Nacho Figueras

The Classicist: Win a Private Tour of Ralph Lauren's Car Collection & More

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Events, Charity, Sports, Big Givers, Men's Style, The Classicist, Luxury Shopping

From now through Oct. 21, Ralph Lauren is auctioning off a number of extraordinary items and experiences to mark the 10th anniversary of Pink Pony, the designer's global initiative to raise awareness and funds in support of the fight against cancer. The online auction, the first of its kind for the Pink Pony cause, is being produced in partnership with luxury charity auction site charitybuzz. Highlights of the incredible event include several once-in-a-lifetime forays into the private world of the famed fashion designer and his luxury empire, including classic cars, polo, chauffeured Bentleys, sexy models and shopping sprees. You check out full details and register to place bids at www.charitybuzz.com/RalphLauren; meanwhile, here are The Classicist's top picks:

1. A private tour of Lauren's incredible car collection, estimated at $150,000: You and a friend will be shown the cars, including the ultra-rare 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic (above), worth an estimated $40 million, a $28 million Ferrari 250 GTO, Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, McLaren F1LM and more, by Lauren himself at his lavish estate in Bedford, New York. You'll also get a ride in one of these world-class driving machines and take home a signed copy of Speed, Style, and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection.

2. A weekend at Lauren's private Round Hill Villa in Jamaica, estimated at $150,000: A priceless opportunity to spend four days and three nights for you and up to three guests at the designer's personal Jamaican paradise. The fully staffed villa, which sits on a magnificent, picturesque cliff over the crystal blue Caribbean Sea, has been featured on the covers of House & Garden and Architectural Digest. Enjoy a swim in the villa's infinity pool and private beach access, as well as complimentary tennis lessons and a yoga session.

3. Play polo with Nacho Figueras and stay at The Breakers in Palm Beach, estimated at $15,000: Take a lesson from Nacho Figueras, world class polo player and Ralph Lauren model. You and a guest will refuel afterward during lunch with Nacho, and you'll also spend three nights at the exclusive Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, including a spa treatment for two at the Breakers Spa; a round of golf for two; a $1,000 private shopping experience at the Ralph Lauren store at the Breakers; and VIP access to the U.S. Open at the International Polo Club.

4. Front row seats to the Ralph Lauren fashion show and an outfit from the runway, estimated at $25,000: Bring along a friend when you meet the designer and sit in the elite front row at his Fall 2011 Fashion Show in New York. Then, select your favorite look from the runway to add to your own personal collection. Enjoy two nights at a penthouse suite at The Setai Fifth Avenue hotel, including breakfast for two and one signature spa treatments. [continued]

Gallery: Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Auction

Tags: ad campaign, auction, Bedford, Bentley, bespoke, Boris Becker, Bugatti, car collection, Caribbean, Carlyle Hotel, charity, charitybuzz, classic cars, designer, fashion show, Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GTO, Jamaica, London, mens style, Mercedes-Benz, Nacho Figueras, Palm Beach, Paris, Pink Pony, polo, Ralph Lauren, Rhinelander Mansion, Setai, tennis, The Breakers, The Savoy, villa, Wimbledon

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Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Comes to Los Angeles

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Sports

Famed French champagne house Veuve Clicquot will re-introduce professional polo to Los Angeles when it hosts the inaugural Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Los Angeles on October 10 at the Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades. Nacho Figueras, captain of the Black Watch team and Ralph Lauren model, will go head-to-head against some of the world's best polo players for the inaugural event. In homage to the golden era of polo in Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s, guests are being encouraged to wear fashions inspired by that era, with help from Cameron Silver, super-stylish owner of Los Angeles and London-based vintage couture boutiques decadestwo and DECADES. Silver will offer on-site styling advice and sessions with guests and is consulting on the overall design of the event and its vintage inspiration.

In addition to the exclusive VIP Marquee, one side of the field will be free and open to the public. Angelenos will be able to watch the match from bleachers overlooking the legendary polo grounds – the last of Los Angeles' original 22 polo fields – where Hollywood celebrity and polo connoisseur Will Rogers used to play the sport himself along with fellow polo enthusiasts including Clark Gable, Walt Disney, and Spencer Tracy. The site is located just outside Rogers' former estate, which still stands today. Spectators can also expect plenty of Veuve Clicquot champagne bars and premium snacks, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation and California State Parks.

