The Stars And Over 7,000 New Yorkers Turn Out For The Sixth Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

NEW YORK, June 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 7,000 New Yorkers and polo enthusiasts enjoyed a sunny day at the sixth annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at Liberty State Park.  Matthew McConaughey, his wife Camila Alves McConaughey, world-renowned polo player Nacho Figueras, his wife Delfina Blaquier and Veuve Clicquot U.S. President Vanessa Kay hosted an afternoon with an exciting polo match, high fashion and, of course, flutes of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and Rosé, all enjoyed with stunning views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

While the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is always one of the most highly-anticipated social events of the season, this year's event was particularly special for Veuve Clicquot and all guests, as it was held in support of Liberty State Park, which sustained significant damage due to Hurricane Sandy seven months ago.  The park suffered extensive flooding and wind damage and had to close down for several months to rebuild.  Today, the park is still working to recover from the storm's devastating effects; to aid in the park's reconstruction and return it to its former beauty, in addition to the event benefiting Liberty State Park, Veuve Clicquot re-planted and landscaped a large green area of the park, including the area where the event was held. 

The 2013 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is also proud to benefit Matthew and Camila McConaughey's foundation, just keep livin, a charity dedicated to empowering high school students to lead active and healthy lives.  Veuve Clicquot is honored to support such a worthy cause and have Matthew and Camila McConaughey experience the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic for the first time.

The fashion-forward crowd at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic included Matthew McConaughey & Camila Alves, Nacho Figueras & Delfina Blaquier, Ashley Olsen, Rosario Dawson, Anne V, Tika Sumpter, Garcelle Beauvais, Dree Hemingway, Dan Abrams, Alek Wek, Carly Cushnie, Michelle Ochs, Rebecca Minkoff, Tiffani Thiessen, Theophilus London, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Yigal Azrouel, Leigh Lezark, Chef Geoffrey Zakarian and his family, Lo Bosworth, Harley Viera Newton, Danielle Snyder, Chelsea Leyland, Lubov Azria, Timo Weiland, Naaem Khan, Charlotte Sarkozy, Catherine Malandrino, Misha Nonoo, Adam Duritz, Mia Moretti, Caitlin Moe, Vivienne Tam, Martha Plimpton, Sasha Cohen, Danielle and Jodie Snyder, Gaby Basora, Lauren Remington Platt, Kate Davidson Hudson, Behnaz Sarafpour, Miguelina Gambuccini, Norm Lewis, RJ King, Alicia Quarles, NET-A-PORTER's U.S. editor Tracy Taylor, Veuve Clicquot U.S. President Vanessa Kay, Veuve Clicquot International Director Lauren Boidevezi, Veuve Clicquot International Director of Communications Aymeric Sancerre, Veuve Clicquot Marketing Director Chloe Stefani, Moet Hennessy USA CEO Jim Clerkin, Veuve Clicquot Director of U.S. Communications Christine Kaculis and Veuve Clicquot U.S. Brand Director Bernadette Knight.

While Nacho Figueras was unable to play in the match due to an injury he sustained while playing polo several weeks ago, another Figueras, his son Hilario, stole the show on the polo field. Team Black Watch beat team Nespresso 8-6 with Hilario Figueras scoring three goals. Other event highlights included Norm Lewis' incredible crowd-pleasing rendition of the National Anthem, Dree Hemingway having fun with the ceremonial first ball toss to kick-off the polo match, guests and stars alike letting loose on the dance floor to the sounds of DJ Nick Cohen and Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila stomping divots during half-time.

Plenty of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and Rosé was enjoyed, which paired perfectly with the innovative cuisine by Pinch Food Design served in the VIP Marquee.  To pay homage to Veuve Clicquot's longstanding connection with Russia, the VIP marquee was reminiscent of a Russian garden party, complete with decadent chandeliers, onion-shaped domes, babushka dolls, lush flowers and greenery. Guests dined on caviar, smoked salmon blinis, beef stroganoff, bundt cakes and more Russian-inspired fare.  During the Napoleonic Wars of the 19^th century, Madame Clicquot went to great lengths to ensure cases of Veuve Clicquot made it to Russia in defiance of Napoleon's trade embargo. Madame Clicquot's surreptitious efforts paid off as Russia became one of the largest markets to enjoy Veuve Clicquot champagne. The Russian court became so fond of Veuve Clicquot, the common word used for champagne was simply "widow" in honor of the widow Madame Clicquot.

