Tag Archives: Culture

Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic feels like an Impressionist Painting

Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Fan, 2017, Photo Romi Cortier
Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Fan, 2017, Photo Romi Cortier
'Contemplation' by Mary Cassatt, 1891 -92
‘Contemplation’ by Mary Cassatt, 1891 -92
Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, 2017, Will Rogers State Park, Photo Romi Cortier
Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, 2017, Will Rogers State Park, Photo Romi Cortier
Woman with a Parasol, Claude Monet, 1875
Woman with a Parasol, Claude Monet, 1875
Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, 2017, Will Rogers State Park, Photo Romi Cortier
Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, 2017, Will Rogers State Park, Photo Romi Cortier
'Racehorses' Edgar Degas, 1895, National Gallery of Canada
‘Racehorses’ Edgar Degas, 1895, National Gallery of Canada
Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, 2017, Will Rogers State Park, Photo Romi Cortier
Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, 2017, Will Rogers State Park, Photo Romi Cortier
Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand Jatte, Georges Seurat, 1884-86, Art Institute of Chicago
Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand Jatte, Georges Seurat, 1884-86, Art Institute of Chicago

I recently attended the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in Los Angeles. It was my first time attending this event, and my first time watching a polo match. The temperatures were pushing 90 on this very hot October day. In an attempt to stay cool, attendees  were huddled under a sea of orange Veuve Clicquot umbrella’s as far as the eye could see. We tried our best to purchase one, but they’d quickly sold out. Thank goodness for the complimentary orange fans and the faintest  summer  breeze.

As the day unfolded, I began to glimpse familiar visions of moments I’d seen before in museums, namely impressionist paintings.  It’s so odd to feel as if you’re living inside a painting, experiencing some sort of art deja vu. Impressionist paintings were inspired by everyday life, so why not this day? It was beautiful in every direction: polo ponies, orange umbrella’s, beautifully dressed people wearing the latest trends. To be honest, it was more fun watching the guests jockeying for photos ops at the branded photo stations, then it was actually watching the polo match.

However, as everyone stood for the National Anthem, I was both proud and humbled.  I was also reminded of George Seurat’s Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grand Jatte. The beautifully groomed jockeys on manicured polo ponies reminded me of Edgar Degas’s Racehorses. And when a sea of women took to the field  at half time  to stomp the divots… and of course take a few selfies, I was reminded of Claude Monet’s  Woman with a Parasol. It’s amazing how much life changes, and yet stays the same. Maybe we all dream the same dream. To see. To be seen. To make a difference. And to look absolutely fantastic while we do it.