A Dip into Ralph Lauren
“Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever”
– Ralph Lauren
Wise words from the director of one of the most established heritage wear fashion houses to this day. Encapsulating the British countryside alliance into rugged elbow patches and flat caps, American born brand Ralph Lauren has been creating refined gentlemen since 1967 and since has developed ranges for ladies, children and homeware. What began as a small town business selling neckties under his own design in a store he named ‘POLO’; Lauren developed an irresistible vision to be the guardian of the ‘American Dream’. According to the brand website, the American Dream was the inspiration for his idyllic lifestyle; families in the country, farming, sailing, hiking, “Sometimes it takes just one thing to excite a whole sensibility about a world. One photograph of a look, one old jacket, and then I build it.” (-Ralph Lauren)
As an enthusiast for the sport, the emblem embroided onto many of Ralph Lauren’s designs of the horse and rider playing Polo has remained an iconic brand image, reimagined year after year in his collections, reviving the stylish element of equestrianism. Illustriously known for his tweed blazers, crisp and colourful shirts, knitted jumpers and of course, the famed Polo shirt – the brand is often referred to for country and sportswear, promoting active and fulfilling lifestyles.
“Dedicated to the highest level of quality, Ralph Lauren is the ultimate expression of luxury for today’s gentleman” (- Official Ralph Lauren website)
The Ralph Lauren brand today has five main sub brands; Collection, Polo, Purple Label, Black Label & RRL which cater for different price ranges, occasions, fabrics and style. Purple Label for example, is the brands premium menswear range renowned for its prestigious and elegant motif, unparalleled construction and precise tailoring. Whilst RRL is the working man’s heritage label supplying cotton work shirts inspired by the miners and cowboys.
We must all be familiar with the idea that objects can harness magical qualities, relative to histories and events, actions and emotions – well that’s how we feel about preloved clothing; each garment has a story to tell, it’s lived before, seen a thousand sights and has been reincarnated into something you may purchase from us and learn to love once more. The tales of preloved clothing can be as romanticised or as heart wrenching as they come, it’s up to you to give our once-adored clothing a new lease of life!
