Miss Polo Univers: A Day of Arrivals, Portraits, Sashes and Horses
The first day of Miss Polo Univers is always a whirlwind of arrivals, fittings and first impressions. From hotel check-in to the portrait session, the ribbon ceremony and a horseback shoot, we followed every moment of the programme. Here is our journal entry from the day the competition truly began.
Arrival and Check-In: The Programme Begins
The day opened with the arrival of delegates at the hotel, where the Miss Polo Univers programme officially began. Suitcases were unpacked, schedules reviewed and first hellos exchanged in the lobby. For us at the atelier, this is the moment when the energy of the competition becomes real — and when we start paying close attention to how each participant carries herself, because posture and presence are as important as any gown. Check-in also gave us a first look at the day's wardrobe: crisp white pieces that set a clean, unified tone for the photographs ahead. A relaxed two-piece set with a loose collared shirt and wide-leg trousers, worn with white sneakers and a dark shoulder bag, proved that comfort and polish can live in the same outfit.
Portrait Session: White, Structured and Serene
The portrait session called for a more formal white look. A fitted, strapless bodice-style top with a sweetheart neckline and vertical seam detailing was paired with white trousers featuring front pockets and a pleated waistband. The result was structured yet serene — exactly the balance we aim for in couture-level tailoring, where seams do the quiet work of shaping the silhouette. Both white outfits photographed beautifully, but they told different stories: one casual and approachable, the other elevated and evening-ready. It is a reminder that a single colour can carry an entire range of moods when the cut is right.
The Sash Ceremony: Ribbons That Speak
The ribbon ceremony — known in the programme as the Sash — is one of the most symbolic moments of Miss Polo Univers. Representatives of each country received their sashes, and with them a visible reminder of the responsibility they carry. The room shifted from backstage bustle to quiet focus as each name was called. From a fashion perspective, the sash is a fascinating accessory: it must sit perfectly across the shoulder and chest, neither slipping nor pulling, which depends entirely on the fit of the garment beneath. A well-tailored bodice or shirt makes all the difference in how a sash falls and stays in place throughout a long ceremony.
Horseback Photo Session: Elegance in Motion
The day closed with a horseback photo session, a signature element of the Miss Polo Univers programme. Photographing with horses demands composure, balance and an outfit that moves with the body rather than against it. White, as ever, is unforgiving — but when the tailoring is precise, it reads as effortless. For anyone preparing for a similar shoot, our advice is simple: choose fabrics with a little natural stretch, keep seams clean and avoid anything that restricts the shoulders. Elegance in motion is never about the pose alone; it is about clothing that lets you forget you are wearing it.
Day one of Miss Polo Univers set the tone for everything that follows: arrivals, portraits, sashes and horses, all held together by a shared standard of presentation. We will continue to document the programme in our journal, paying attention to the details that make each moment — and each outfit — memorable. Stay with us for the days ahead.
