56 SIDELINES NOVEMBER 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
e
Cover Story
By Lauren R. Giannini
Y
ou don’t have to know horses or polo to recognize
Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras. He has been the face (and
physique) of Ralph Lauren’s Black Label line since
2005 and, more recently, the World of Polo fragrances. His
extremely photogenic good looks hold up under the unforgiving
uber-optics of the most sophisticated cameras.
Whether it’s an outdoor shot or inside studio lighting, Nacho
comes across as playful, smoldering, serious and – to use the
vernacular – hot. There is much more to Nacho than fring up
the romantic fantasies of women of all ages. Honestly, he’s
seriously nice – adorable, but seriously nice.
Over the years, we have had the privilege of meeting him
several times at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia, when
he plays in the annual Van Metre Cup to beneft Capital Caring
(hospice and related services). From the frst encounter, truth
be told, Nacho is one of the most gracious and charming
people in the world, as well as one of the most enthusiastic
champions of polo. Yes, he’s a celebrity and very good with
admiring throngs.
In the Van Metre Cup, Nacho plays alongside John Walsh,
host of “America’s Most Wanted,” Tim Gannon, founder of
Outback Steakhouse, and Salvatore Ferragamo of the Italian
fashion and shoe dynasty. The celebrities are there: a) because
they love playing polo and; b) because they enjoy playing polo
to help others. It’s a win-win situation, and while the rivalries
are friendly, so to speak, they all play to win, because that’s
polo.
At Great Meadow, we watched spectators approach Nacho
Passion,
Polo &
Nacho!
The family man: Nacho with his wife (with two of their three
children).
Photo by Bruce Weber