Wellington's Winter Rose: Athena Lekkas Graces Cover of Art Bodega's Pre-Circuit Issue
Wellington, FL (January 6, 2025) - Art Bodega found its winter, pre-circuit rose in show jumper Athena Lekkas, who is the Wellington issue's cover muse and story. Photographed alongside her mare Picobella De Pot and savage surf board, Athena's story as a native Floridian, thassophile, and devoted equestrian highlights her dedication and perseverance. As a collaboration between Equinium, Art Bodega's Equestrian Editor Shereen Fuqua and Publisher Rebeca Herrero, Athena's cover for the 2024-2025 winter issue highlights a diverse group of equestrians, artists, celebrities, designers, and more artfully showcased within its glossy pages.
Athena's story began with professionally done hair and makeup to highlight her natural beauty. Art Bodega curated a couture wardrobe for her shoot, focusing on bold colors and elegant prints to match her ocean-meets-horse show aesthetic. Set against the back drop of Athena’s trainer, Carlo Graziani’s beautiful home barn in Wellington, the end result produces a glamorous window into her competitive life as a surfer and rider. The centerpiece cover photo's vogue stying featured a handcrafted crown headband with oversized silk rose by Cristina Marulanda, a soft geometric pink and orange print dress by Palm Beach's C. ORRICO, and Athena's black leather riding boots. Inspired by her Greek and Puerto Rican heritage, the orange dress by Roberto Rodriguez not only is a perfect juxtaposition with Picobella's dark bay elegance, but also was positioned as a throwback to the caryatid columns of ancient Greece. To bring in the beachy vibes, Athena also poses with both Picobella and her surf board in a bandeau bikini set paired with a turquoise and gold animal print wrap.
Each misting of hairspray, every wardrobe hem, and even PicoBella's glossy braids and the wax of Athena's surf board collaborated to create a unique impression and tell the story of a determined young lady. As the muse of Art Bodega's winter pre-circuit issue, Athena is now focused on her final year of high school as well as perfecting her technique in guiding Picobella through the 1.20M+ during the Winter Equestrian Festival. Athena's article, which includes a self-authored supplement, states, "Riding a wave is about embracing the journey rather than reaching a final goal. The culmination is when the wave breaks at the shore. Because each wave is distinct, perfect execution is impossible. What matters is putting in your best effort, which, for me, meant giving it my all every time I ventured out and mounted the board. I carried the mindset with me back to the practice ring. I remained dedicated to achieving precision and efficiency, but I also made it a priority to enjoy the process and the journey."
Art Bodega is a luxury lifestyle, sport, and art periodical that brings an elevated, expressive platform for brand building among the world's elite. With circulation in ultra affluent, sport, and luxury circles, their Equestrian Editor Shereen Fuqua has profiled a number of the world's top equestrians from junior competitors to world famous breeders who are changing the course of horse sport. With cover featured equestrians getting a full 'Vogue' fashion shoot and couture wardrobe, every image in Art Bodega is designed to call attention to an exclusive look into the lives of the horse industry.
The digital download of the 2024-2025 equestrian pre-circuit issue of Art Bodegacan be viewed and the print version ordered on their website, or purchased at high end boutiques and equestrian outlets in Wellington, New York, California, and Miami. Visit www.ArtBodegaMagazine.com for more information
Elpida comes from the ancient Greek word ἐλπίς (elpis) – the personification and spirit of hope in Greek mythology
Inspired by her own Greek and Puerto Rican heritage, as well as her passion for show jumping, Athena Lekkas competes under her brand, Elpida Equestrian. As an 18-year-old senior at The Benjamin School, Lekkas is a determined rider whose goal is to ride at the Grand Prix level. Her prime competition mount, Picobella De Pot, is a Dutch-bred Warmblood mare by I'm Special De Muze, out of Lotus by Elmshorn. Athena and Picobella are aiming to accomplish her FEI goal under the tutelage of Carlo Graziani of Graziani Performance Horses.
For more information on Elpida Equestrian, visit www.ElpidaEquestrian.com.
Follow Athena and Elpida Equestrian on Instagram (@elpida_equestrian)!
Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.Equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992
