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Legacy and Lifestyle: U.S. Polo Assn. Hosts Iconic Party at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy

Legacy and Lifestyle: U.S. Polo Assn. Hosts Iconic Party at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy

Miami Herald10 hours ago

DJ Benny Benassi, Artist Pietro Terzini, Performer Clara and More Than 1,500 Guests Celebrate 135 Years
FLORENCE, ITALY, AND WEST PALM BEACH, FL / ACCESS Newswire / June 19, 2025 / U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), celebrated its remarkable 135-year legacy at Pitti Uomo 108 with an unforgettable week of style, sport, art and music. From the debut of the vibrant Spring-Summer 2026 Collection to a star-studded anniversary celebration at Florence's iconic Santa Maria Novella, the brand brought the sport of polo's heritage and modern energy to life on one of the world's most prestigious fashion stages.
A Night to Remember: 'Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy'
On the evening of June 18, more than 1,500 international guests gathered in the breathtaking Chiostro Grande of the historic Complesso di Santa Maria Novella for an invitation-only anniversary celebration that will long be remembered. Hosted by acclaimed Italian actor Roberto Ciufoli, the event was a sensory journey through the sport and brand's authentic 135-year story.
Italian music star Clara soon captivated the crowd with a stunning live vocal performance, delivering a set filled with beauty, style, and emotion. Her stage presence matched the elegance of the evening and set the tone for the grand finale. When global DJ legend Benny Benassi took to the turntables, the cloister was transformed into a pulsating open-air dance floor, with an after party of over 1,000 guests celebrating under the stars well into the night.
Immersive Art, Heritage, and Vision
The atmosphere was enhanced by a massive, monumental timeline of the U.S. Polo Assn. brand's past and present, projected along the centuries-old walls of Santa Maria Novella. From 1890 to 2025, the visual depiction told the story of the sport of polo's evolution and the brand's growth into a multi-billion-dollar global fashion powerhouse.
The event's creative heart came from two visionary artists. Luca Agnani brought immersive mapping effects to the architecture of the cloister, while Pietro Terzini--known for his poetic commentary on pop culture and brand identity--debuted a custom visual installation that blended U.S. Polo Assn.'s sport heritage with his signature textual style. His clever, minimalist expressions on legacy, fashion, and time left a lasting impression and underscored the evening's message: heritage can be both honored and reimagined.
Celebrating the Moment, Building the Future
"This was more than a trade show--it was a global celebration of U.S. Polo Assn.'s legacy, culture, and future," said J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages and markets the multi-billion-dollar global U.S. Polo Assn. brand. "To be part of such an experiential and exciting event set amid the creative energy of Florence--with our amazing partners and team--was simply extraordinary."
"It's a powerful reflection of sport-inspired legacy and the bright future of our global brand," he added.
Lorenzo Nencini, President of Incom S.p.A. and a member of the Pitti Immagine Board, explained, "To bring our 135th Anniversary to life here in Florence was an honor beyond words. The success of our showing at Pitti Uomo alongside our celebration featuring Pietro Terzini, Clara, and Benny Benassi's finale made this a cultural moment, and an unforgettable experience for those who support U.S. Polo Assn."
A Booth Experience That Stole the Show
Located at Booth 32 in the Cavaniglia Pavilion, U.S. Polo Assn.'s presence at Pitti Uomo from June 17-20 was nothing short of iconic. The space featured a massive 30-foot video screen showcasing brand history and campaign highlights, a curated product collage wall, an elegant champagne bar, models dressed in the latest collection, a celebrity-worthy step-and-repeat, and striking life-size 3-D "135" numerals commemorating the anniversary. The immersive design created an energetic atmosphere that invited trade visitors, influencers, and media to engage with the brand's past, present, and future. Surprise guests to the booth included Pietro Terzini, Clara, Roberto Ciufoli, as well as Olympic swimming athlete Luca Dotto, which drew hundreds of media, guests, fans and influencers to 'meet and greet' with U.S. Polo Assn.
Each of U.S. Polo Assn.'s Italian licensees were on hand to present their latest collections and reinforce the strength of this strategic partnership:
Incom S.p.A. showcased the full men's and women's apparel collections, including refined tailoring, bold color palettes, and classic sport-inspired designs for Spring-Summer 2026.
Bonis S.p.A. introduced sleek, sport-casual footwear that blends performance function with lifestyle aesthetics, ideal for the modern global consumer.
EastLab S.r.l. impressed with a contemporary accessories line, including bags, and leather goods crafted with premium materials and polo-inspired detail.
