The azure waters of the French Riviera set the stage for an unforgettable weekend with Loro Piana at the 2026 Giraglia Regatta in Saint-Tropez. As I stepped off the plane on a Thursday evening, a charming driver whisked me away to this iconic coastal town, where the Mediterranean sun casts a warm glow on everything it touches.
The regatta, a prestigious sailing event sponsored by Loro Piana since 2026, is not just a competition but a celebration of luxury, style, and the art of sailing. As I immersed myself in this world, I discovered the versatility of beige, a color that embodies the essence of summer elegance.
The Allure of Beige
Beige, often overlooked, proved to be a fabulously versatile summer hue. From the lavender-adorned dock-side lounge to the golden-beige croissants and cappuccinos, beige was the thread that tied the entire experience together. The Loro Piana logoed yachts, carrying red buoys, stood out against the backdrop of billionaire’s yachts, showcasing the brand’s unique blend of understated luxury and vibrant energy.
The lounge, outfitted with Loro Piana homeware in tones of beige and ecru, offered a serene retreat from the bustling regatta. The staff’s confidence in the brand’s $3,900 leather handbags, stuffed to the brim with panache, was a testament to Loro Piana’s commitment to quality and style. The sailors aboard deputy chairman Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s yacht looked effortlessly chic in the dedicated capsule collection for the regatta, proving that Loro Piana’s appeal extends beyond the runway.
The Art of Sailing
My first day of regatta-ing began aboard the Pardo, a small yacht reserved for guests. As we set sail around 10 a.m., the sea was calm, and the sun was shining. By 11:15 a.m., we came to a stop in the middle of the sea, where a glass of champagne was poured, and the question on everyone’s mind was, “I have a question, what is actually happening right now?”
As an outsider to the world of sailing, I was eager to learn the intricacies of the regatta. Gregorio, a representative of the Yacht Club Italiano, explained that the weather conditions were not ideal for sailing that day. However, once the wind picked up, the regatta came to life. The sight of the yachts all lined up was breathtaking, and the competition was fierce. As another attendee put it, “the only thing you can tell for sure about a regatta is when it starts.”
Lunch was served on the shore of Plage des Canoubiers, a picturesque beach that was only interrupted by the sight of a man working on his laptop, his presumed partner’s green Hermès crossbody hanging from the mast of their parasol. The eclectic mix of cultures and styles in Saint-Tropez was evident in the town’s streets, where Chloé hats and Hermès sandals were paired with little sundresses from Cult Gaia, and Chanel shopping bags finished most outfits.
The Gala Dinner
The cultural potpourri carried over to Loro Piana’s gala dinner that evening, hosted at a charming chateau. The night started with drinks in the shade of the main house, where I wore a lavender dinner jacket and a floral jacquard shirt, feeling like a faux pas in a room full of neutrals. The dinner and dancing that followed were a testament to Loro Piana’s commitment to excellence and its ability to bring together people from all walks of life.
The four-man band performed hits including the Cuban anthem “Guantanamera,” “Valerie” by the Zutons by way of Amy Winehouse, and “You’re the One That I Want” from the Grease soundtrack. In between their act and the DJ’s, who wore a white ecru suit for her set, we were treated to a few terrific bits by an illusionist, one of Charlotte Rampling’s sons. The impromptu after party at Les Caves du Roy was a scene to be remembered, with attendees ranging from their immediate post-teens to their 60s.
The following morning, I was distracted by a boat nearby, where Jeremy Strong, the only official Loro Piana ambassador, and a quasi-prince, Pierre Casiraghi, were sailing. Strong waxed poetic about the feeling of wearing Loro Piana and learning about sailing from Casiraghi, a prolific sailboat racer. The actor’s compelling point about Loro Piana’s commitment to excellence was a testament to the brand’s enduring appeal.
The second day and regatta concluded for me with one of the daily prize ceremonies that award the winners of each day of sailing. Having spent the weekend roughing it out in Saint-Tropez, I missed the city-wide block party that was the Knicks winning the NBA finals on Saturday night. Still, New York and basketball seemed top of mind for my fellow attendees, who marveled at the unique physiques of sailors and yachties.
As one of the directors of the Yacht Club Italiano welcomed us to the proceedings, our very own closing ceremony, he congratulated the sailors from six out of seven continents and the 145 participating boats. But the most important numbers, he said, were not the records broken in the race. They came from the down time at the village we were in: “28 bottles of gin, 150 liters of beer,” he said. Loro Piana throws a good party.
