Cape Town - Style, sophistication and glamour have come to define the annual Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo event, set to take place at the Val de Vie Estate on Saturday.
First held in 2011, the event features an international polo line-up, with teams from across the world competing for the Veuve Clicquot Masters Polo Cape Town Cup.
All this, while socialites, celebrities and equestrian lovers gather on the lush grounds for an afternoon of exhilarating polo, fine champagne and mingling.
The affair draws international VIPs such as the Royal Warrant of Appointment for the Royal House of Belgium and renowned couture millinery and designer Fabienne Delvigne, as well as South African celebrities such as Lee-Ann and Nicky van der Walt, Jeannie D, Elana Afrika, Tarina Patel, Maps Maponyane, Katlego Maboe and David Tlale.
Inspired by Madame Clicquot, the “Grand Dame of Champagne”, the theme for this year’s event is Let Life Surprise You. With this theme, the champagne house will bring a new energy to the event; a luxurious, playful, bright and innovative spirit, says Moët Hennessy’s market manager, Patrick Madendjian.
Inspired by Veuve Clicquot’s bright and bold yellow label, the dress code is “Polo Chic in bright and bold”. The title of best polo outfit will be awarded to the best dressed lady, and fashion lovers will enjoy a curated fashion summer showcase by multi-brand fashion D’ORE.
Traditional attire for a polo match is elegant and clean in bold colours for men and women. Typically, men tend to wear dress pants or shorts paired with a crisp shirt and jacket, while the women can choose from stylish dresses to separates in pastel hues and textured fabrics.
However, something to consider when assembling a polo outfit is that it’s an outdoor event where you will be doing a lot of standing and walking. Therefore comfortable shoes, as well as a smart hat and sunglasses to shield you from the blazing sun, are necessities.
Michelle Heslop, the curator of The Bromwell Boutique Mall in Woodstock, styled socialite and fashion blogger Lauren Campbell of the Fashionista Cape Town Blog in two outfits.
As both share a sense of style, we asked them to also share their style tips for an afternoon of polo.
Michelle Heslop’s tips
* Elegance is key.
* You can’t go wrong with a classic, well-fitted jumpsuit.
* Wear sunglasses and a hat (prevention is better than cure).
* Avoid wearing heavy make-up.
* Wear comfortable shoes – I quite like block heels.
Lauren Campbell’s tips
* Wear thick heels as they are more comfortable for walking on the grass.
* With the dress theme “Polo Chic in bright & bold”, stick to bold colours such as red, green and pink.
* Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated and eat before and during the event.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, March 5
Time: 2pm to 7pm
Venue: Val de Vie Estate (Paarl-Franschhoek Valley), Jan van Riebeeck Road, Paarl.
Hashtags: #VCMastersPolo #ClicquotInTheSun
Pavilion Access Tickets: R950 p/p – includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot, and lunch.
Veuve Clicquot Lounge VIP Tickets: R4 000 p/p – includes lunch, Veuve Clicquot champagne and soft drinks.
Tickets: available at www.computicket.com.
The day will end with an after-party hosted by Shimmy Beach Club at the Val de Vie’s clubhouse.
Model: Lauren Campbell of the Fashionista CT Blog
Styling: Nontando Mposo and Michelle Heslop, curator of The Bromwell Boutique Mall.
Photographer: Tracey Adams
Location: The Bromwell Boutique Mall, 250 Albert Rd, Woodstock
Nontando Mposo, Cape Argus