The presents are wrapped, cards in the mail, and you’ve checked your proverbial list twice. While this time of year can occasionally feel, well, trying, there’s nothing quite like those few golden moments where you’re finally able to take in that undeniable holiday magic in full force. (We’re almost over the finish line…promise.)
And there’s nowhere in the city that captures that exact feeling like Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar—the brand’s iconic spot on East 55th Street. The vibe is distinctly chic hunting lodge—with cognac-hued leather banquettes, vintage polo accessories, fireplaces in every nook, walls covered from floor to ceiling in mismatched vintage frames and equestrian paintings, the most gorgeous emerald-green accents… In other words, a picture-perfect spot for catching up over a round of Manhattans and bar snacks while the snow falls outside. To demonstrate, we recruited actor Juliette Labelle and Point Off View designer Marina Testino to quiz them on how they handle the holidays, dressed head-to-toe in some of Polo Ralph Lauren’s most holiday-ready looks. Hint: Prepare to fire up your KiraKira.
Still stumped on nailing holiday dressing? Do like Marina and opt for a classic from the Kate Moss playbook: a fluffy faux fur (we love the ocelot print on this Polo Ralph Lauren one) and a slinky slip dress (hers is actually a velvet tank and velvet skirt).
A tuxedo look is our go-to when the whole sequinned LBD thing is starting to feel a little tired. A blackwatch plaid blazer, like the one worn by Juliette, makes the whole thing a little less intimidating—ditto a pair of leather skinnies.
Where you’ll find them this holiday:
Juliette: “My immediate family lives in Los Angeles, so I’ll be there. Plans with the family usually involve some kind of argument over vegan strudel. After a few glasses of wine, my dad will relive his late ’80s hair metal days. I’ll let you interpret that at your discretion.”
Marina: “I’m going to Lima, Peru, to spend time with my family and take advantage of being there to produce my second collection for Point Off View. It doesn’t matter how far people are traveling, everyone will fly in to spend it together in Lima. We come in from London, Paris, Barcelona, New York, L.A...”
A tuxedo look is our go-to when the whole sequinned LBD thing is starting to feel a little tired. A blackwatch plaid blazer, like the one worn by Juliette, makes the whole thing a little less intimidating—ditto a pair of leather skinnies.
All-time favorite holiday memory:
Marina: “One year we all went to Machu Picchu before Christmas—after getting over the altitude sickness, it was my favorite family holiday trip thus far.”
The gifts they’ll never forget:
Juliette: “The best would have to be when my friend adopted an elephant at the DSW
and named her Juliette.”
Marina: “A trip to Cuba from my parents!”
Go-to holiday jam:
Juliette: “‘Look Now’ by Swimsuit Issue.”
Marina: “‘Feliz Navidad.’”
Still stumped on nailing holiday dressing? Do like Marina, and opt for a classic from the Kate Moss playbook: a fluffy faux fur (we love the ocelot print on this Polo Ralph Lauren one) and a slinky slip dress (hers is actually a velvet tank and velvet skirt).
The stocking stuffers they’re most stoked on:
Juliette: “Anything Joan of Arc related.”
Marina: “My family always buys a Peruvian desert called Bola de Oro. It’s amazing!”
How to nail any gift exchange:
Juliette: “Bought gifts are impersonal—use your hands. Make something. Be useful.”
Marina: “Nowadays, we focus so much on finding the perfect ‘thing’ that they don’t already own, but I believe the best gifts and most meaningful are made by us. Find something this person loves, and be creative about it! The more personal the gift, the better, and it shows how much you really care about that person.”
