Legacy & Recognition

Our presence in the heart of the famed “94027” America’s # 1 postal code has made us a go-to for discerning equestrians in Silicon Valley and beyond.

ELLA has proudly served as the Diamond Sponsor of the Menlo Charity Horse Show since 2015, one of the most prestigious events in the U.S. equestrian calendar.

Since 2015, ELLA has proudly served as a Diamond Sponsor of the Menlo Charity Horse Show, one of America’s most celebrated and meaningful equestrian events. Held on the historic grass polo fields of the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton, California, the show uniquely combines heritage sport, philanthropy, and high society in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Designated as a United States Equestrian Federation Heritage Competition, the Menlo Charity Horse Show is distinguished not only by its competitive excellence, but by its longstanding charitable mission—raising critical funds for the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and other nonprofit causes. It’s one of the rare shows where equestrian elegance meets deep social purpose.

For ELLA founder Melissa Lu, a native of the Bay Area, supporting Menlo has always been more than sponsorship—it’s personal. Melissa's involvement reflects ELLA’s philosophy: that equestrian sport is not just about performance, but about values, community, and heart.

Over the years, the Menlo Charity Horse Show has drawn a vibrant and multigenerational group of participants drawing a vibrant mix of influential and inspiring competitors. Riders of all levels—from children on ponies to amateur adults, professionals, and Olympic-level athletes—gather at Menlo to celebrate their shared love of the sport. Among the many notable participants have been equestrians such as Jennifer Gates, daughter of Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates; Carl Cook, Paris 2024 Olympic Show Jumping rider representing Team USA; and Destry Spielberg, daughter of famed filmmaker Steven Spielberg.

The Menlo Charity Horse Show is also a magnet for influential and inspiring competitors, drawing a vibrant mix of Olympic athletes, passionate amateurs, and prominent families. Set amidst a backdrop of manicured grass arenas, vintage white tents, and philanthropic spirit, Menlo is a rare jewel. 

Through its longstanding commitment, ELLA proudly supports this tradition of excellence, and continues to stand for what matters most: heritage, grace, and purposeful living.

Bentley x ELLA | A Celebration of Craftsmanship and Equestrian Elegance

A Luxury Collaboration at the Menlo Charity Horse Show

At the prestigious Menlo Charity Horse Show, two worlds of refinement met in perfect harmony as Bentley and ELLA partnered for an exclusive lifestyle showcase on the historic grass fields of the Menlo Circus Club. Both sponsors of the event, Bentley and ELLA came together to create a visual and experiential statement that celebrated heritage, design, and philanthropy.

The collaboration featured a curated Bentley vehicle display styled by ELLA’s creative team, who showcased their bespoke handcrafted equestrian-inspired home collection to the forefront—pairing luxury automobiles with fine equestrian-themed furniture, accessories, and accents that reflected the elegance of both brands.

As guests sipped cocktails on a sunlit afternoon, they were welcomed with co-branded Ella x Bentley glassware, a thoughtful detail that elevated the experience and commemorated the collaboration. Set against a backdrop of horse rings and green lawns, the activation brought together members of the equestrian elite, Silicon Valley innovators, and supporters of the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

The styling and ambiance were met with enthusiastic praise, not only for the visual cohesion between British automotive heritage and equestrian lifestyle design, but also for the shared values of quality, community, and enduring craftsmanship.

For ELLA, the collaboration with Bentley represented more than a showcase—it was a celebration of how luxury, sport, and purpose can align beautifully. The event reinforced ELLA’s role as a creative partner capable of delivering premium experiences that resonate with discerning audiences.

Featured in the Equestrian World Book: A Global Tribute to the Spirit, Elegance, and Lifestyle of Equestrian Culture

ELLA is honored to be featured in The Equestrian World, a stunning hardcover coffee table book published by TéNeues Publishing House and authored by Peter Clutton. This beautifully curated volume is a global celebration of equestrian excellence, highlighting the most influential athletes, disciplines, destinations, and brands that shape today’s international horse culture.