EuroTrade S.r.l. presented the newest in watches and jewelry, combining classic American sensibilities with Italian craftsmanship and innovation.
A Week to Remember
"U.S. Polo Assn.'s 135th Anniversary represents more than a milestone--it is a celebration of legacy, identity, and enduring style, "said Antonio De Matteis, President of Pitti Immagine."To mark such a prestigious moment here in Florence--where tradition and innovation meet--is especially meaningful. The evening at Santa Maria Novella was not only a tribute to the brand's storied heritage in the sport of polo but also a vivid expression of its global energy and future vision. We were honored to welcome U.S. Polo Assn. back to Pitti Uomo, where fashion, culture, art and music come together on an international stage."
The brand's presence at Pitti Uomo resonated strongly with international fans, consumers and influencers, reaffirming U.S. Polo Assn.'s unique position as a global fashion brand authentically connected to the sport. The 135th Anniversary celebration in Florence not only honored the brand's illustrious sport history but inspired the future and the birthright of Born to Play.
"From our immersive booth experience to our remarkable celebration at Santa Maria Novella, this week was a tribute to the legacy of U.S. Polo Assn.--rooted in the sport of polo and built for the next generation," Prince added.
Photo Captions:
Benny Benassi rocks the house for U.S. Polo Assn. at the iconic Chiostro Grande of the historic Complesso di Santa Maria Novella in Florence Italy to celebrate 135 Years of Sport Inspiration - "Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy."Italian model, actress and singer Clara gives private performance to VIP guests at the "Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy" 135th Anniversary Celebration for U.S. Polo Assn. at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.Italian Actor Roberto Ciufoli presenting the "Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy" 135th Anniversary Celebration for U.S. Polo Assn. at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.Movie star Jeff Goldblum and his family at the "Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy" 135th Anniversary Celebration for U.S. Polo Assn. at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.Beautiful VIP guests celebrate at the "Play for the Moment, Live for the Legacy" 135th Anniversary Celebration for U.S. Polo Assn. at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.U.S. Polo Assn. guests celebrate at the iconic Chiostro Grande of the historic Complesso di Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy listening to beats from global superstar DJ Benny Benassi.(L to R) Lorenzo Nencini, Incom S.p.A.; Franco Zuccon, EuroTrade; artist Pietro Terzini, performer Clara; U.S. Polo Assn. Global President and CEO J. Michael Prince; Augusto Bonetto, Bonis S.p.A.; and Andrea Zini, EastLab S.r.l. at the U.S. Polo Assn. Booth at Pitti Uomo 108, in Florence, Italy.U.S. Polo Assn. models with Italian Olympic athlete Lucca Dotto at the U.S. Polo Assn. Booth at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy.U.S. Polo Assn. 135th Anniversary Celebration Booth at Pitti Uomo 108 in Florence, Italy - "Born to Play."
Photo Credit: Matteo Lippera
About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global
U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in the United States, founded in 1890 and based at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida. This year, U.S. Polo Assn. celebrates 135 years of sports inspiration alongside the USPA. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. Historic deals with ESPN in the United States and Star Sports in India now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.
U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global and digital growth. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.
For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.
USPA Global is a subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment (GPE), USPA Global also manages Global Polo TV, which provides sports and lifestyle content. For more sports content, visit globalpolo.com.
About Incom S.p.A
Incom S.p.A, founded in Montecatini Terme (PT) in 1951, manages, as a licensee, the apparel for the U.S. Polo Assn. brand in Western Europe, which produces and distributes iconic clothing brands all over the world. In addition, Incom is one of the main suppliers of military and paramilitary clothing in the Italian State both for uniforms and for technical clothing. Since January 2008, it has been producing and distributing men's, women's, and children's clothing in Western Europe under the U.S. Polo Assn. brand, with record sales results and growth. For further information visit www.incomitaly.com.
About Bonis S.p.A
Bonis S.p.A is the exclusive footwear licensee for U.S. Polo Assn. in Western Europe. Founded in 1970, Bonis is a leading company in the footwear business and is a partner selected by some of the most influential international brands. Located in the heart of the Asolo and Montebelluna footwear district, the home of the most important sport system brands. Bonis works with private labels, contracting, and licensing. Visit http://www.bonis-spa.com/.
About Eastlab S.r.l.
Eastlab S.r.l. is the exclusive licensee for U.S. Polo Assn. bags and accessories in Europe. Founded in 2015, Eastlab S.r.l. is now one of the leading Italian companies in the production and distribution of bags, accessories, and luggage. Its targeted response to market needs and passion for its work have quickly earned Eastlab strong credibility in the industry and the trust of major international partners. Visit http://www.eastlab.it/.
