Weekend Warrior: GREY GOOSE Chicago Beach Polo World Cup 2011

"Sport of Kings", "Chukkers", "Ralph Lauren": Many words and phrases have been tied to the game of polo but "Chicago" hasn't been one of them - until now. Chicago will become the center of the equestrian universe when it hosts the GREY GOOSE^© Chicago Beach Polo World Cup 2011, beginning Saturday, October 1.

Crafted after the Miami Beach polo events, this international tournament will feature a custom-built polo arena, a beachfront bar and grill, VIP suites, social tents, pop-up shops, fashion shows, and more. 

The two-day tournament will host eight teams: four men's teams will compete in World Cup Play while four women's teams will compete for the North Beach Women's Polo Cup.

Check out the GREY GOOSE^© Chicago Beach Polo World Cup schedule at the bottom of the page!

So it's your first beach polo tournament and you're wondering what to wear! Luxe File asked some of the city's top style and fashion mavens; TCW's Cassandra Gaddo; Stephanie Krol and Rebecca Kussmann, Chicago Beach Polo World Cup publicists; and polo player, Nic Roldan, what styles they'll be sporting this weekend. Here's what they told us:

If there's something familiar about Nic Roldan, it's not déjà vu. The 28-year-old polo prodigy, who was named one of Vanity Fair's "10 Hottest Horsemen", was in Chicago this week making some pre-World Cup appearances. While he won't be playing polo at North Avenue Beach (he'll be flying back to Florida for another tournament this weekend), the rising star and team captain told us what he'd wear if he could stay: "My favorite All Saints chocolate brown cords, a caramel RL cable cashmere sweater, and my Ferragamo tweed blazer and boots."

"Although polo tournaments tend to be very formal, I think Chicagoans might go for a bit more casual look this weekend. To go along with the equestrian theme, Salvatore Ferragamo Fersea leather riding boots and dark jeans would be appropriate. Expect it to be windy out at North Avenue Beach, so a Ralph Lauren Black Label Grayson shearling coat would keep you stylish and warm."
Cassandra Gaddo
Managing Editor
Today's Chicago Woman

"FINALLY- the much anticipated Chicago Beach Polo World Cup! I am looking forward to seeing my models rock the runway on Saturday - Factor Models will be showing off looks from City Blue Apparel and I plan to sport some threads from the store myself! My look will channel the 70’s - a Joie tiger-striped blouse with navy Theory slacks and a classic nude pump. I’ll pair it with my orange bag from Piazza Sempione for a pop of color."

Bridget Halanski
Director of Runway Division
Factor Model Management, Chicago

"I am in Paris at the moment showing the line at (capsule) Patis but some of my fall designs will be featured in Saturday's fashion show. If I were to attend, I'd wear the Taylor scarf, a multi-colored raccoon infinity scarf with a C/FAN tee, Uniqlo skinny jeans and Givenchy booties."

Christina Fan

President/Head Designer

C/FAN Designs

"I'll be sporting white jeans and polo boots, which are so comfortable since I'll be running around with media all day and trying to keep up with the polo players! I'm also shopping for a fun hat to wear with a dress."

Stephanie Krol
Founder/Head Publicist
Stephanie Krol Public Relations

Chicago Beach Polo Extraordinaires: 

Rebecca Kussmann (middle) and Stephanie Krol (right) with their intern, Caroline

"Big sunglasses are a must on a polo scene so I'll be sporting my round Prada sunglasses and polo boots. I hope to break out one of my new dresses from Francesca's Collection and I'll be matching everything with my new orange trench coat!"

Rebecca Kussmann
CEO/Founder 
Bettie Bomb, Inc. Public Relations

"I'm probably going to wear loafers with cotton pants or jeans and either a shirt or sweater with a sport coat. I may mix in a tie if I need to dress up the jeans. Chicago preppy."

Vincent Anzalone
Principal

Genuine Entertainment Chicago

What's a girl to wear when she can't 

wear a bikini to the beach?

"I'll be sporting white slacks, a navy pin-striped Saks shirt and navy-and-white PF tennis shoes."

D.C. Crenshaw

Creator/Host

Game Time Dine

"I have been to numerous thoroughbred races around the nation but haven't made it to a polo match. I'm glad Chicago is hosting this tournament - now I won't need an excuse to go out of town. I plan to keep my look simple: Armani jacket, RL button-down shirt, and MEK jeans."
Michael Jurecki
Senior Vice President, Corporate Development 
Nuveen Investments

"Definitely jeans and a navy blazer - BOSS, of course - with a white polo shirt from La Martina."

Lonnie Rodriguez

Principal 
Genuine Entertainment Chicago

GREY GOOSE^© Chicago Beach Polo World Cup schedule:

Friday, September 30, 2011

9:00PM-12:00AM - Kick-Off Party at Crimson at Hotel Sax (VIP Only)

Saturday, October 1, 2011
11:30AM - Doors Open, Horse Parade & National Anthem
12:00-5:00PM - Match Play & Fashion Show
Matches:
*12:00PM - Game 1 - North Beach Women’s Polo Cup:
Lufthansa vs Trump Residence
*1:00PM - Game 2 - North Beach Women’s Polo Cup:
Gascon vs GREY GOOSE^© 
*2:00PM - Game 3 - Round Robin Chicago Beach Polo World Cup: Amstel Light/Comcast vs Team B; Amstel Light/Comcast vs Team C; Team B vs Team C
*3:30PM - Game 4 - Chicago Beach Polo World Cup: 
Team D vs Team E

Fashion Show:

2:00PM - Cityblue Apparel & Denim Fashion Show sponsored by Factor Models showcases fall designs from L.A.M.B, Sass & Frass, C/Fan, and more and features a "Best Dressed" Competition. One lucky winner will receive: round-trip airfare for two on American Airlines; a five-night stay at Miami Beach's Surfcomber Hotel; and two 4-day VIP passes to the Miami Beach Polo World Cup VIII (April 26-29, 2012)
8:00-11:00PM - After-Party at Cuvee (VIP Only)

Sunday, October 2, 2011

11:30AM - Doors Open, National Anthem 

12:00-4:00PM - Match Play & Finals
Matches:

*12:00PM - Game 5 - North Beach Women’s Polo Cup: Loser of Game 1 vs Loser of Game 2

*1:00PM - Game 6 - North Beach Women’s Polo Cup: Championship Match

*2:00PM - Game 7 - Round Robin Chicago Beach Polo World Cup: 1) Loser of Game 4 vs Third Place finisher of Game 3, 2) Second Place finisher of Game 3 vs Third Place finisher of Game 3, 3) Loser of Game 4 vs Second Place finisher of Game 3
*3:30PM - Game 8 - Chicago Beach Polo World Cup Championship: Winner of Game 3 vs Winner of Game 4
4:00-5:00PM - Award Ceremony
6:30-9:00PM - Closing Party at Crimson at Hotel Sax (VIP Only)

Cost: VIP two-day passes cost $250 each, or $150 per day, and include admission to the VIP Grandstand, open bar (if over the age of 21) and hors d'oeuvres. General Admission tickets cost $20 per day and include admission to the General Admission area; food and beverage may be purchased separately. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free. 

For more information, schedules, or to purchase tickets, click HERE. 

Posted by Kerry Shorr