2014 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

 

 

 

Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic another big hit

By Alex Webbe

The seventh annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic returned to Liberty State Park last weekend with more than 7,000 people in attendance according to organizers.

Hollywood stars such as Lupita Nyong'o and Olivia Munn, designers, socialites, and even royalty, with the 6’ 1” Joy Countess du Lau d’Allemans showing up with John Rothschild on her arm among the thousands of good-looking, well-dressed attendees.

Victoria Secret model Behati Prinsloo threw in the ball toss to start the game as Ralph Lauren model and professional polo player Nacho Figueras and his Black Watch played Team Veuve Clicquot.

But it was all about the people watching, anyhow.

After a brutally cold winter, New Yorkers were thirsty for a day in the sun.

Ladies drifted into the event, held at Liberty State Park, in filmy white dresses or sheer jumpsuits, while their male companions dressed in crisp linen suits in shades of vanilla, persimmon and shale.

The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic celebrated its seventh year, and although originally designed as a fundraising polo event, has turned into an afternoon of socializing, Champagne-sipping and celebrity-spotting.

Not everyone attending the event knows the rules of polo, but that's doesn't take away from the party's allure.

"I have no idea what to expect," actress Vicky Jeudy said with a laugh as she headed into the tents. "I am just open to today, open to taking everything in."

Joy Countess du Lau d’Allemans, on the other hand grew up with a polo field next door, and was well versed in the intricacies of the game.

The other celebrities present were the players themselves.

Hilario Figueras, 14, played with his father, Black Watch team captain Nacho Figueras, for the first time at this event. "It's great to be able to see your son grow and play polo and get better," said Nacho, the game MVP. "I'm really proud of him."

Hilario Figueras hopes to become a professional polo player like his father. "Playing polo…is a lot of fun," he said shyly after his team won the match 12–10.