Edited by Adrien Field on
I must admit that before this weekend, the extent of my knowledge about the sport of polo revolved around what I’d discerned from the Ralph Lauren logo—I knew there were horses and mallets involved, but that was it. After venturing this weekend to Bridgehampton for the Opening Day of the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge, I still know nothing about the sport, but I have learned that it’s the quintessential Hamptons society activity during the summer.
Polo in Bridgehampton is hardly about who wins or loses—I don’t think that anyone even pays attention to the announcer—it’s about which spectator has the best time—and looks the best while doing it. Held every Saturday at the Blue Star Jets Field up until August 22nd, the fabulous and famous crowd together beneath the white tents for some polo watching and some people watching. The latter was what most interested me so I was out observing the fashions.
Instead of the wide hats and Oscar de la Renta dresses I half-expected to see, women dressed much more casually, preferring sundresses and the sort. Surprisingly, most of the peacocking came from the men, who sported a wonderful array of colors. White jeans were predictably popular, along with tailored sports coats and bright accents. It was really all about the color, and it was refreshing to see so many men dress so boldly.
Guests mingled and enjoyed the beautiful weather, fueled by libations from the open bar as well as an assortment of snacks and hors d’oeuvres. I personally couldn’t get enough of the mini cupcakes passed around in the VIP tent—I must have eaten an entire passed tray throughout the two-hour-long event. Celebrity wattage came from famous faces like Star Jones, Chase Crawford (who hosted last year’s opening), Beth Ostrosky and several realty TV stars.
Even though I was a polo neophyte, I still knew about star player Nacho Figueras from the Ralph Lauren fragrance ads and so the day’s highlight may just have been spotting him in the front of the Ralph Lauren Black Watch tent. And yes, he’s just as beautiful in person as he is in those pictures.
Adrien Field
Editor-in-Chief Garcon Mag
With his signature bowties and fur coats, Adrien Field is as recognizable and eye-catching as a pair of Christian Louboutin heels. The young writer and stylish man about town has been on more red carpets than a Hoover vacuum and has covered fashion and society events since before the champagne he drank was consumed legally.Adrien has attended the past three seasons of New York Fashion Week, cumulatively writing over fifty runway reviews as well as interviewing designers such as Ralph Rucci, Erin Fetherston, Max Axria and celebrities including Heidi Klum, Diana Ross and Jane Kaczmarek.Adrien continues to be a staple on the New York City event and social circuit, appearing in online and print outlets including Blackbook Magazine, Interview Magazine, Paper Magazine and The Dallas Morning News. He has been quoted in the New York Observer and has provided fashion commentary for Bluefly.com and Mainstreet.com.Adrien currently works and resides in Manhattan where he has recently completed writing his debut novel about the New York social scene.