Manila trots to the rhythm of Hermès’ pony
W e first witnessed the “Pony Dance” in April at the “Hermès Parade” event in Seoul to celebrate the luxury French house’s home collection, where performers mimicked the movements of being on a saddle aided by a jaunty beat. The music was catchy, the kind that would make you tap your feet to its rhythm, perhaps nod your head to the beat, or possibly even coax you into getting up and dancing along.
Last Thursday night, Hermès transformed the Lakehall at Nena’s Sanctuary at Sta. Elena Golf and Country Estate in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, into a virtual barn, decked out in bales of hay, some of which shaped into horses, where about 150 top customers and select guests got in on the “Rhythm of the Pony,” in celebration of Hermes’ equestrian heritage.
“The house is celebrating its equestrian heritage with an astonishing show in which the roles are reversed,” it says on the Hermes website, in explaining the “Pony Dance” campaign. “Belts replace bridles, hooves become boots and silk scarves swap places with ribbons. The Pony Dance imbues the collections with an infectious energy.”Hermès’ loyal clientele—welcomed by SSI Group president Anton T. Huang, Hermès Manila country manager Mario Katigbak and deputy manager Stephanie Chong and the entire Hermes Manila team—happily trotted and galloped as dancers led them into the Pony Dance—an easy enough routine with just a few steps that even non-dancers can follow.
On the dance floor, we witnessed retail titans Donnie Tantoco, president of Rustan’s, and Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls, cutting the rug, so to speak. Even the mistress of Lakehall, Nena Tantoco, valiantly got up to learn the routine from the dancers, who were festively costumed in breeches, riding boots and helmet, and colorful tops made of horse show ribbons. At some point, Jean-Philippe Collin, Hermes Parfums export regional director for Asia Pacific, was also spotted having a good time.
After the dinner and performances, the anteroom turned into a virtual dance hall, with a DJ spinning as the guests continued the revelry late into the night.