In addition to being a team sponsor, Nespresso delighted VIP guests with over 1,200 cappuccinos and lattes, most of them iced, keeping guests cool throughout the day, all served from a custom coffee bar that was created specifically for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. 

As always, guests to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic were dressed to impress! The ladies and gentleman sported classic polo style—summer whites, classic pastels, and dapper suits for men. Style highlights included everything from Dree Hemingway's denim jumpsuit and Julia Restoin-Roitfeld's bejeweled A-line floral frock, to Carly Cushnie and Michelle Och's structured pastel ensembles and Alek Wek's graphic black and white stripes.

ABOUT VEUVE CLICQUOT 
Since its creation in 1772, Veuve Clicquot played an instrumental role in establishing and evolving the champagne industry as we know it today. Located in Reims, France, Veuve Clicquot prides itself on using only the most distinct grapes reflecting Madame Clicquot's motto "only one quality, the finest." Now, more than 200 years later, Veuve Clicquot Champagne inspires the world to "Be Clicquot": modern, audacious and premium quality. These values, set forth by the ground-breaking and extraordinary Madame Clicquot and maintained by generations of Clicquot drinkers, promise a remarkable experience with each sip of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/veuveclicquot or www.veuve-clicquot.com. 

ABOUT BLACK WATCH
Black Watch is a world-class polo team which has won numerous tournaments throughout the United States. In 2007, Black Watch was the champion of the Mercedes Benz Polo Challenge and the winter champion of the Palm Beach Hall of Fame Cup. The team is captained by Nacho Figueras, professional polo player, face of Ralph Lauren's Polo Fragrances and model for Ralph Lauren's Black Label Collection. For more information, please visit http://www.Facebook.com/NachoFigueras.

ABOUT NESPRESSO
Nespresso began more than 25 years ago with a simple but revolutionary idea to create the perfect cup of Espresso coffee. The unique combination of our premium quality Grand Cru coffees, stylish machines, and exceptional customer service all together provide the ultimate coffee experience. Nestlé Nespresso SA is the pioneer and reference for highest-quality portioned premium coffee. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Nespresso operates in almost 60 countries and has more than 8,000 employees. In 2012, it operated a global retail network of over 300 exclusive boutiques. For more information, visit the new Nestlé Nespresso corporate website: www.nestle-nespresso.com.

ABOUT LIBERTY STATE PARK
Liberty State Park is a green oasis in the most densely populated region of New Jersey. With magnificent views of the New York Harbor, Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, it is truly a gem of the nation. Consisting of over 600 upland acres and 600 acres of open waters on the upper New York Bay in Jersey City, New Jersey. The park provides wildlife habitats, open water, fishing access, fields, nature trails, bike paths, playgrounds, picnic tables, ferry service to NYC, Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty, and the two-mile waterfront walkway along the Hudson River - known as Liberty Walk. The park also includes the popular Liberty Science Center, Liberty Landing Marina, restaurants, and public boat launch. The park staff offers visitors interpretive and educational programs of the areas history at the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CRRNJ) Terminal and of the unique natural coastal environment. Liberty State Park is the most visited State park in New Jersey with over 5 million visitors annually. For more information about the park, please visit http://www.njparksandforests.com/parks/liberty.html.

ABOUT JUST KEEP LIVIN FOUNDATION
The Just Keep Livin Foundation was started by Matthew and Camila McConaughey and is dedicated to empowering high school students to lead active lives and make healthy choices to become great men and women. Through their after school programs, they encourage students to improve their physical and mental health through exercise, teamwork, gratitude, and positive life choices. http://www.jklivinfoundation.org/

SOURCE Veuve Clicquot