About EuroTrade s.r.l.
EuroTrade is U.S. Polo Assn.'s licensee in Western Europe for watches and accessories. Headquartered in Italy, EuroTrade was founded in 1987 and specializes in the creation and distribution of high-quality watches and accessories characterized by original design and innovative technology. EuroTrade offers the market an original and trendy accessory to wear on any occasion. Visit www.incomitaly.com/en/euro-trade-s-r-l/Contact Information
Paola Varani HUB PRESS OFFICE (INCOM in Italy)paolavarani@hubcomm.net
Laura Varani HUB PRESS OFFICE (INCOM in Italy)lauravarani@hubcomm.net
Laura Manfrin TWINS PRESS OFFICE (BONIS & EASTLAB in Italy)laura@twins-pr.com
Maura Busatto TWINS PRESS OFFICE (BONIS & EASTLAB in Italy)maura@twins-pr.com
Stacey Kovalsky U.S. POLO ASSN. GLOBAL HQskovalsky@uspagl.com+1-954-673-1331 (WhatsApp)
Gaia Grassi HUB PRESS OFFICE (INCOM in Italy)gaiagrassi@hubcomm.net

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‘Will Sean Combs Testify?' and Other Burning Questions We Still Have

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In one of his very best roles to date, the perpetually unshowered Challengers star plays Arthur, a grief-stricken Italian tomb raider searching for his missing girlfriend. This Cannes contender, released stateside in 2024, comes from the mind of Alice Rohrwacher (Happy as Lazzaro), which means you can expect plenty of magical realism and intricately designed set pieces to move the plot forward. It is a hallucinogenic, awe-inspiring experience that takes you through Italy's past and present while reminding you that there's pretty much nothing the Internet's husband can't do — like speak near-fluent Italian and get a big fit off in a soot-covered linen suit. Watch it on Hulu. Ghostlight (2024) It's a mystery to me why some Sundance darlings, like CODA, go on to win Best Picture at the Oscars and become household names, while others like Ghostlight (touted one of the best movies of [2024] by New York Magazine's Bilge Ebiri) fade into obscurity. This family-drama tearjerker opens by introducing us to Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), a troubled thespian teen prone to outbursts, who has been suspended from school for pushing a teacher. Her aggression, we learn, has been brought about by an unspeakable family tragedy. Enter: Rita (the always excellent Dolly De Leon), who might just be the key to getting the family back on track. In a chance encounter with closed-off patriarch Dan (Keith Kupferer) — yes, that's Daisy's real-life father — Rita introduces him to a community theater, specifically a production of Romeo and Juliet, which unexpectedly allows the family to process their grief and communicate more openly with one another. Watch it on Hulu. Strange Days (1995) Sure, you know The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, but what about this deep cut from Kathryn Bigelow? A box-office flop, sure, but Strange Days is ripe for a re-appreciation on streaming thanks to its deeply '90s, cyberpunk aesthetic (complimentary) and prescient themes of fascism and police brutality. At least one critic has even touted the film as "better than Blade Runner," which is not nothing. Rounding out the intrigue of this sci-fi action gem is a cast that includes a near-unrecognizable Ralph Fiennes, Angela Bassett (she certainly did the thing here), and Juliette Lewis — plus, a writing credit from James Cameron, who divorced Bigelow four years prior. Watch it on Hulu. How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2023) There's never been a better time to press play on How to Blow Up a Pipeline, an urgent eco-thriller based on Andreas Malm's book of the same name, which asks us to consider when acts of terrorism might be justified for a greater good. Daniel Goldhaber's gripping film follows a group of twenty-something climate activists who band together to take down a West Texas pipeline that is wreaking havoc on its community. Each of the eight members have a different motivation for getting involved in the heist; Theo has contracted terminal leukemia from the town's toxic atmosphere, while the group's resident bomb expert, Michael, is an Indigenous person who has a personal connection to the land that has been occupied by oil workers. Contrary to what the title suggests, the film never feels didactic, and Goldhaber skillfully manages to never talk down to his audience, trusting that they are smart enough to draw their own conclusions from this evocative and quick-moving story. Watch it on Hulu. Minding the Gap (2018) The best kind of documentary, IMO? The kind that takes a seemingly narrow focus like, say, skateboarding, and finds a way to turn it into something universal. That's the gist of Bing Liu's masterwork from 2018 which starts off simple enough — a document of three boys and their love of skateboarding — and then plunges into heavier topics of masculinity, class, and race before you know it. This is all to say: Mid90s wants what Minding the Gap it on Hulu. The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed (2023) And the winner of the Hardest Movie Title to Remember When Trying to Recommend It to a