MILAN — La Martina, the Argentinean brand rooted in the country’s polo culture, has named its first creative director as part of a retooling and upscaling strategy.
Seasoned fashion designer Antonella Di Pietro is joining the brand and will unveil her first creative efforts at the fall 2025 men’s and women’s presentation slated for Friday during Milan Men’s Fashion Week.
A former chief brand strategist at Tod’s and creative director and vice president at Tommy Hilfiger owner PVH Group, Di Pietro is expected to bring her knowledge of the luxury and contemporary fashion markets to the company, as it aims to step up its international footprint with a community-building strategy. In her résumé, Di Pietro also boasts stints at Moncler, Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, Givenchy and Kenzo.
“In Argentina, I had the opportunity to discover the values that define this brand: the elegance of polo, the unwavering passion of its community and the cultural authenticity that sets La Martina apart,” Di Pietro said. “This experience not only deepened my respect for the brand but also inspired me to carry forward its story with integrity and innovation. I felt the energy of the polo fields, where every gallop and every strike of the mallet tells a story of grace, power and passion. I experienced the warmth of the Argentinean people, whose love for their heritage and this sport runs as deep as their roots. And I witnessed how polo is not just a sport but a lifestyle, a philosophy and the beating heart of La Martina,” she added.
The brand was founded in 1985 by Lando Simonetti, its current chief executive officer, and has brought polo attire into the mainstream, shooting to international fame in the early 2000s. The brand counts flagships in Milan, and Saint Tropez and Megève, France, in addition to franchised units in destinations including Marrakech and Casablanca, Morocco; Kuwait City; Cape Town, and Cairo, among others. La Martina also boasts about 400 wholesalers globally.
“I am thrilled to join the La Martina family at such a pivotal moment. My goal is to strengthen the emotional bond the brand shares with its customers, continuing to uphold a philosophy that celebrates belonging and the values of polo, turning them into the emblem of a sentiment that can also inspire the fashion community. My vision is to create collections and initiatives that blend heritage and modernity, ensuring the brand remains globally relevant,” Di Pietro said.
La Martina Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection at Milan Fashion Week
Courtesy of La Martina
Her debut fall 2025 collection for the brand is to embed references to polo gear, turning them into everyday attire with a preppy undercurrent. Polo fleeces and suede jackets for men mingle with cable-knit cardigans and fringed shirt jackets for women.
Di Pietro’s appointment comes a few months after La Martina inked a new, five-year licensing agreement with Swiss leathergoods manufacturer Gamat SA for the design, production and distribution of accessories. The Argentinean brand expects to boost its revenues by 15 percent in the wake of the deal.
The brand also has a licensed footwear business with Giano and eyewear with Jet Set. It will introduce a children’s line starting from spring 2026.
