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NEW IN FASHION
By Chinazam Ikechi-Uko
“I came for the fashion, I would love to say I came for the Polo but I am always late. I come for the vibe and it is a very good one, I get to see a lot of people that I know and of course the champagne.”
What do Ice Prince, Flavour, Mohammed Dangote, Chioma Ikokwu, Stephanie Coker, Olivia Arukwe, Argentinian horses and Connect Four all have in common? They were all present at the 2024 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament at the prestigious Lagos Polo Club.
The annual tournament solidified its reputation for collaborating with Veuve Clicquot, a company renowned for its excellence in crafting champagne from the finest Pinot Noir grapes. The partnership, known as VC Polo Lagos, had become synonymous with one of the most fashionable events on Nigeria’s social calendar.
However, what makes the VC Polo so exciting that the biggest names in the industry just keep coming back to it? The myth is that the event is practically a Met Gala meets Polo. But as many know history becomes legend and legend becomes myth, so how much of it is true?
With temperatures ranging between 32°C and 35°C, Ikoyi might not seem like an ideal place to spend one’s Sunday afternoons. Nevertheless, Ikoyi which many would refer to as the most affluent neighborhood in Lagos, was the centre of the fashion and sports world, and sports lovers and fashion enthusiasts alike buzzed to the scene.
The Polo chukkers were exciting enough but the Veuve Clicquot Vip Experience was the cherry on the cake. Veuve Clicquot provided a viewing experience equal to a panoply of comfort, style and luxury.
This featured an insurmountable amount of champagne, seafood, chicken, finger foods, a live performance and a fashion theme– perhaps, an origin of the Met Gala X Polo myth.
Yes, the VC Polo gave the guests a theme, Be Solaire, this felt like a riddle and our favourite fashion designers, stylists, and influencers took up the challenge in a bid to best interpret the theme while styling true to their personal style.
The theme demanded the guests show up in their brightest garments, however, with only three syllables, there is a lot left to the imagination, how would people interpret Be Solaire?
Loosely translated from French, La Solaire means The Solar, but with further inspection, it could also refer to anything relating to or derived from the sun or utilizing the energies of the sun. It could also have a poetic spin, the French love infusing solar metaphors in romantic gestures.
Lagos is full of fashion events but nothing in the first half of the year compares to the VC POLO Club. So fashion designers, stylists, enthusiasts and lovers are eager to showcase their abilities to work with a theme and match the ambience of an exclusive sport such as Polo.
Green and yellow were the most popular colours, a nod to the theme of the event, Be Solaire. Another trend was the use of ruffles, cascades and gathers. As explained by a few guests, 2024 is the year for free-flowing garments; no more bodycon, hello ruffles and VC Polo Lagos is the perfect fashion event to debut one’s 2024 style.
The exploration of the theme can be seen in the guests with everyone shooting from as many angles of La Solaire as Mohammed Dangote did on the pitch. The attendees were glad to discuss how they tackled the theme, why they chose their specific looks and where to get them.
“My outfit is green and shiny which is the point of the theme, something shiny and something to match the garden vibe. I am wearing Keepers of The Wardrobe.”
– Jane Ogu about her iridescent two-piece attire.
Stephanie Coker: “So my outfit is a two-piece, it is like a crop top and a skirt. Let me tell you what I love about this outfit, it is the colour, the colour is the vibe, like a turquoisy and I matched it with my bag.”
Cisca Cecil was a brand popular among attendees; as spotted on Stephanie Coker and Angel Obasi (popularly referred to as Style Connaisseur).
Henrietta: “My name is Henrietta, I am wearing Andrea Iyamah’s latest dance collection. I think it ties to the theme, Be Solaire screams colourful to me and this is colourful.”
Andrea Iyamah was another popular choice, the renowned African resort wear brand known for its vibrant and culture-inspired pieces. With its use of rich fabrics and quality tailoring to create pieces that celebrate nature, femininity, and African heritage, Andrea Iyamah represents regality.
