Polo has become quite the sporting event to see and be seen at. The well-known and frequented Portsea Polo kick starts the event season in January and the Twilight Beach Polo a month later follows suit.
Twilight Beach Polo offers something that others don’t, perfect views of the city, the bay and a picturesque sunset. The Twilight Beach Polo, held at the St Kilda West Beach Bathers Pavilion, is now in its third year and is proving to be a winner, as more flock to the Friday afternoon festivities by the sea to give us a different way of experiencing this prestigious game.
It is a wonderful way to enjoy the city and not have to travel far to be part of an amazing event. It brings the Hamptons to Melbourne and the preppy to the beach and it is done in a stylish yet laidback affair. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for a Friday in February. Guests wined and dined and mingled with the backdrop of a polo match and Port Phillip Bay, a little piece of Europe on our doorstep. White draped marquees all set up along the clean white sand, which even though made it difficult to walk for many, looked polished and were styled as a high-end outdoor setting could be.
Photography – Brett Morris
Women, bar a few as always, were fashionably PC for this event. Fashion faux pas not so much as many were prepared for the ‘walking in the sand’ part of the event. Flat shoes, wedges, espadrilles were the main staples but high heels were noted on some women who just don’t seem to know how to dress for the occasion.
Beach polo had a mired of colours and styles which complemented the vibe of the day. Maxi dresses, one-piece outfits, floral dresses, short suits, capris, maxi pants and anything that represented a taste of summer. There were many lovely outfits to see. Some wore hats suitable for the laidback association of the dress code. Similar to Portsea but with a touch of relax. The men’s wear was a mix of styles. Some wore jeans and polo tops, some the crisp linen shirts with shorts to match. Loafers with Blazers ‘alas’ Portsea, the attire was ever so classy!
Men were most laid back in their choice of wear as opposed to women. In a way, it’s better to be underdressed than over on this occasion. It is beach polo after all. Some women had heavy makeup which made them stand out from the crowd, overdone and heavy.
If you’re dressing light then look light. It’s all about balance and getting both elements right. Always save the heavy make up for the evening depending on the venue and type of accession you’re going too.
Photography – Brett Morris
The energy was fun and all were embracing of the race, the view, the networking and all that the event entailed of. It does start mid-afternoon, so many go from work to event. So it was essential to change shoes and dress code, simple and easy.
The Twilight Beach Polo gives many a chance to be a part of the sport and the event, as many can’t get to Portsea, Flinders or Daylesford for a polo match. To have it at the doorstep of the city is an amazing thing, just another reason to enjoy this great city. Dress up and be part of an amazing summer’s night.
Cocktails, sunset, good company…..and the right shoes of course!
Written by Marisa Ferraro
Photography – Brett Morris Crossroad Media
Photography – Sam Tabone https://www.instagram.com/thealistphotographers/
PR Helen Reizer – Treasure Chest Charity https://www.treasurechestcharity.org.au/
