La Martina | The Argentine Legacy
The heritage polo brand takes on worldwide domination.
When one thinks of Argentines, a mirage comes to mind of long-locked, gorgeous specimens of the human race, galloping effortlessly in the searing heat across the untamed Pampas of Argentina. However, what is so unique about Argentina is the way in which it has encapsulated these raw and rugged ways of Gaucho life on the Estancias, with the sophistication of the nation’s distinguished European roots. It is with La Martina, Argentina’s most highly acclaimed exported brand, that we see this harmony encompassed on an international scale.
La Martina’s focus on polo does not lie in its evolution as a fashion brand linking itself naturally to the sport, due to the two entities’ shared Argentine heritage: Lando Simonetti, founder of La Martina, began his career in 1982 by producing products solely for the polo field along with shirts for his own team. Only in 1985 was La Martina founded as “The Authentic Polo Brand”, arriving to Harrods in 1992. The brand’s growth since has been exponential, it is one of the very few examples of Argentine companies that has expanded to a global audience. From the beginning it has ensured that it’s primary focus be its production of leading equipment for horse and rider, however in recent years its visions have ventured further afield into the sphere of sophisticated fashion wear at home equally on the side of the polo field as to the streets of Mayfair, along with curating a collection of some of the most prestigious events in the world.
La Martina’s first shop in England was established at Guard’s Polo Club, Windsor in 2009, before its flagship on Jermyn street was created at the beginning of 2015. The opening of the Guard’s shop was carried out by Her Majesty The Queen, perfectly placing La Martina within the British polo community, at a club deemed by many as being “So quintessentially English”. The partnership La Martina has with Guards Polo Club has also been enhanced by its partnership with Maserati, lending it to become an internationally influential polo brand. La Martina uses this authority, along with its ambassadors such as England polo player Malcolm Borwick, coach and voice of polo Ebe Sievwright of Guards Polo Academy and young England player, and Oxford University team captain George Pearson, to develop and produce some of the best polo events in the world - from the summer hews of LA, Palm Beach, Dubai and England, to the mountains and snow of St.Moritz.
These collaborative events between La Martina and Maserati have raised the bar in the production of world-wide events, elevating their nature to that of the highest professional and opulent regard. Spectators not only witness polo in the most spectacular of settings, but are also showcased the sport being played by a selection of the most skilful and gentlemanly players in the world, all whilst being doused in Royal Salute Whisky and champagne.
La Martina is bringing polo to the very heart of London during the first weekend of June in a three-day showcase tournament, Polo in the Park, in partnership with Lanson Champagne. This three day tournament between teams representing cities from across the world also includes an International match on the Friday between two titans - England and South Africa. With La Martina’s epitome of English gentlemen, Malcolm Borwick on the field and Ebe Sievwright commentating, helping us make sense of this millennial old sport of kings, the tournament promises to bring the mirage of Gauchos to a sophisticated and glorious fruition.