Simi Drey: “This felt like what the theme demanded, Be Solaire, yellow or nothing. I am wearing James Fashion House and it is a brand I am in love with.”
Olivia Arukwe: I wanted to look like sunshine and I love this Abiola Olusola dress, my bag is from Banke Kuku and I wanted something bright so I came up with an orange and yellow outfit.
Some attendees decided to use a Polo angle and its regal ties as influences:
Emelia Jane in Nkadumeje dress, the headpiece is Urezkulture.
Emelia Jane: My dress was inspired by Joan Collins and she is a legendary British actress. She was part of a series called Dynasty so glamour, high fashion. Royal Ascots inspired the headpiece. I wanted something dramatic and I am glad I pulled it off.
Delphine: Just a little bit of sassy, a little bit of class, a little bit of beautiful, these were my inspirations. I am wearing Erica Moore and the makeup was all Bare 2 Beauty. Be Solaire is all about being yourself and looking very radiant.
Chisom Njoku: I decided to go simple because my jewellery would be the Solaire. My necklace is a diamond-encrusted piece with the eye of Horus which represents the Egyptian sun god, Ra.
Shamz Garuba: “I wanted an outfit that would match the ambience of the event along with the theme. So I wore a polo shirt because it is a polo event. I chose a green polo shirt because green is an earthy colour and this is a garden.”
Several guests upped the challenge as they made their garments themselves, after all, the only person who can truly express what a theme means to you, is you.
Precious: I wanted a bright outfit that represents my style and this is my brand, Satin Affair, it is still in its beginning steps but it is coming.
Daniel in Emmy Kasbit.
Daniel: Hey, I am Daniel from Emmy Kasbit, I am the Kasbit of Emmy Kasbit, of course, I am wearing Emmy Kasbit.
Larry Hector: Be Solaire is about radiance and that is why I chose this hue. This is a custom piece from my brand, Héctor which I have not launched yet so this is an exclusive and we are coming soon.
The VC Polo experience is the hub for the most fashionable people in the city so it can be a bit intimidating but navigating the do’s and don’ts of Polo Fashion becomes a lot easier with the help of VC Polo veterans.
Navigating the dos and don’ts of Polo fashion can be a challenge, but for seasoned VC Polo attendees, it’s all in a day’s work.
With their wealth of experience, they have invaluable advice for newcomers looking to make a splash at VC Polo Lagos in 2025. Here are things to expect at the next VC Polo Lagos event and why you’re destined to become a standout attendee for years to come!
“I have had several VC Polos. I love interacting with people, I love the game, the music is always amazing, and the vibe in general so I come every year.”
Chioma Goodhair: Look stylish, get here on time so you can meet the game, it starts on time and ends on time. Stay for the after-party and mingle.
Emelia Jane: Dress the part, look forward to enjoying a good game and look forward to enjoying champagne. The best part is the Veuve Clicquot viewing experience. I love the section for it, and the game as well, there is a lovely view of it from the Veuve Clicquot section.
Fatima in Ibilola Ogundipe official.
Fatima: So many stylish people. Bring your friends, you will love it and they will love it.
Ifeoma Chizea strutted in her brand, Sama Woman
Nkiru Festus in Abidemi.
Style Connaisseur in the dusty pink Lilo dress by Cisca Cecil
Neo in Jeff Urban.
The Veuve Clicquot VIP Experience is truly a one-of-a-kind event, with guests making bold and colourful statements with their fashion choices as they interpreted the theme, Be Solaire. They took on impressive and unconventional ways while staying true to their core styles.
From the stunning views to the amazing fashion and luxurious atmosphere, the allure of VC Polo Lagos lies in its ability to bring together the worlds of high fashion and sport, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a Met Gala meets Polo affair.
This event offers unparalleled networking opportunities and a chance to showcase one’s personal style in a regal setting. For those seeking a memorable and glamorous experience, the VC Polo Lagos is a not-to-be-missed event that promises to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