With breathtaking photography and compelling editorial, The Equestrian World explores everything from Olympic disciplines and legendary riders to iconic venues, travel destinations, and lifestyle experiences that define the equestrian spirit. Among these, only seven equestrian businesses worldwide were selected to be featured—each representing the highest standard of design, legacy, and cultural impact.

To be featured alongside global icons like Ralph Lauren and heritage brands with centuries of tradition is a meaningful recognition of ELLA’s mission to create a refined, modern equestrian lifestyle brand. Through its home collection, curated fashion pieces, and editorial storytelling, ELLA has redefined how the equestrian lifestyle can be expressed and celebrated.

This inclusion is not only a mark of international credibility but also a testament to the quality, taste, and vision behind ELLA—a brand rooted in passion, culture, and elegance.

Scouted & Featured in The Scout Guide Equestrian - Volume 1

A Leading Voice in Equestrian Style and Design

ELLA is proud to have been scouted and selected for inclusion in the very first edition of The Scout Guide: Equestrian, a beautifully curated volume celebrating exceptional brands, artisans, and innovators shaping the equestrian world.

Published in 2015, this debut edition recognized pioneers and tastemakers across the equestrian space—and ELLA was honored to be one of them. As a brand rooted in design, lifestyle, and authenticity, ELLA’s early inclusion affirms its role as a trendsetter and creative leader in the modern equestrian movement.

The Scout Guide (TSG) is a national publication series known for its discerning eye, featuring standout local and niche businesses across fashion, interiors, wellness, and hospitality. With the launch of its first equestrian-focused issue, TSG brought together a thoughtfully curated collection of top-tier equestrian brands, and ELLA was scouted for its vision, aesthetic, and impact.

Being featured in TSG: Equestrian Volume 1 is more than a milestone—it reflects ELLA’s ongoing mission to define what a modern, elegant equestrian lifestyle can look like. Through its fashion collections, home design, and cultural storytelling, ELLA continues to lead with originality, style, and heart.

Tatler Asia | Asia’s Most Stylish

Melissa Lu Recognized in the coveted “Asia’s Most Stylish” award

In 2009, Melissa Lu, founder of ELLA, was honored with the Asia’s Most Stylish award by Tatler, one of the most prestigious international fashion and lifestyle publications. Featured in both Beijing Tatler and across the broader Tatler Asia network—including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines—Melissa was recognized early on for her influence as a style and passion for celebrating the equestrian lifestyle.

She was invited to appear on the cover of Beijing Tatler and has been frequently featured in Tatler and similar international publications for her unique perspective and sophisticated aesthetic. Her inclusion in these editorials reflects her commitment to expressing equestrian elegance in a global and modern way.

As part of her 2009 recognition, Melissa was also invited to participate in an exclusive editorial photoshoot on Boracay Island in the Philippines, where Tatler brought together some of Asia’s most influential and stylish women. The feature showcased her as a voice for cross-cultural connection and contemporary equestrian lifestyle.

Equestrian Living | Connecting East and West

Melissa Lu, founder of ELLA, has been featured in publications such as Equestrian Living,
one of the leading equestrian lifestyle magazines in the United States. In these features, she offers a thoughtful perspective on the development of the equestrian scene as a “Window to China” and how the sport is growing and happenings in the East.

As someone who has lived and worked across both the U.S. and Asia, Melissa speaks to the value of cultural exchange—highlighting how equestrian lifestyle is growing and markets like China are embracing the equine industry with enthusiasm. Her goal has long been to help bridge communities and introduce more people, particularly in Asia and China, to the depth and richness of equestrian living.

Equestrian Living has also highlighted Melissa for her take on style—often rooted in
timeless equestrian influences with a contemporary edge. These features reflect a natural extension of her work with ELLA, where lifestyle, heritage, and design come together in thoughtful and accessible ways.

Melissa’s presence in both Western and Eastern equestrian spaces is part of an ongoing
journey to create dialogue and build authentic community with the common language for
the love of the horse across borders.