Chukkas away! Hurlingham Polo features ‘equine supermodels’ for new campaign

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Nov 19, 2020

Luxury British lifestyle brand Hurlingham Polo has (unsurprisingly given its sporting link) chosen a horse theme for its Winter 20 Collection brand campaign.

But it does come with an amusingly creative twist. The campaign features a stable of ‘equine supermodels’, each pictured in the brand’s apparel in a series of heritage-style hand-painted-and-framed portraits.

We’re told they’re all stellar polo ponies, specially selected from the stables of Hurlingham Polo’s brand ambassadors, some of the world’s top players, “as a tribute to the skills, courage and style of both horses and riders in this famously tough, fast and furious ‘sport of kings’”.

​The campaign draws inspiration from polo heritage, with its roots dating back to the founding of the sport in 1875. The brand’s creative work “reflects the bold new design ethos” also seen in the new Winter 20 collection, “reflecting the culture and style of polo, bringing together British traditions in sport/art – Stubbs, Reynolds and Gainsborough – and classic fashion – ‘le style anglais’.”

“The new creative direction marks a “strong step forward for the clothing label from the sport’s most international and prestigious governing body, the Hurlingham Polo Association”, it said.

The line-up includes ‘Basil’, the favourite mount of the world’s number one female polo player, Nina Clarkin; ‘Elizabeth’, owned by the Canadian polo player Fred Mannix; and ’Chekhov’ and ‘Sex’, both owned by Gold Cup winner Charlie Hanbury. Others will join the line-up later, including those owned by other professional polo players such as Ollie Cudmore and Hugo Taylor.

Simon Hawkins, CEO of Hurlingham Polo, added: “We wanted a visual execution that encompassed the fusion of polo, art and fashion that is inherent in our brand, as well as the pioneering spirit of our heritage.

“The challenge was to create something relevant, exciting and authentic, but that also showcased the new Winter 20 Collection, and that could be created in the midst of the Covid-19 induced restrictions. And that also turned heads and was a little bit of fun, hinting at British eccentricity and humour”.