Countless Manhattan dining establishments inaugurate pop-ups in the Hamptons every season. Yet, the road to success is far from guaranteed. Not too long ago, the esteemed Red Hook Tavern, and il Buco al Mare, an offshoot of il Buco, tested those odds. Generally, such ventures act as nothing more than temporary distractions, quickly discarded at summer’s end.
On one recent Thursday, a perfect clone of the Polo Bar appeared, adorning a 19-acre equestrian ranch in Bridgehampton. It was as though stepping into a fine replica of Ralph Lauren’s world as envisaged in the original Polo Bar on 55th Street. All the expected fixtures were there – equine artwork, the familiar saddle gear, and the mallets evocative of the polo field.
The scene inside was as decadent and luxurious as it could get, oozing with hints of Manhattan sophistication – cheese popovers meticulously placed at every table, burgers devoured enthusiastically. The hustle and bustle of the city were notably absent, replaced by the harmonious chirping of crickets.
As guests entered, they were greeted by celebrities; Jude Law, seen jesting with Tom Hiddleston at the bar, Jonathan and Lizzie Tisch—billionaire regulars. For the younger crowd, there were Joey King, Diana Silvers, and Cole Sprouse, indulging in cocktails and feastings.
The scene continued to mesmerize as Laura Dern made an appearance with Naomi Watts, her Twin Peaks co-star. The crowd felt electric as Usher showed up, sipping on a unique orangey cocktail. The environment began to mirror a fantastical Hampton-based Polo Bar – a dream or reality?
Notable faces continued to emerge, with Kacey Musgraves popping in, and Colman Domingo spotted amidst the crowd. The tall chap looking like a fashion enthusiast? Aha! That was none other than Kevin Love, the art-loving power forward from Miami Heat.
As the night unfolded, the Model-slash-bartender was showering guests with attentiveness and charm, adding to the intriguing ambiance. Indeed, what was initially considered a summertime fluke evolved into a glittering panorama with models parading around and secret service agents weaving through the crowd.
Wait, did we mention the unexpected appearance of Dr. Jill Biden? Yes, the first lady herself was spotted dining there. Could it be just a coincidence or a designer’s carefully orchestrated tactic, depicting a renowned face enjoying the established and celebrated Polo Bar’s aura?
Masterminding this awe-inspiring wonder, the man himself – Ralph Lauren was spotted sitting next to the first lady, a fitting image for a remarkable evening. But here is the catch; the perfection surrounding the Polo Bar experience was a fleeting moment confined to just one night. The luxurious pop-up wasn’t destined to be a permanent culinary and social hub of the Hamptons.
If you visit Khalily Stables now, you’d witness the regular hustle and bustle of an active equestrian hub. The glamorous spectacle that Lauren arranged was merely an elaborate commencement for New York Fashion Week, where he revealed his Spring 2025 collection.
Justin Theroux, a part-owner of the Lower East Side, spoke highly of the grandeur encompassing the event. But, it was a temporary charade for a single night, an innovative approach to showcase and celebrate the collective spirit of fashion and luxury.
The attendees had to travel from the city, taking time off from other engagements such as gallery openings, other fashion shows, and the U.S. Open semifinals. Some attendees opted for helicopters and seaplanes, arriving just in time for an unusual pre-show event—dressed up jockeys taking horses through dressage.
Among the attendees arriving glamourously were acclaimed equestrian celebrities—Jennifer Gates, Jessica Springsteen, Eve Jobs. They’ve sharpened their craft on these rolling greens that now served as a runway, a symbolic statement bridging the old and the new.
Despite some guests facing traffic and arriving in the nick of time, the fashion show began, erasing all memories of the chaotic commute. It was indeed a true Hamptons experience. The minute the runway’s lights dimmed, and the first model made her grand entrance, all past grievances were forgotten.
The grand finale was the horses aligning at the end of the platform as Christopher Cross’s ‘Sailing’ played in the background. This unusual sight of horses at a fashion show was a reminder of the creative genius of Ralph Lauren, a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable evening.