Leather goods nod to Argentina in Hawai‘i Polo Life’s new brand partnership.
PHOTO BY IJFKE RIDGLEY
Hawai‘i Polo Life’s (hawaiipololife.com) recent collaboration with Argentine design darling Rocio G. (rociog.com) has given a new direction to the luxury athleisurewear brand. The line of handpainted and embroidered leather vests, silk skirts and accessories aims to mix the Hawaiian spirit with the polo lifestyle. “All the products are simple and rustic but elegant,” says Rocio G. founder Rocio Gonzalez. “We were inspired by the islands’ effortless look.”
The leather vests—especially the swoonworthy Lilikoi shell vest, handpainted with the silhouette of the lilikoi plant and finished with an eye-catching collar of cowry shells—are designed to be worn alone or layered, while the silk maxi skirts add a beachy elegance to any wardrobe. The line incorporates images of Hawaiian flowers that inspired Gonzalez, including plumeria, hibiscus and pikake.
The sport of polo has a rich history in Hawai‘i dating back to 1880 during the reign of King Kalākaua, and it was entrepreneur Chris Dawson’s intention to reenergize the sport in the state when he founded Hawai‘i Polo Life in 2012. Though he and Gonzalez have been friends for over two decades through his international travels as a polo player, this collaboration marks the first time they are bringing their brands together. Gonzalez adds, the ravishing result is made for a woman who has “an appreciation for handmade and artisan products and has discovered that simplicity is the new luxury.”
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