As a former international model with a passion for polo since she was a young girl and as the Event and Tournament Director for Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2016 sponsored by Cadillac, Gabriela Katiela is THE person to help spectators stand out at the polo – for all the right reasons.
Ahead of the 2016 tournament activities taking place from 25 March to 2 April, Gabriela and Dubai-based Paria Ghorashi from upscale Blowout & go salon that specialises in express mobile make-up and hair services, share their fashion advice for girls and guys and highlight a few international celebrities who get it right on the fashion polo circuit.
1. Echo Vivian’s fashion choice in Pretty Woman
One of the most memorable polo fashion moments in a movie is when Julia Roberts’ iconic Pretty Woman character wore THAT 80’s brown and white polka-dot sundress. The classic dress is as perfect for polo today as it was when the movie was first released 26 years ago. If you fancy trying something a bit more current, mix it up with shorts or a stylish jumpsuit. Gabriela suggests: “Inject some Dubai glam and go sparkly, wear a bright pop of colour or go pale and sophisticated with pastels – they’re right on trend for Spring/Summer 2016.”
Celeb watch: Amber Le Bon, Jodie Kidd and Donna Air all looked super-stylish at the Cartier Queen’s Cup match in Windsor in June last year.
2. It’s Beach Polo remember…
“I prefer wedges or pretty flats as they are more comfortable and for me, a much more elegant option than sky-high heels,” says Gabriela.
Celeb watch: Flashback to 2012 when The Duchess of Cambridge wore Stuart Weitzman cork wedges to the Audi Polo Challenge match, a charity event at Coworth Park in the UK.
3. Gorgeous glamour
“Guests start arriving for the tournament from 5pm, just as the sun is beginning to set and the party continues until the early hours so you need your make-up to last well past the final chukka,” says Paria. “We’ll have my fantastic team from Blowout & Go on-site in the Majlis area so the ladies can take their daytime beach-bronze look to a full smoky eye as the evening festivities gets into full swing.”
4. Side-lined
A big hair trend for the current season is the side parting and it’s a simple way to mix up your usual hairstyle. Paria suggest that ladies remember the sea breeze at Skydive Dubai and consider an unfussy up do – cute braids or a loose chignon look stylish and keeps tresses tidy.
5. Size matters
Oversized clutches were seen across the SS16 catwalks and are a great option as they are not too big but will still fit your essentials, advises Gabriela, “Don’t forget your designer shades as the venue is perfectly exposed to catch the last few rays of the day.”
And for the guys…
1. Brighter the better
“Chinos are fairly typical trouser attire for polo matches and neutrals always look strong and in my opinion, much more stylish than the coloured trousers that seem to have grown in popularity in recent years,” says Gabriela.
2. Cover up
Formal shirts are not necessary, so try a casual shirt or polo shirt with a blazer to tie your look together. “White is a classic colour and I love a how men look in a simple tunic-style white top but I also like guys in a pop of colour. If you do go with colour, I suggest keeping it to one or two pieces so you’re not head to toe OTT,” advises Gabriela.
Celeb watch: Actor-of-the-moment, Eddie Redmayne, is the right side of formal in stylish neutrals at the Audi Polo Challenge at Cambridge Polo Club in July 2015
3. Hats off to stylish panamas
“It’s been said that though the hat covers a man’s head it reveals his character,” says Gabriela. “A stylish, simple panama hat is typical attire for a man at a polo match and there are lots of styles available so you can choose one that suits your proportions – wider brimmed hats look better on a bigger head!”
4. Accessorise
Gabriela suggests: ‘Individualising your look with a bright belt, colourful shoes or a pocket square if you’re wearing a shirt or blazer.”
Exclusive souvenir BPCD 2016 cashmere cardigans and polo shirts for men and women are available to purchase online at www.beachpolo.net
Tickets for the popular Shams Zone are available from AED 95 per person per day or AED 145 for a weekend pass. Tickets include entry to the event and select seating with F&B cash bars available. VIP table bookings for the Shams Zone are also available; please visit www.platinumlist.net for more details.
For further information contact mamemo productions on 00971 4 3408589 or visit www.beachpolo.net
Fans can follow the latest news on Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2016 through Facebook: www.facebook.com/DubaiBeachPoloCup , Twitter: www.twitter.com/beachpolocup and Instagram: www.instagram.com/beachpolocup .
http://horse-uae.com/upping-the-style-stakes-avoid-the-fashion-pitfalls-during-the-dubai-polo-season/