CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR THE SPORT OF KINGS

by Dorian May

I remember something my grandfather Rodolfo use to say: "Never disappoint a customer, no matter what happens in a particular situation, this mindset will make the difference in keeping long-term customers." - German Fagliano, Casa Fagliano

The sport of polo is equal parts athletic and aesthetic. Both the rules of the game and code of dress are steeped in traditions that remain loyal to their heritage. While it was the English who introduced the sport of polo to the Argentines, it is widely accepted that the Argentines breed the best polo ponies, the best polo players and the best bespoke polo boots. Those in the know have always turned to Casa Fagliano for their custom-built footwear where five generations of artisans carry forth the traditions that began in 1892 after the Fagliano family immigrated from Italy to Buenos Aires. The first pair of professional polo boots were made in 1920 with design based on English zippered equestrian footwear. The style evolved over the years according to meet the needs of diverse and renowned customers including Nacho Figueras, King Charles, Prince Harry, and the Sultan of Brunei.

The distinctive Fagliano product is the result of more than 120 years of experience and love for the trade that is considered one of the world's oldest professions. A craft transferred from generation to generation, from parent to child. "As a new generation, we bring fresh thoughts and ideas to give the tra- ditional business the tools to thrive in a fast-changing world," explains German Fagliano, the youngest in the ancestral chain. “As much as we keep our traditions in the craftsmanship, we must adapt. Polo as a sport has evolved and it still is, and we need to evolve along with it".

The outer part of the boot is crafted using four layers of leather, ensuring the boot is of a certain thickness to protect the player's leg from the potential risks that are involved with the sport. Each sole is hand-welted and stitched with linen threads for the greatest durability in all elements and weather conditions. The long-lasting footwear displays perfectly the result of efforts put forth by the Fagliano family in selecting some of the most noble materials for both attraction and durability.

In recent years, polo has become a rougher sport. Horses are faster and players are stronger as they focus on playing polo professionally and not solely for leisure. The functionality of a player's gear has never been more essential. According to German Fagliano, safety items like helmets and glasses can mean the difference between life and death or saving vs. losing an eye. “Believe it or not, boots also need to have a very precise fit in order to provide protection and comfortability," he notes, explaining why no detail is spared during the approximately 48 hours of human labor devoted to crafting each pair of their bespoke polo boots. Even with such precise standards, there is room for individuality. Some recent boots were made in navy blue and others in white leather embroidered with red initials!

Current expressions of contemporary creativity include a collaboration with Nacho Figueras. The capsule collection of limited-edition sneakers they designed together are available in, of course, 'Aspen Green' and 'Hamptons Blue' giving a cheeky nod to two of the most exclusive polo hubs in the United States. "Nacho is super friendly and easygoing. It was a true pleasure to work alongside as we have known him for many years. Prior to our collaboration, we have made boots for him and his son Hilario," says Fagliano.

Another joining forces with the Fagliano family is Swiss watch- maker Jaeger LeCoultre, another brand based on craftsmanship and precision. Watch straps inspired by their footwear designs to be both beautiful and functional, the collection of canvas and leather straps are to be paired with one of the watchmaker's most iconic styles, the Reverso, a timepiece originally created to withstand the rigors of a polo match. "I think we share the same passion for high-quality craftsmanship and tradition. We also share the same values of passing on the knowledge to the next generation," affirms Fagliano.

Thanks to the global label Polo Ralph Lauren, the image of the polo player mid-swing on his pony has not only become one of the most iconic and recognized brand names and logos but has also brought the once esoteric sport into the public eye. But for the Fagliano family, remaining exclusive is still the name of the game, and why they personally oversee the production of every pair of the most exclusive polo and equestrian boots in the world.