Guests Got Champagne Happy at the 12th Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

Guests Got Champagne Happy at the 12th Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

This past Saturday, the 12th Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at Liberty State Park in NYC rang in the start of summer in all it’s yellow hued glory. First on the carpet (and on the field) was husband-wife duo, Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier. This was somewhat of a family affair for the couple—three of their children could be seen playfully running around with their friends under the shade of the chandeliered tent. (Missing was their eldest son, Hilario Figueras, who was off playing polo in California for the weekend.) In his Argentinian accent, Nacho described the mood. “To be able to do what you love, with the people you love is an amazing thing. I feel very blessed that I get to do this with my family. It’s an incredible feeling, an incredible day and an incredible place and I’m very happy to be here.” Blaquier, in silk yellow gauchos by Àcheval Pampa, shared the same sentiment as her husband. Prior to the match, she let us in how they got ready. “We have a little prep talk before. We need to know who is our opponent, who’s playing who. It’s a very strategic game. You have to be very sharp in your mind and with your body.” It’s safe to say we were in for quite a game. Another polo fanatic, Prince Harry, has also recently been seen on the field. When Vogue asked Figueras who the better player was, he or the royal, Figueras didn’t hesitate, “he is!”

Other guests at the Champagne soiree included actress Jennifer Lawrence, newly engaged she had a light twinkle on her finger as she politely stood for photos on the carpet in a Rosie Assoulin petal pink dress. Nicky Hilton Rothschild in a polo Pretty Woman-esque frock by Oscar de la Renta, gave spectator-tips; “Comfortable footwear, sunglasses are key, sunscreen, and just having a fun time!” Pose actor, Ryan Jamaal Swain, followed the rules, wearing a stunning tangerine Thom Browne suit and Bonnie Clyde sunnies. It was Swain’s first time to the event—his first time singing the National Anthem too. His rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the start of the game drew whoops and claps at the high pitches, which Swain easily achieved.

Over rosé bubbles and sport, summer plans reigned as the supreme topic of conversation. Actress Julianne Moore in head-to-toe Givenchy (who gracefully performed the ceremonial ball toss at the start of the game) spoke about her own plans, one that many mothers of high school juniors go through—college tours. “My daughter is a junior in high school, she’s going to be a rising senior. We’re looking at colleges this summer and enjoying our family.” Emily Ratajkowski spoke about a secret trip. “I’m going to do a little Europe trip, which I’m excited about. My husband and I are going to go away for a week which I haven’t done ever so that’s going to be really nice.” When asked where she plans to go, Ratajkowski (rightly so) kept mum. “I don’t want to tell anyone! It’s a secret. I don’t want to spoil it.”

Inside the viewing tent, Michael B. Jordan was seen on one of the reserved white couches. No doubt taking in the Manhattan skyline framing the field. Waiters dressed in straw boater hats and suspenders kept watchful eyes on any empty glasses, keeping a constant pour of cold Veuve Clicquot brut or rosé. The feast was just as impressive as the drink. There were buffet tables of salmon, mini dollops of Burrata, tiny cast irons of shrimp and grits, followed by dessert, which came in the form of and fruity cake pops and strawberry ice cream sandwiches the size of dollar coins. A call to ‘Stomp the Divots’ brought everyone to the field during halftime which sobered everyone up. (Although this Vogue writer will tell you, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a Veuve induced afternoon haze.)

The day’s events came to an end with a victory for Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier, concluding with a ‘highest-scoring award’ for Figueras which came in the form of a limited-edition timepiece from Hublot. Soon waiters gently cleared away glasses and plates—a polite signal it was nearly time to go. Guests slowly and reluctantly peeled themselves from the dreamy scene and made their way back to reality by way of Manhattan-bound ferries. Just like a dream, it was all over much too soon.

Originally Appeared on Vogue