Black tie traditions are in full bloom—this year’s Singapore Swing charity gala is not just an ode to glamorous summer nights, but a celebration of humanity’s most enchanting muse and priceless treasure: the natural world.
“As the name implies, our favorite gala will once again swirl and twirl to dizzying heights—this time through a lush dreamscape of flora and fauna,” shares Dan Keating, gala MC, Polo captain, and Club President. “We’re honored to welcome our international guests of honor—the Singapore Polo Team from the ‘Garden City’, a global symbol of sustainability and visionary environmental design—for a night destined to return us to Eden in all the right ways.”
With generous team support from Vanderbilt International Properties, enhanced celebrations by Palm Beach Motor Yachts, a bespoke gin sling bar curated by The Cocktail Guru, and entertainment in the Redfin Premier Ballroom, guests can expect an evening of elegance, exuberance, and enchantment.
Gala attire invites your most imaginative interpretation of the natural world—a reminder of our purpose to protect our planet and destination, where land meets sea. Think tropical blooms, sweeping vines, wild prints, winged wonders, and a touch of jungle luxe—all with black tie polish. To help inspire your look, we present this fashionable field guide to the 2025 couture trends rooted in nature and infused with Southeast Asian batik flair:
🌸 Botanical Couture: Florals Grow Up
Say goodbye to demure daisies—2025’s florals are lush, oversized, and confidently bold. Evening gowns bloom with lace petals, cascading appliqués, and watercolor prints that climb the silhouette. Sheer layers, iridescent finishes, and petal-soft fabrics strike the perfect balance of femininity and strength.
Accessories sprout garden-inspired charm: orchid-shaped earrings, floral clutches, and headpieces bold enough to rival a rainforest bloom.
For men, nature shows up in refined touches—jacquard leaf motifs on tuxedo jackets, floral-lined blazers, and boutonnières with statement energy. Tropical fauna ties and feathered lapel pins? Yes, please.
🐆 Wild Instincts: Animal Kingdom Chic
From Singapore’s equatorial lagoons to its cloud forests, the island’s rich biodiversity fuels a fierce and untamed fashion moment. Designers reimagine animal prints with elevated edge—leopard in organza, merlion in sequins, snakeskin rendered in luminous metallics.
Women’s silhouettes stride with confidence: bold prints, feather-trimmed gowns, and accessories that channel exotic birds or ocean shells.
Men embrace the call of the wild with tactile textures—suede tuxedos, reptilian-shine shoes, and jaguar-print bow ties. Think Bond, if Bond were raised in the rainforest.
🦋 Flight of Fancy: Wings, Whimsy & Wonder
From dragonfly shimmer to butterfly embroidery, the natural world’s lightest beings take center stage. Capes mimic wings, gowns trail like peacock plumage, and gauzy fabrics suggest weightless flight.
Palettes range from earthy neutrals to rainforest brights—moss, orchid, canary, and sky. One shimmer, one winged accent, and you’re ready to take flight.
✨ Final Touches: Nature’s Glimmer
Hair and makeup echo the theme with petal-pink cheeks, dew-kissed skin, and shadow in floral or golden hues. Let your beauty bloom naturally—less contour, more glow.
Jewelry glistens like morning dew: crystal leaves, vine-wrapped cuffs, and insect-inspired sparkles. Statement pieces rooted in nature? Forever timeless.
🎉 You Are the Wildcard
The secret to our gala’s magic is you. Your style, creativity, and flair bring the theme to life. Whether you’re channeling a silver jungle cat or an enchanted orchid, we can’t wait to see your red carpet moment—from selfies at the waterfront Pre-Party to the final dance at Singapore Swing.
✨ But beyond the glitz lies the true heartbeat of the evening: for over 20 years, this beloved gala has helped Newport Polo raise over $2.2 million for vital nonprofit causes. This year, the spotlight turns to Rhode Island’s most urgent environmental priorities:
Inspired by Singapore’s commitment to sustainability and conservation, both the ball’s theme and selected beneficiaries represent game-changer organizations, working to protect and sustain our ecosystems through education, ecological innovations, and conservation. We are excited to announce our primary beneficiary, the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District, who execute local green infrastructure projects, education efforts like AgInnovation, composting efforts and more. Our secondary beneficiaries are Roger Williams Park Zoo, a regional leader in conservation and education efforts, bringing Rhode Island families closer to our natural world since 1872, Newport Tree Conservancy, committed to supporting the health and resiliency of Newport’s extraordinary arboretum of aging specimen trees from around the world and planting the next generation of its urban forest, and Save The Bay whose mission is to protect and improve Narragansett Bay.
Your generosity—through spirited bidding in our Live & Silent Auctions—will help these efforts continue to flourish. (Auction preview and early bidding open online in mid/late July through August 1 via emailed invitation. Sign up here: https://loom.ly/5x2KebQ)
🌱 Let’s make every bid a seed for lasting impact. Until then, let nature guide your fashion instincts—and let’s raise a glass to the most fabulous night of the summer.
— Newport Polo Style Consultant