Tags: California, champagne, Clark Gable, Decades, equestrian, events, Hollywood, horses, Los Angeles, Nacho Figueras, Pacific Palisades, polo, Ralph Lauren, sports, Veuve Clicquot, vintage, Will Rogers

Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge Kicks Off in the Hamptons

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Charity, Sports

The annual Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge kicked off in the Hamptons last weekend as the sport's greatest athletes competed for one of polo's most treasured prizes. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field will run for six weeks and as always is expected to attract a great crowd of celebs and VIPs. In addition to Mercedes and Blue Star Jets this season's partners and sponsors include Patron tequila, Stella Artois, Zino Platinum Cigars, Crumbs Cupcakes and Bakery, the Financial Times, Susan Foster Jewelry and Hamptons Magazine. Those with access to the coveted VIP tent this year can preview SWAGG, an upcoming mobile application allowing consumers to purchase, exchange and redeem gift cards from their phone. Ralph Lauren returned as the exclusive apparel retailer with an onsite shop at the matches, and is also staging a contest for a polo lesson with Lauren-sponsored Black Watch team member Nacho Figueras. A portion of proceeds from this year's events will go to the South Fork Breast Cancer Coalition.

Tags: Blue Star Jets, Hamptons, Mercedes-Benz, Nacho Figueras, Patron, polo, Ralph Lauren

Ltd. Edition Piaget Presented to Veuve Clicquot Polo Champs

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Events, Sports

As you no doubt recall from my colleague Jeffrey Slonim's RSVIP column the other day, luxury Swiss watchmaker Piaget was the official timekeeper of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in New York City last weekend where Prince Harry joined the sport. In celebration of this year's event, Piaget created a limited edition version of its Piaget Polo FortyFive Chronograph to be awarded as the prize for the winning team. Inspired by the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, the specially designed timepiece features the iconic "Clicquot Yellow" on its signature sub-dials and is designated "New York." Only 10 examples have been produced.

While Piaget ambassador and captain of Prince Harry's team, Nick Roldan, debuted the new watch to press at the event, the prize ultimately went to Team Blackwatch who won in a 6–5 victory. Team captain Nacho Figueras graciously accepted the award (above) and then promised to auction it off to raise money for American Friends of Sentebale, Prince Harry's charity. "Piaget has a long history with polo, so we are proud to commemorate our partnership with the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic by creating this very special timepiece," noted Larry Boland, President of Piaget North America. "It's certain to become a collector's item."

Tags: champagne, Chronograph, Nacho Figueras, New York, Piaget, Piaget Polo, Polo, Prince Harry, Sentebale, sports, Veuve Clicquot, Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

RSVIP: Veuve Clicquot 2010 Polo Classic, Prince Harry Versus Nacho Figueras

by Jeffrey Slonim (RSS feed) —

A gleaming white marquee tent with multiple peaks, white couches, Veuve Clicquot-orange umbrellas, and ice buckets faced the sweltering polo field on New York's Governor's Island on Sunday, June 27, 2010. Here, Britain's Prince Harry and his Black Rock team would challenge the international polo star Nacho Figueras and his elegantly appointed, Ralph Lauren-sponsored team, Black Watch, for the third year running.

"I flew in from London last night," mentioned Houston social Becca Cason Thrash. "I've seen Prince Harry play at Highgrove, his father's summer home. He's adorable . . . and shockingly tall."

"Harry versus Nacho, should be VERY interesting," concurred Ivanka Trump, who said that she had previously viewed polo matches in England, Palm Beach, and Greenwich, Connecticut. But the heiress and jewelry designer refused to wager for or against the Prince, whose team won in 2009. "You can't bet against a prince," she said, laughing. "It just wouldn't be appropriate."

Actress Susan Sarandon limped into the match, one foot in a black boot cast. "I've had to do horseback riding in a number of movies," she quipped. "If you have a smart horse, you can't ride badly."

And Mary J. Blige said it was her virgin match. "Ever, ever," she insisted. "And, yes, I want to meet Harry."

In the Veuve Clicquot-sponsored lunch tent, Prince Harry spoke of the Sentebale charity that he formed with Prince Seesio of Lesotho for orphans and at-risk children in that country. A nearby Figueras appeared crisp in a pinstriped blazer, a white shirt with three buttons opened, silver necklaces, white jeans, and suede slippers.

Tags: gayle king, Nacho Figueras, podcast, prince harry, val kilmer, Veuve Clicquot, veuve clicquot polo classic

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Prince Harry Celebrates at the St. Regis New York

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Events, Charity, Sports

While in New York to play in the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, England's Prince Harry stopped in at the storied St. Regis hotel on June 25th for an event honoring Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006. The soirée was hosted by Paul James, Global Brand Leader for St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Paul Nash, General Manager at the St. Regis New York and Nacho Figueras (above left with the Prince), renowned polo player, St. Regis Connoisseur and friend of Sentebale. The event celebrated the charity's connection with New York City at one of its most iconic locations, amidst Prince Harry's much anticipated second visit to the city. Noted chef de cuisine Didier Elena, of Adour Alain Ducasse at the St. Regis New York, created an exquisite menu in honor of the occasion. Sentebale's mission is to transform the lives of African nation Lesotho's orphans and vulnerable children. The charity was founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso from the Lesotho royal family.

