Ralph Lauren is a designer that we all know, and he takes pride in providing timeless fashion to the world. However, the question among some is Ralph Lauren's Polo truly traditional, or is it a modern spin-off? I personally like Ralph's clothes, and I find them to be classic designs. However, the fit of his suits and sport coats are anything but the traditional sack style. I am also guilty of varying from the traditional sack style set forth by Ivy League students and staff. I prefer my waist to be taken in a little. Still yet, Polo is a great source for tweeds, classic shoes, ties, etc. I can't say I would wear all of the brands items, but I give Polo a thumbs up. What do you think, I am interested to know.
8 comments:
Ralph Lauren Polo fulfills a function in those parts of the U.S. (and the world) where authentic tradional Ivy clothing can't be found. But, if one can still find the real thing, why settle for a spin-off?
It may not be strictly traditional, but I like Polo's clothing. This season's fondness for the "Big Pony" is a bit flashy for my taste though. Outside of that, everything is still good. On a related note, Ralph Lauren's low-end lines are surprisingly good. My first suit was a black, pin-striped three button from Chaps, and it held its own in my ever-expanding wardrobe for a long time.
Polo is good. Get's the job done. Kind of expensive but they can get it so why not? I'd buy their sportshirts if they made more without ponies. I'm too tall for what they stock in suits and jackets and their mtm is out'a my reach. Great ties when on sale. Always a hugh selection of madras shirts, but again too many ponies.
He combined traditional with the 1930's and 40's, and ran it through an English lens. Out came RL's signature look. I like his stuff, especially if I can't find originals to suit. A lot of vintage works just as well. and if you are a fan of traditional, the bastions are still here.
My first choice is J. Press, followed by Brooks Brothers. I like RL for casual wear. And the quality is usually very high for items bought/sold in brand name retailers: Macy's etc. I have found that the same cannot be said for RL brand items sold at RL outlet stores.
I don't think RL really 'gets it' when it comes to preppy / waspy clothing. He comes close but always seems to miss the mark for me. And I've always found RL's models, especially the male models, to have a eerily Aryan look about them.
Just my two cents worth....
I only own a few pieces of Ralph Lauren clothing. I find the clothes to be very well made and of a modern cut, but I do see them as being "spin-offs" of more traditional clothing. As such, I would recommend that before one considers Ralph Lauren look at Brooks Brothers, J. Press, etc. These retailers are the real deal, have better quality clothing, and are often less expensive.
The problem with Polo is that it has been usurped to a great extent by Yuppies and Hip-Hop artists. Take the new "Big Pony," for instance. The only reason for this is so the wearer can flash their wealth. I can't think of anything less preppy or traditional than that.
Cut from stunning cotton piqué--the knit fabric of genuine Polo shirts. Ralph Lauren adds a new detail this season by choosing heathered yarns to update his classic cotton polos. This piece is a reminder of why Ralph Lauren is still the standard in American sportswear
I like some of Ralph Laurens stuff, such as their pants and the polo's with a little polo player on it. I don't like however like having an entire polo match played on my chest. I know this is an old article, however I noticed someone mentioned the brand being usurped by hip-hop "artist" yuppies, and frat-boys. Fakes on ebay have also lead to Ralph Laurens downfall. Lacoste has also suffered the same fate.
Fred Perry is a good alternative, and Marc Jacobs has some good stuff. And about a big polo player showing off wealth: I'd think a big D&G would fulfill the purpose better as Dolce and Gabbana tends to be priced higher than even the ostentatiously big polo player (or worse: The whole polo match on the chest)
Post a Comment