It was an exciting opening evening by FDCI & Lakmē Fashion Week at the iconic Mahalaxmi Racecourse, when fashion met its match as the royal sport polo took a stylish and trendy turn. La Martina, the leading Argentinian apparel brand has had a long association with the regal sport of polo. This season, the brand made an exciting debut with one of India’s leading designers Rajesh Pratap Singh to showcase a capsule collection that signifies the seamless integration of fashion and sport, paying homage to the timeless tradition and prestige of Polo in India.

La Martina recently launched its luxurious polo collection for Spring/ Summer 2024 with a variety of styles that have made it to the “must have” list for everyday sports and fashion enthusiasts. From the adventurous La Martina Argentina line to the colonial-inspired aesthetics of the GUARDS Polo Club collection, each piece was a reflection of the brand’s dedication to expert craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

The Rajesh Pratap Singh collaboration with La Martina perfectly integrated the designer’s sensibilities with that of the brand. Paying homage to the deep connection between Jaipur and polo, the looksby Rajesh, celebrated the Pink City’s culture and association with the royal sport. The creations were a tribute to the players, whilst being inspired by the nostalgia of the game and the stars of polo in India. The high-octane showcase at the same time honoured La Martina’s signature stamp with the sport.

Heritage and innovation were the focus of the collection when flat Knit Itarsia, fine mercerised flat knits, Chevron Itarsia variations, along with zardozi badges, hand block printing, miniature art inspired polo digital art, as well as the architecture of Jaipur inspired the embroidery. The fabrics were a mélange of custom woven jacquard and silk twill along with some amazing satin prints and fine linens that were used for the riding Breeches designed with meticulous care and distinct elegance. Making a striking addition to the collection that merged the polo spirit and Rajasthan heritage, was the special curation of handmade and hand block signatures. The polo scarves were woven in the finest Pima and mercerised yarns that is considered the perfect polo heritage styling.

The fashion presentation was accompanied by an exciting, visual spectacle when a thrilling, friendly polo match between the Kings Guards Polo Club team (UK) and La Martina India team clashed on horseback. Well-known names in the polo world such as Phoebe Leake, Edward Morris Lowe, and Malcolm Borwick graced the event with their presence and added that extra touch of charisma. Guards Polo Club, founded in 1955 by HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, stands as one of the world’s top polo venues, with 600 games each season hosted in the heart of Windsor Great Park near Windsor Castle. The La Martina India team boasted an impressive line-up featuring Navin Singh, Gaurav Sahgal, and Dino Dhankar, who represented the spirit of polo heritage and excellence, and infused the event with a thrilling fusion of fashion and sport.

The evening opened with a special masterclass with world renowned Polo Player Malcolm Borwick, which was followed by an exhilarating polo match that culminated with the grand fashion spectacle by La Martina X Rajesh Pratap Singh. The masterclass enabled guests to gain valuable knowledge on the intricates of the world of polo and the skills needed to hit the ball in the right direction when on horseback.

“For the Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI collaboration with La Martina, I’m excited to bring forth a collection that speaks volumes about the enduring charm of Polo in India. It’s more than just fashion; it celebrates heritage and sport seamlessly woven together. The intricate details and vibrant cultural nods in the upcoming pieces embody a heartfelt tribute to Jaipur’s dynamic spirit,” renowned fashion designer Rajesh Pratap Singh expressed.

Adrian Simonetti, co-founder and president of La Martina, expressed, “Polo is one of those sports that could be considered the last frontier to luxury. There are so many beautiful things connected, like passion for the horse, the lifestyle that comes with it, beautiful landscapes, and beautiful people going to those. The more sophisticated customers are now scratching the surface saying, ‘I get the appeal, but what’s original?’ They go a little bit deeper into the category and that’s where we get discovered.”

Fashion took a great turn as sport merged with style, when La Martina and Rajesh Pratap Singh showcased collections that will undoubtedly make waves on and off horseback.