Tags: Africa, Alain Ducasse, charity, Nacho Figueras, New York, polo, Prince Harry, Sentebale, St. Regis, St. Regis New York

Prince Harry Returns to NYC for Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

by Carrie N. Culpepper (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Charity

The royal redhead returns to New York on June 27 to go mallet-to-mallet with Argentinian Nacho Figueras in the Veuve Cliquot Polo Classic on Governor's Island. Figueras (below), named one of "Polo's 10 Hottest Horsemen" by Vanity Fair, plays the sport professionally when he's not modeling for Ralph Lauren. Last year his team lost to Prince Harry's Santebale team, named after the charity the prince started for underprivileged children in Lesotho, Africa.

Tags: governors island, Nacho Figueras, new york polo, polo, polo classic, prince harry, ralph lauren, Ralph Lauren Polo, Veuve Clicquot, veuve clicquot polo classic

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Polo Star Nacho Figueras Named First-Ever St. Regis Connoisseur

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Sports, Men's Style

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has named world-renowned polo player and Ralph Lauren model Nacho Figueras as their first-ever St. Regis Connoisseur. As a St. Regis Connoisseur, Nacho will offer St. Regis guests access to some of the greatest polo matches and experiences around the world and help cultivate the next generation of St. Regis guests. He will also work with The St. Regis on developing an exclusive polo website that will feature a global calendar of polo events, information on the fundamentals of the sport, advice on etiquette and what to wear, exciting polo related offers available at St. Regis hotels, and Nacho's insider tips on his personal polo techniques and insights about his travels.

The exclusive polo website, a dedicated location for all elements of the illustrious sport and the lifestyle of those who follow it, can be found at www.stregispolo.com. St. Regis has long been associated with the world of polo (St. Regis' founding family, the Astors, were prominent figures at matches held on Governors Island in New York City) and The St. Regis continues the Astor's commitment to the sport today with celebrated polo event The St. Regis International Cup, that most recently took place on May 22 in Cowdray, UK. Additionally, The St. Regis Singapore has partnered with the Singapore Polo Club to offer VIP guests its signature afternoon tea at the Audemars Piguet International Polo Gold Cup Match taking place on June 6, 2010.

Tags: equestrian, Nacho Figueras, New York City, polo, Ralph Lauren, sporting, St. Regis Hotels Resorts, St.Regis

Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Returns to NYC

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine, Events, Charity, Sports

Famed French champagne house Veuve Clicquot will stage its third annual Polo Classic in New York City on June 27. The event will once again take place on Governors Island, where the tradition of playing polo was revived after a 70-year lull. At last year's match the UK's Prince Harry led his team to victory over the Ralph Lauren-sponsored Black Watch team to cheers from a VIP crowd that included Madonna, Kate Hudson, Marc Jacobs, Chloe Sevigny and Donna Karan. Spectators can attend for free but exclusive lawn picnic tickets to the event for $250 apiece will go on sale beginning May 17th at www.vcseason.com. Ticket holders get ringside seats, unlimited Veuve Clicquot, a custom Polo picnic blanket and a gourmet picnic lunch created by Michael Romano of Union Square Café. Ralph Lauren model and Black Watch player Nacho Figueras is co-chairing this year's event, and Veuve Clicquot will once again donate proceeds to American Friends of Sentebale, a charity supporting at-risk children in Lesotho, Africa, founded by Prince Harry and Lesotho's Prince Seeiso.

Tags: champagne, equestrian, Madonna, Manhattan, Marc Jacobs, Nacho Figueras, New York, New York City, Polo, Prince Harry, Ralph Lauren, Union Square Café, Veuve Clicquot

The Classicist: The Very Best of Polo

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Sports, Men's Style, The Classicist

Continuing our sporadic series looking back at highlights from the first year of The Classicist, the weekly column devoted to timeless style, enduring elegance, and true, built-to-last luxury as opposed to mere extravagance, we present the pick of the crop devoted to polo, the sport of kings. Polo is "the original 'extreme sport," as Polistas founder Johnny Lynn told us, and has been played for centuries in a wide range of locales from Mongolia to Persia and India, as we learned from photographer Aline Coquelle's gigantic and brilliant book Polo: The Nomadic Tribe. And though it's undeniably an aristocratic pursuit, more people are getting into the game; some even play it on elephants and snow.

