You too can be a prince of polo
But La Martina's store at Central Embassy has much more than just mallets
The sport of polo has only a niche following in Thailand, among the well-to-do, but there’s no doubting the broad popularity of Argentinean brand La Martina’s polo T-shirts. Now the company has opened its first boutique in Bangkok, in partnership with the luxury-goods retailer the Valiram Group.
La Martina established itself as a maker of equipment and leather goods for polo players, but subsequently diversified into clothes for men, women and children. Though polo remains the inspiration, they’re great for any day-to-day use and maintain the brand’s long-standing reputation for high quality.
“At La Martina we place heavy emphasis on the quality and we’re dedicated to offering the very best products within the sport of polo, which represents a whole way of living, culture and lifestyle,” president and CEO Adrian Simonetti said at the Bangkok launch.
“After Malaysia and Singapore, we are pleased to be in partnership again with the Valiram Group, since they play a vital role in shaping Thailand’s fashion industry.”
The 2,192-square-foot store at Central Embassy boasts classic, vintage Anglo-Argentine style, with old-fashioned armchairs, leather sofas and bronze lamps and black-and-white marble floor tiling. The polo accessories on sale include helmets, boots, saddles and mallets and balls, all shipped from Argentina.
Apart from the T-shirts there are sports shirts, trousers, leather shoes and jackets, hats, bags, fragrances and more.
Simonetti explained that his father Lando founded La Martina 30 years ago and the firm has never lost sight of the sport’s tradition of elegance and prestige.
“Our first lifestyle product, in 1985, was a leather bag made just for polo players, and it was very popular among the Argentinean players who travelled the world.
“Then, to promote our brand, in 1990 we started producing the now-iconic polo T-shirt for the national team, with the sponsors’ logos on the chest. But it became so popular – everyone wanted to wear one – and other teams asked us to make their shirts as well. So it became the La Martina polo shirt for everyone.”
The British Guards Polo Club collection is especially prestigious thanks to its association with the UK’s most esteemed club, which hosts some of the world’s most important tournaments.
The Royal Box line draws inspiration from the posh style of guests attending the tournaments hosted by the British royal family. It integrates with the Guards collection and is sold at the regiment’s official club shop, which Prince Philip opened in 1955. It features military detailing and appliques inspired by the royal family’s coats of arms.
La Martina – currently sold at 80 boutiques in 56 countries and maintaining a presence at 90 polo events a year around the globe – never ceases in its technological research, pursuing leadership in innovation and safety.
