece that simply breathes timelessness. We’re talking impeccable lines and that heritage wool you just know will stand the test of time. Its cut is an ode to elegant minimalism, paired beautifully with fine wool trousers or a matching waistcoat. It’s a look that proves true elegance is built from pieces that speak quietly, but confidently, to one another.

“I have really loved being in the Holland Cooper ‘Iconic Tailoring’ campaign,” Mary shares. “I have always valued quality and craftsmanship, and it is wonderful to see a British brand thriving. Jade has achieved something quite incredible—a brand that feels both current and classic. I am very proud to be celebrating a British success story that honours our rich tailoring heritage.”

Jodie Kidd

Then we have Jodie Kidd, who brings a gust of bold, brilliant energy to the campaign. Here is a woman who has navigated the elegance of high-fashion runways, the adrenaline of rally car racing, and the heartfelt world of philanthropy. To me, Jodie represents the modern icon who shows us that style is so much more than a curated image; it’s a way of living with purpose, on a path of constant evolution and inspiration.

Jodie is featured in a stunning Tawny or Westminster Tweed suit, with its defined shoulders and rich, heritage tones that feel so grounding. The ensemble—an impeccably fitted jacket and matching trousers—is the kind of versatile power-suiting that can take a woman from a crucial meeting to a country escape without missing a beat. It’s the combination of rich, UK-woven tweed and a sleek, modern silhouette that makes this look so compelling.

“As a long-standing ambassador and friend of Holland Cooper, it is a great honour to wear their iconic tailoring in this campaign,” Jodie says. “Jade is a true visionary and a pleasure to work with, and I love supporting a brand that champions British manufacturing and creates clothes that genuinely empower women.”

Clare Balding OBE

Clare Balding’s presence in this lineup feels so right. A voice that resonates with authority and warmth across British broadcasting and sport, she has become one of the most respected and recognisable figures of our time. She exemplifies a life lived “to measure,” where personal style is intrinsically woven with achievement and influence. By choosing Clare, Holland Cooper reminds us that elegance is an extension of our character and our accomplishments.

We see Clare in the Clarence Check Merlot look, and it feels like a warm embrace of rich colour and heritage plaid, but with a decidedly modern feel. The ensemble, featuring a tailored jacket, waistcoat, and coordinating skirt or trousers, is finished with Holland Cooper’s signature gold hardware and a precise cut. The result is a look of balanced strength, garments that sit gracefully, enhance the silhouette, and, above all, convey a serene authority. This is the kind of Holland Cooper Iconic Tailoring that tells the world you’re ready for any challenge.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of Holland Cooper’s ‘Iconic Tailoring’ campaign,” Clare expresses. “Their clothes have become my go-to for broadcasting; they provide the perfect blend of timeless elegance and incredible practicality, giving me the confidence I need on camera. I also love that all their tailoring is made here in the UK with such care and quality.”

Lisa Dwan

The inclusion of Irish actress and director Lisa Dwan is a beautifully nuanced choice. Through her captivating work in performance art and avant-garde theatre, she reminds us that not all icons need to shout to be heard. Sometimes, it’s the quiet command of a stage, the ability to capture attention with profound subtlety, that truly endures. It’s a truth I feel Holland Cooper understands and celebrates with this casting.

Lisa is styled in a Moss Herringbone or Westminster Tweed look, both featuring deep green-grey tones and a texture that speaks of understated luxury. The impeccably cut jacket, often seen with a matching waistcoat or structured trousers, is finished with details that whisper, rather than proclaim, their quality.

“I first discovered Holland Cooper at the Cheltenham Festival and was instantly struck by the impeccable elegance of their tailoring,” Lisa tells us. “As an actress, I need my wardrobe to perform in any situation, from on-set to an event, and Holland Cooper always delivers. The pieces give me a timeless confidence that makes me feel like the best version of myself, and I am so excited to be a part of their latest campaign.”

Jade Holland Cooper

Finally, we have the visionary who started it all: Jade Holland Cooper. The founder and creative force behind the brand, her story is one of pure inspiration—a remarkable journey from a humble stand in a horse trailer at the Badminton Horse Trials to building a luxury empire. In this campaign, she is the anchor, the beating heart of her own creation.

Jade appears in the Westminster Tweed, sporting the iconic Belgravia jacket, Hampton waistcoat, and a set of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers that exude undeniable elegance. The fabrics, sourced from Scottish mills with centuries of history, are cut and sewn with the expertise of British artisans. The jacket, with its defined shoulders and gracefully cinched waist, projects a quiet confidence and a refinement you can feel in every fibre.

“For Holland Cooper, our tailoring has always been more than just clothing,” Jade reflects. “It is an armour of confidence, a way to project presence, and a symbol of empowerment. This campaign is a tribute to incredible women like Mary, Clare, Lisa, and Jodie—true icons who inspire us all. And best of all, it allows us to give back, supporting the beautiful mission of The King’s Trust to transform the lives of young women across the UK.”

More Than Style: Supporting The King’s Trust

What elevates this campaign from beautiful to truly meaningful is its commitment to giving back. The “Icon Series” is intrinsically linked with The King’s Trust’s “Change a Girl’s Life” initiative. With every purchase of the Belgravia Jacket in Westminster Tweed, 10% of the sale will be donated to this life-changing cause. It’s a gesture that supports young women facing challenges, opening doors to education, training, and mentorship so they can build the bright futures they all deserve.

In my view, this campaign is a resounding success. It’s a celebration not just of clothing, but of the substance of the women who wear it. Holland Cooper has woven together a narrative of strength, grace, and resilience, proving that the most powerful style is one that is authentic, enduring, and infused with purpose. It is a beautiful testament to the enduring power of British heritage and the women who carry its legacy forward.