Friend Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed. Congrats! Yes, this indie stars Scott Cohen (the one and only Max Medina) alongside the multi-hyphenate talent Joanna Arnow, who wrote and directed the film. Arnow's comedy is about millennial malaise, BDSM, and dead-end jobs, and its uncomfortable truths will ring true to anyone who is willing to sit with it for long enough. The New Yorker's critic Richard Brody said it best when he said of Arnow's writing and direction, that she "recognizes that much of life's pain is built around sharp yet minor intimacies, impressions, and humiliations, and she brilliantly captures the sense of disproportion that arises when slight or banal exchanges have mighty emotional effects."Watch it on Hulu. National Anthem (2024) You might know him as that hot cowboy photographer from Instagram. Allow Luke Gilford to reintroduce himself as the talented filmmaker behind National Anthem. Told through his signature lush images, the photographer's debut feature film situates us in New Mexico as a 21-year-old construction worker (Charlie Plummer, who you may have also seen riding horses in Lean on Pete) finds himself immersed in the queer rodeo community. If Brokeback Mountain is the entirety of your queer-cowboy media diet, do yourself a favor during Pride Month and press play on this hidden gem. Watch it on Hulu. Presence (2024) Leave it to Steven Soderbergh to give us not one, but two, bangers within a year. The less buzzed-about, but equally deserving of your streaming time, film was Presence — a chilling ghost story unlike anything I've seen before. (Though, if you forced me to compare it to existing films, I'd say it brings to mind elements of Olivier Assayas's Personal Shopper and David Lowery's A Ghost Story.) Shot from the perspective of the ghost, this never-dull atmospheric thriller filled with spooky, tracking shots, slowly builds to a satisfying twist. Just don't go into this one expecting jump scares (or, much screen time from Julia Fox, for that matter, who was used in the marketing of the film) because you will be utterly disappointed. Watch it on Hulu. Perfect Days (2023) What the world needs now? A gentle, life-affirming film. Specifically, one that reminds us to take stock of the little moments that pass us by each day. I hear how cliche these words sound as I type them, and that only solidifies my belief that Wim Wenders, who directed this Oscar-nominated film, is one of the absolute greats — somehow able to pull at our heartstrings without saccharine storytelling or lousy contrivances. Even more impressive is the fact that Wenders was commissioned to make this film by Japan's Tokyo Toilet project, helping to promote the image of public hygiene. What he is able to pull off is something much more nuanced than an advertisement. It follows a highly routined toilet cleaner as he commutes to the city each day to scrub public toilets and visit the same bar, bath, and spot in the park. But don't be fooled by its deceptively simple, linear structure. Perfect Days is also a brutal takedown of our soul-sucking digital world (...I write, hunched over my MacBook.)Watch it on Hulu. The Seed of the Sacred Fig (2024) Here's a hidden gem that Iran's authoritarian government would prefer to keep hidden. Mohammad Rasoulof's powerful, fourth wall-breaking family drama that exposes much of Tehran's political turmoil was able to get made in secret and find global distribution — but not without consequence. Rasoulof was sentenced to eight years in prison and subsequently fled to Germany, along with the film's two stars Setareh Maleki and Mahsa Rostami. Rasoulof is not German, and there is no German language spoken at any point in the film; however, Germany opted to submit the film for Best International Film at the Oscars in lieu of Iran. That certainly gave the film some much-needed visibility but not nearly the amount it deserves. Thankfully, this important piece of filmmaking is now widely accessible stateside on streaming. Watch it on Hulu. Decision to Leave (2022) Park Chan-wook doesn't miss. The king of labyrinthian storytelling (Old Boy, The Handmaiden) delivered another instant classic in 2022 with Decision to Leave. Part love story, part murder mystery, the Korean auteur's Cannes hit surprised critics and fans alike by deviating from his usual (spectacularly graphic) mode of filmmaking. The story about a romance between a Busan detective and his prime suspect might feel more restrained, but there's no shortage of Chan-Wook's signature dark humor it on Hulu. Good Luck To You, Leo Grande (2022) One of the great, overlooked performances by multi-Oscar winner Emma Thompson is featured in this small Searchlight two-hander. Thompson plays an uptight middle-aged widow who hires a sex worker (Daryl McCormack) to achieve an orgasm for the first time and, of course, what ensues is something much more profound. Its witty and unflinching exploration of sex positivity, female pleasure, and human connection make it something of a spiritual predecessor to FX's current awards juggernaut series Dying For Sex. Free double-feature idea!Watch it on Hulu. Stream all these hidden gems on Hulu.

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