As anticipation builds for Cheltenham and the country’s most discerning dressers prepare to step trackside, the Daily Express was invited to Fairfax & Favor’s Norfolk headquarters to sit-down with founder Marcus Fairfax Fountaine and uncover the thinking behind the brand shaping modern British country style.

The Festival, which runs from Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 March 2026 on the outskirts of Gloucestershire, remains one of the most closely watched moments in the social and style calendar. Cheltenham stands apart as one of the defining showcases of British fashion, where equestrian influences, classic tailoring and modern polish come together in a distinctly refined display.

The Festival has long been a proving ground for race day style, with every look balancing practicality with understated elegance. Each year, it becomes a runway of considered silhouettes and timeless textures, where dressing for the occasion is approached with the same precision as the sport itself, and it is little wonder that Fairfax & Favor continues to stand out among the crowd.

This season, the brand has teamed up with stylist Lady Alice Manners on a standout race-week edit centred on timeless investment pieces you’ll reach for long after the final race – and you can shop some of her curated looks below.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, founder Marcus Fairfax Fountaine shared the thinking behind the collaboration and why the edit centres on pieces designed to stand the test of time. “We have just shot a campaign with Lady Alice Manners, she’s a stylist, and she put together a selection of looks for Cheltenham,” he said. “For us, it’s about classics this year.”

At the heart of the collection is a focus on longevity, with investment staples that can be worn year after year while still feeling fresh for race week. Referring to one of the hero looks, Marcus explained that Alice was pictured wearing the ‘Grace’ Trench Coat alongside the ‘Octavia’ boots, which he described as “a bit of a statement.”

Adding, “It’s just a very classic look, you know. Tanned colours. Very Cheltenham.” He continued: “The ‘Grace’ is a staple it’s such a timeless piece. I think Alice pulled it together for a really cool and Impeccably styled Cheltenham look.”

And, crucially for a week known for unpredictable conditions, practicality remains key. Marcus continued, “You have got to prepare for every sort of weather,” and this look shows exactly how to do it with ease.

The belted coat, a true standout thanks to its rich finish, tailored silhouette and luxurious trim, brings warmth while setting it apart from more traditional outerwear, while the sleek boots ground the outfit with comfort and durability, making it ideal for navigating a full day on the course without compromising on style.

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Few pieces embody the essence of Cheltenham style quite like a sharply tailored blazer, and Alice places the ‘Hazel Blazer’ at the heart of a look that feels both considered and quietly commanding.

Cinched at the waist with a statement belt and paired with rich chocolate tones, the silhouette nods to classic equestrian dressing while feeling unmistakably modern.

Speaking through her curated edit with Fairfax & Favor, Alice noted: “A Cheltenham classic, the Hazel Blazer is a must have for a jumps day at the races. Style it with dark cord trousers, brogue Chelsea boots, and finish with a beret for a subtle twist on a timeless look.”

The combination captures the balance racegoers strive for, polished enough for the enclosure yet relaxed enough to carry you comfortably through the day. It is a lesson in how precise tailoring, earthy textures and thoughtful layering come together to create an outfit that feels timeless while still perfectly in tune with the occasion.

The ‘Rockingham’ ankle boots prove you do not have to sacrifice style for practicality, offering a sleek, modern grounding that works effortlessly with heritage tailoring, while the ‘Tetbury’ bag softly complements the warm tones of a traditional blazer like the Hazel. Together, these powerful pieces act as true workhorses in a country-inspired wardrobe, bringing both versatility and enduring elegance to every outing.

Soft tailoring and rich tonal layers define this look, with the ‘Frances’ coat adding a refined sense of structure and heritage.

Favoured by Fairfax Favor’s official Brand Ambassador Zara Tindall, the beautifully cut outer layer brings instant polish while offering the kind of versatility that feels perfectly suited to race week dressing.

Alice noted: “Pair this look with a chocolate brown wide leg trouser and a classic chocolate brown pillbox hat – the key to this look is subtle elegance and quiet luxury.”

Grounding the ensemble are the beautifully crafted ‘Rockingham’ mid length tan boots, which deliver comfort alongside an unmistakable equestrian sensibility, striking that effortless balance between practicality and sophistication for a day spent trackside.

A softly curved suede shoulder bag introduces warmth and texture, its timeless silhouette acting as a considered finishing touch that elevates the entire look without feeling overstated. Together, the combination captures the essence of contemporary Cheltenham style: understated, versatile and anchored by investment pieces designed to be worn season after season.

Grounded in rich, equestrian tones, this Fairfax & Favor look captures the effortless polish that defines Cheltenham style, pairing the Ophelia’ suede blazer with the ‘Ludlow’ ankle boots in a way that feels both considered and instinctive.

The softness of suede brings a quiet confidence to the silhouette, gently shaped at the waist with the ‘Sennowe’ belt, while the clean lines of the ‘Ludlow’ boots lend an easy elegance that carries you comfortably through a full day trackside.

There is a natural harmony to the textures and proportions, creating an outfit that feels refined without ever appearing overworked. Timeless on their own yet even more compelling together, these are pieces you will reach for long after race week, embodying a modern take on country dressing that feels poised, wearable and quietly luxurious.