Gallery: The Best of Polo

Snow polo was first introduced in 1985 in Switzerland's swank St. Moritz, and caught on immediately among the bon ton. It's no surprise that swells in equally upscale Aspen, CO decided to stage their own snow polo tournament nine years ago, the World Snow Polo Championships, the only one of its kind in the United States. The tournament recently got some unwanted press when it was discovered that White House party crashers Michaele and Tareq Salahi had scammed the organizers of last year's event. Of course some changes to the game are required for playing on snow. For one thing, the polo ponies are shod with special cleated shoes to provide better traction in the snow, and the ball is larger, lighter, and painted bright red to accommodate winter conditions.

Gallery: Snow Polo

Tags: Aspen, equestrian, horses, Johnny Lynn, JohnnyLynn, Nacho Figueras, NachoFigueras, Polistas, polo, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, snow polo, SnowPolo, The Classicist, TheClassicist

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EXCLUSIVE: Polo Star Nacho Figueras' Ten Essential Luxuries

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Celebrity Shopping, Sports, Men's Style, 10 Luxuries

Click above to see Nacho Figueras' 10 Luxuries

Welcome to the second installment of our new feature, "10 Luxuries", wherein a notable figure in the world of luxury, tastemaker or stylish personality tells about the 10 necessary luxuries they simply cannot do without. Related quotes and images of each item can be found in the gallery.

World-class professional polo champion Ignacio "Nacho" Figueras is the face of The World of Polo. Already the face of Polo Black, Nacho was recently chosen to represent all of Ralph Lauren's Polo fragrances, including Polo Modern Reserve and Polo Blue, in print and advertising campaigns because he embodies the many facets of today's modern Polo man. Born in Argentina in 1977, Nacho developed a love for horses and the game of polo by the age of nine. By the time he was 17, Figueras began his professional polo career. Nacho's name has become so synonymous with the sport of polo that the American Museum of Natural History looked to Figueras to donate his polo equipment to their 2008-2009 exhibit, "The Horse", and he has been matched against England's Prince William and Prince Harry in the UK's Sandhurst Tournament.

Figueras, who divides his time between the United States and Argentina, is currently playing for Neil Hirsch's Black Watch Polo team in Bridgehampton, New York in the summer and in Palm Beach, Florida during the winter season. He returns to his ranch in Argentina for the spring and fall. Off the field, Nacho's natural charisma made him the face of Ralph Lauren Black Label clothing and the Polo Black fragrance in 2005. In 2007, Polo Ralph Lauren began sponsoring his Black Watch team and debuted a line of Black Watch clothing. "Nacho personifies The World of Polo by living the lifestyle represented by each of the fragrances," says Guillaume de Lesquen, President, Worldwide, Ralph Lauren Fragrances. "When he isn't playing polo in the world's most prestigious tournaments and promoting its heritage as an ambassador, he is sailing with his young family off the coast of Punta del Este, Uruguay and breeding horses on his ranch outside of Buenos Aires."

Previously: Vertu President Perry Oosting's Ten Essential Luxuries
Related: The Classicist: Exploring the Wide World of Polo

Gallery: Polo Star Nacho Figueras' 10 Luxuries

Art Collection, featuring works by Steven Klein (pictured)

Tags: ad campaign, AdCampaign, Argentina, equestrian, fragrance, Hamptons, horses, model, Nacho Figueras, NachoFigueras, polo, Prince William, PrinceWilliam, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, sporting, UK

Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge Kicks Off in the Hamptons

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Charity, Sports

This past weekend saw opening day of the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field in the Hamptons, the start of another great season of world class equestrianism. The sport's greatest athletes will once again compete for one of polo's most treasured prizes, watched by the East End's most high-profile and influential audience of VIPs, celebrities and media. The VIP tent will host an invitation-only cocktail reception for exclusive guests each Saturday afternoon during the tournament. Season partners include Mercedes-Benz, Piaget, Blue Star Jets, Coca-Cola, Stoli Elit, Riva Yachts, and OPTYX by gruen. A portion of proceeds from the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge will go to South Fork Breast Cancer Coalition. Polo Ralph Lauren will return this summer as the exclusive apparel retailer with an onsite shop at the polo matches held at Bridgehampton's Two Trees Farm.

Evocative of the spirit and heritage of Polo, the shop will feature Ralph Lauren's Black Watch collection and The World of Polo Fragrance. Spectators visiting the Ralph Lauren shop will have a great view of the polo matches and be able to enter to win a polo lesson with Black Watch team member Nacho Figueras. The season will continue for six consecutive Saturdays, ending August 22nd. Anyone can watch from the stands, but the invitation-only V.I.P. tent is the real scene. Celebs in attendance on opening day included Victoria's Secret model Anne V., Beth Ostrosky, Gossip Girl's Chace Crawford and Star Jones. Past years' VIPs have included Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Hurley, Heather Graham, Howard Stern, Jared Leto, Jay Z, Jessica Alba, Mischa Barton, Natalie Portman and Prince Albert of Monaco, to name a few.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Bridgehampton Polo