Polo fashion is stepping into a new era

JOHANNESBURG - Think sharp silhouettes, luxe sneakers and layered textures - a creative blend of tradition and rebellion that signals a turning point in how we show up to the sidelines.

As anticipation builds for the fourth annual Heineken Polo, the excitement this year goes far beyond the galloping hooves and high-stakes goals.

In a bold departure from traditional norms, the event is making a clear fashion statement, one where streetwear glamour intersects with equestrian elegance, redefining what it means to dress for the Polo.

The event organisers recently hosted an intimate style fashion show that reimagines what polo style can be.

Behind the fashion was stylist Cherne Africa, who said she uses art direction, creative direction, set design, styling and music as tools to put forward a creative message into the world.

She said the vision was to present a modern, elevated interpretation of the polo dress code.

Africa said, “We wanted to move beyond the traditional polo shirt and khaki pants and show a new way of dressing for the event.”

Heineken Brand Manager, Mbulelo Mashilo, echoed these sentiments, saying: “We want to fit in today’s real idea of what luxury is by tying in the luxury brands which speak to the essence of what Heineken is as an international brand”.

Mbulelo said, “We wanted to show that polo is not for the select few but people who enjoy the same things in life”.

The theme this year is Chukka Culture, which Ferreira explains is a direct and intentional reference to the polo mallet, or 'chucker,' and the sport itself. He added, “We wanted to create almost like a society, a lifestyle of people who enjoy polo even though they're not playing, but to watch it and see how that gets interpreted through fashion.”

Mbulelo further said, “ Chukka means end of play in polo terms, and it's like the intervals that you have between games, and how we interpret that in our space as Heineken is the end of play is where you get to socialise, share drinks and network, switch off so you can switch on to the people around you.”

Africa took that and dressed the models in “paired an oversized, almost shacket-style jacket in a black and white tweed with prominent gold buttons, giving it a classic, high-end feel reminiscent of heritage tailoring.

Along with a white shirt and the collar had embroidery, adding a touch of personalised detail. Paired with a micro, luxury handbag further elevating the look and a black Puma sneakers grounding it in a casual, streetwear context, creating a beautiful tension between formality and informality.”

Another model came in a classic navy polo shirt with a popped collar, which was red inverted underneath a matching patterned co-ord set, paired with a red Puma sneaker.

She said, “The inclusion of the polo mallet was the perfect prop, visually connecting this modern interpretation directly back to the sport's heritage”.

While one of the female models wore a sleeveless top with a button-down front and a peplum detail that flares out at the waist, with a pleated midi-length skirt.

Africa said: “Her accessories include a simple pearl necklace and a small, structured navy blue handbag. The look is completed with white Puma sneakers. The pleated skirt and structured top with a peplum are traditionally elegant silhouettes.

Mbulelo said the show demonstrated looks that suggest you could pair a tailored blazer with luxury sneakers and pull up in a Ferrari.

“This eclectic mix is emblematic of the new era of polo, one where formality meets freedom, and exclusivity meets expression.” He said, “Luxury today isn’t about stiffness. It’s not just a man in a black tie - it’s a man in a beautiful blazer and fresh white sneakers. It's confidence. It's culture.”

“My advice would be to think about the three keywords: tailored, modern, and elevated. Don’t be afraid to blend elements from different worlds. Find that perfect balance between respecting the event's heritage and being completely original.”