Ishesi at Lux Afrique Polo Day 2025

On a tranquil Saturday in the English countryside, Ope and I joined hundreds of guests at the prestigious Lux Afrique Polo Day—a vibrant celebration of African excellence, culture, and luxury. Held at Hurtwood Park Polo Club in Surrey, this annual event brings together the elegance of polo with the richness of African heritage, fashion, gastronomy, and creativity.

For us at Ishesi, the day was more than a social gathering—it was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Our brand is rooted in elevating African identity through thoughtful design and storytelling, and Lux Afrique Polo Day offered the perfect canvas to witness that vision come to life, surrounded by changemakers, creatives, and cultural pioneers.

From the striking outfits to the heartfelt conversations, the event exuded a shared pride in where we come from—and where African ingenuity is headed.

Fashion & Lifestyle: Where Tradition Meets Avant-Garde Elegance

From the moment guests began to arrive, it was clear that Lux Afrique Polo Day is as much a sartorial showcase as it is a sporting event. The dress code? Opulence with meaning. African prints, textures, beadwork, embroidery, and silhouettes took centre stage—each look telling a story of heritage reimagined for a global runway.

The grounds became a living gallery of style: women in sweeping gowns adorned with kente, ankara, and aso-oke; men in tailored kaftans and modern agbadas, effortlessly merging regal tradition with cosmopolitan edge. Every detail—headwraps, jewellery, footwear—spoke volumes about creativity and cultural pride.

It was both thrilling and affirming to witness fashion used not just for flair, but as a form of narrative and resistance. The event resonated with the reason Ishesi was created: to celebrate African identity through clothing that feels at once ancestral and new.

The Polo Experience: Grace, Power, and Heritage in Motion

As the gloomy clouds cleared and the afternoon sun cast its golden light across the immaculate polo field, the matches began—each chukka a dazzling display of athleticism, strategy, and quiet power. But this wasn’t just any polo tournament. The Lux Afrique Polo Day redefined the sport through an African lens, bringing together a roster of talented players from across the continent, including Nigeria, Ghana, USA, Kenya, Jamaica and the UK.

Watching the horses thunder down the pitch, their riders clad in immaculate uniforms, felt deeply symbolic. Here was a sport often associated with exclusivity, now transformed into a stage for representation, pride, and cultural ownership. It was a masterful blend of tradition and transformation, and it resonated.

We were inspired by how the elegance of polo aligned with our brand’s ethos—honouring history while embracing bold, modern expressions of African identity. The energy on the field reflected the same spirit we hope to bring to every Ishesi piece: purposeful, dynamic, and unapologetically refined.

Food & Entertainment: A Sensory Journey Across the Continent

No celebration of African heritage is complete without the flavours, sounds, and rhythms that define its soul—and Lux Afrique Polo Day delivered an experience as indulgent as it was authentic.

Throughout the grounds, thoughtfully curated culinary stations invited guests on a gastronomic journey across the continent. We savoured the smoky depth of jollof rice, the tender heat of barbeque chicken and suya, and the caramelised comfort of fried plantains. For a sweet finish, an indulgent array of desserts—from velvety ice creams and refreshing sorbets to delicate pastries—captured the essence of celebration. Each bite was a tribute to home—rich in flavour, steeped in memory.

The air was equally alive with music. Between polo matches and conversations, the soundscape shifted from Afrobeats to amapiano, from live percussion to soulful vocals. Performances by different African artists infused the afternoon with joy, while the DJ kept the tempo vibrant well into the golden hour.

There was something deeply moving about dancing on English soil to the beats of the motherland—surrounded by diaspora, artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators all gathered in celebration. It reminded us that culture is not static; it evolves, travels, and connects.

Lux Afrique Polo Day succeeded not just in entertaining, but in transporting. Through taste, sound, and atmosphere, it offered a full-bodied celebration of Africa’s diversity, sophistication, and spirit.

 

Carrying the Spirit Forward

Our experience at Lux Afrique Polo Day was a profound celebration of African excellence—a vibrant tapestry woven from sport, fashion, culture, and connection. For Ishesi, it was more than an event; it was a powerful reminder of the vision that drives us every day.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to amplifying African stories through designs that honour heritage while embracing innovation. The energy and inspiration we gathered from Lux Afrique fuel our passion to create thoughtfully crafted pieces that resonate globally, inviting wearers to celebrate their identity with confidence and grace.

We invite you to join us on this journey. Follow Ishesi as we continue to explore the beauty and depth of African culture, one story—and one design—at a time. Together, we can elevate heritage into a new era of luxury, creativity, and pride.