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ATLANTA, Ga. – The 7th Annual Atlanta Fashion and Polo Classic, hosted by the Miguel Wilson Collection and the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, was an ode to opulence, luxury, and high-class experiences while investing in those in underserved communities.
The signature fashion and equestrian event sponsored by affluent brands like Remy Martin and Greenwood Whiskey shined a light on Black excellence with the promotion and showcasing of premium Black-owned businesses like MRAA Caviar, Shawn Crenshaw Ovation for Men, and Herbin Co’s hand-crafted hats and handbags.
Additionally, the Horse Mansion was adorned with Black vendors representing industries from ultra-premium Italian ice to cigar shops, artists, jewelers, and more.
“This is what we’re supposed to be doing as a community,” said Tiffany Capri Hainesworth, founder and CEO of TCapri Tequila. It’s the first Tequila brand to be solely created and owned by a Black woman. “We’re introducing people to things they didn’t think that we could be a part of,” Hainesworth said.
7th Atlanta Fashion and Polo Classic
The Atlanta Fashion and Polo Classic wasn’t only about celebrating Black economics and fashion. It was also about exposing youth to the world of Polo, which is often an exclusionary sport out of reach for lower-income households. However, Miguel Wilson didn’t let that deter him from hosting the Inaugural Junior Polo Classic.
In the 30-minute polo match, two teams competed for the first time in their career. The Maryland Congressional Polo Club beat the Georgia Polo Club comprised of students from Atlanta’s B.E.S.T. Academy in a 5-0 victory, becoming the inaugural champions.
The event was “a privilege to be a part of” said Seema Sharma, owner and director of the Maryland Congressional Polo Club. It was the culmination of over six months of practice from majority first-time players.
“Imagine what this means for them going forward,” Sharma added. “Anytime they’re in a math class or they’re faced with a challenge, they’ll know they can do it.”
The Inaugural Junior Polo Classic is the personification of Miguel Wilson’s dream. LaSonjia Jack, the first African American majority owner of a professional Hockey team, believes this as well, emphasizing how there’s a need to expose the next generation to sports outside of football, basketball, and track.
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Going out with a bang
The Atlanta Fashion and Polo Classic concluded with its 7th Annual Fashion Show presented by the Miguel Wilson Collection. Palmer Williams, Jr. served as the master of ceremonies with performances from Q Parker, Tyshawn Colquitt, Pastor Troy, Red Grant, and more.
When opening the show, Miguel Wilson affirmed that he created this event for everyone, not only for the elites. His goal was to expand his guest’s networks and expose them to opportunities they may not have access to in their everyday lives–a theme echoed throughout the day’s events. And though guests were dressed in their high-end formalwear, the star-studded grand finale quickly became a space that welcomed singing, dancing, and celebrating the moment.
On the runway, Black designers seamlessly and ingeniously intertwined culture and luxury with unorthodox takes on traditional African attire, as well as modern bridalwear. Additionally, Chaney Wilson’s debuted her newest collection bringing new spin to sportswear.
The 7th Annual Atlanta Fashion and Polo Classic hosted by the Miguel Wilson Collection and the Ride to the Olympics Foundation raised nearly $9,000 for the Ride to the Olympics foundation during its auction. And with all ticket proceeds from the event going to the foundation, the lives of those in underserved communities will continue to be positively impacted.
I love how detailed your explanation is—well done!