Betsey and Lulu Johnson

By Heather Buchanan

While some elements of Bridgehampton Polo were familiar such as the lightning fast polo ponies which can turn on a dime, fearless players, and the beautiful Two Trees farm setting, others were new.  For the sophisticated spectator the Blue Star Jets VIP Tent and newly christened Circa Championship Field feltmore civilized with  a breath of fresh air (despite the sweltering heat.)

Bridgehampton Polo in action - photo by R. Cole for Rob Rich

 

 

Peter Brant has taken the reins this year for the 15^th anniversary season of Bridgehampton Polo and a new team, including Shamin Abas Public Relations which works with Palm Beach Polo, has shifted the focus back to the game and a more elegant viewing atmosphere.  The invitation-only Blue Star jets VIP tent with Hamptons’ tastemakers features a new set of sponsors for fine food, drinks, and pop up boutiques.  Guests enjoyed the Sector No Limits watch display, Alex and Ani Bangle Bar, live music by DJ Airloom, tastes from Southampton Social Club and featured drinks such as the Sobieski Mint Pony and Aperol Spritzer along with other refreshments including  4 Orange Vodka, Martin Codax, Don Miguel Gascon, Vita Coco and Smartwater. 

Cold Aperol Spritzer to the rescue

The Aperol Spritzer with the blood orange apertif mixed with prosecco and a splash of soda on ice was a cool hit on the hot day. 

Vanity Belles

The Vanity Belles started the festivities, taking to the Circa Championship Field to sing the national anthem.  Betsey Johnson in her true original style tossed out the first ball with fashion flare and a cartwheel to boot with daughter Lulu at her side.

Lulu and Betsey Johnson with Blue Star Jets President Todd Rome

In a high scoring game, White Birch defeated Yellow Cab 16 – 10.  White Birch exploded from the onset, scoring 12 goals in the first three chukkers to end the first half 12-1.  Goals from Nacho Figueras, Luis Escobar and Michael Dorignac on Simon Garber’s Yellow Cab team narrowed the lead in the second half, but Yellow Cab still fell short to the powerful White Birch team who walked away with a 16-10 victory.  White Birch’s Mariano Aguerre led all scoring and was awarded MVP.

White Birch: Mariano Gracida, Fredy Mannix, Mariano Aguerre, and Peter Brant.

Yellow Cab: Simon Garber, Nacho Figueras, Michael Dorignac, and Luis Escobar

Blue Star Jets VIP Tent

Spotted under the tent were a mix of artists and media, business, and industry leaders such as Russell Simmons, Kelly Klein, and Chairman of NBC Broadcasting Ted Harbert with wife Lisa.

Lisa and Ted Harbert

Leading dentist to the White House Nicholas Toscano D.D.S, M.S. was enjoying with wife Jennifer.  The smile perfectionist treats such high profile clients as Hillary Clinton.  He assured us with a background in the Navy that he will work both sides of the political aisle.  Luckily teeth are bipartisan.

Dr. Nicholas and Jennifer Toscano

We visited the Bangle Bar from Alex and Ani.  They bill themselves as the positive energy company with their bracelet charms with special meaning.  They feature symbols such as Path of Life: Strength, Motivation, Knowledge . . . (hmmm maybe a rich husband, thinner thighs…)

Alexandra Barbolla, April Reach of Alex and Ani

They warned us one is not enough of these bangles which are made in the US.  We have a lot of things to wish for so we’ll take a dozen.

Ian Shapolsky, Heather Buchanan, Baroness Sheri de Borchgrave, George Wayne

Writers Baroness Sheri de Borchgrave and Vanity Fair’s George Wayne enjoyed with publisher Ian Shapolsky.

Mari Malek, Imany Doucoure

Cahdlah Forsythe and Chris Lukas