La Martina
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sportswear, leisure apparel |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founder | Lando Simonetti |
| Headquarters | Buenos Aires , Argentina |
| Products | Polo saddles, polo boots, clothing (shirts, hats), polo equipment |
| Website | www |
La Martina is an upscale Argentine manufacturer specializing in sportswear and leisure apparel.
History
Established in 1985 by Lando Simonetti upon his return to Argentina after a period in the United States, La Martina initially focused on crafting leather items such as polo saddles and boots. The brand later diversified its offerings to include clothing like shirts and hats. Around 65% of its raw materials are procured domestically. Simonetti also founded the Polo Management Group, collaborating with La Martina to oversee international polo competitions.
By the year 2000, La Martina's revenue had reached $1.2 million, with products available through online channels. Throughout the 2000s, sales expanded significantly, reaching $200 million. Subsequently, the company redirected its attention toward polo equipment and reorganized its European branch to strengthen its luxury market stance. Although sales growth decelerated, the firm sustained approximately 20% annual increases to uphold brand exclusivity.
In 2015, La Martina inaugurated its inaugural store in London and broadened its retail footprint across North America, South America, and Asia. The brand has launched new products internationally at polo events held in Dubai. According to Newsweek, La Martina has "transformed the sport of kings by providing players enhanced protection and comfort."
Partnership
Designated by the Argentinean Polo Association as the official outfitter for Argentina's polo teams, La Martina also serves as the authorized supplier for the Federation of International Polo during global tournaments. The company produces team polo shirts for nations including the United Kingdom, Argentina, the United States, Brazil, and Dubai.
In addition to national squads, La Martina supplies university teams such as Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Cambridge, and Mumbai’s College of St. Xavier, along with prestigious clubs like England’s national team, Guards Polo Club, Polo de Paris, and Milano Polo Club. The brand has partnered with luxury labels to enhance its product lines and manufactures specialized polo apparel and gear for members of the Royal Salute team.
Events
La Martina co-hosted the Maserati Centenary Polo Tour alongside Maserati, featuring 65 participants from 12 different countries. It also sponsored the Copa de La Martina polo tournament. In 2014, the company introduced a high-end polo saddle for the Maserati co-sponsored event, enriching its collection of premium products.
Anti-counterfeiting efforts
In January 2009, German officials confiscated 20 tons of fake La Martina merchandise following reports that holograms on shirts sold via eBay were detaching after washing. This incident underscored the brand’s ongoing challenges and dedication to safeguarding its intellectual property.