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American Fashion Designer Ralph Lauren 's luxury
Lifestyle company. Polo Ralph Lauren specializes in
High-end casual/semi-formal wear for men and women, as well as
Accessories ,
Fragrance , and
Housewares .
The brand was launched in 1967 when Ralph Lauren, born Ralph Lifschitz, got a $50,000 loan. Prior to starting Ralph Lauren, he worked for Brooks Brothers. In 1968 he started a line of men's ties. By 1969 he had a boutique store within the
Manhattan Department Store Bloomingdale's . In 1971, Polo Ralph Lauren launched its first women's collection and his first standalone store in
Beverly Hills, California . Ten years later, in 1981, the brand went global with its first international store on
London's New Bond Street. The Polo Sport line came about in 1993.
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The brand now produces clothing, accessories, fragrances, furniture, operates the restaurant RL in Chicago, and sponsors a
Harlem cancer center in association with
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center . The flagship store is located at their store on
Newbury Street in
Boston, Massachusetts .
Ralph Lauren is one of the largest fashion designer/retailers in the United States, with sales almost reaching four billion dollars per year.
One of the most famous pieces in the Polo line is the classic polo short-sleeved
Knit shirt featuring the now-iconic Polo player on the left breast of the shirt. This shirt in particular became a fashion must-have in the
1980s with the
Preppy set. Other Polo classics include the
Cashmere cableknit sweater and the
Oxford Cloth button-down shirt.
Since Ralph Lauren's first brand, Polo, was launched in 1967, the company has expanded to include a variety of luxury brands. They include:
- Launched in 1994, this is Ralph Lauren's signature men's line, with classic, traditionally British styling. It includes Ready-to-wear Suits and Sportcoats (formerly made by St. Andrew's, now Canterelli), dress shirts, Sportswear , accessories, and Footwear , as well as a collection of Made-to-order suits, sportcoats, shoes, dress shirts, Exotic Skin Luggage , small leather goods, and jewelry. Purple Label is only available in Ralph Lauren stores and high-end Department Stores such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue .
- Similar in price point to Purple Label, Black Label for men tends to have a more modern, Italian cut to its suits, sportcoats (made by Corneliani), dress shirts, and sportswear, with higher armholes and a slimmer silhouette. Black Label is also only available in flagship Ralph Lauren stores and selected high-end department stores.
- His first brand for men, and also the most widely available. Spans from tailored clothing (ready-to-wear and made to measure), sportswear, accessories (including luggage), small leather goods. Available at many department and specialty stores as well as Ralph Lauren stores.
- A relaunch of the Polo Jeans Co. line. Denim basics available online and in department stores.
- Basics and suiting, available primarily through outlet and department stores.
- Similar to the Lauren brand, though with a slightly lower price point.
- The highest end clothing line for women (also carries a purple tag), as seen in his runway shows. Includes classic Eveningwear , tailored blazers, outerwear, Sportswear , Handbags , and Accessories .
- A modern, high-end casual and semi-formal line with prices just below Collection.
- Similar in price point and styling to the Polo men's line; has classic American styling.
- Less pricey versions of Blue Label styles.
- The ladies' version of the relaunched Polo Jeans Co. line. Denim basics available online and in department stores.
- A charity line of sportswear and accessories all carrying a pink Polo pony. A portion of the proceeds benefit Cancer research.
- (Ralph Lauren eXtreme ):A technical sports apparel line, focusing on clothing and outerwear built for outdoor sports such as Tennis , Golf , Skiing , Sailing , and Hiking .
- (Double RL): A denim and sportswear line that takes its influence from the American West . Available in Ralph Lauren stores as well as several smaller Double RL stores.
- Rugby : A brand launched in 2004 focusing on collegiate apparel with a similar look to the pricier Polo and Blue Label brands.
- Club Monaco
- : A luxury home furnishings and accessories line, including furniture (manufactured by Henredon furniture company), fabrics, tabletop, decorative accessories, bedding, and paint. Sold to the trade and in Ralph Lauren stores.
- : An upscale home brand, carries only tabletop, accessories, and bedding. Sold primarily through department stores.
In 2005, Polo Ralph Lauren and the
USTA signed a four year partnership making Polo the official apparel sponsor of the
US Open through 2008. All on-court ball persons and officials will be dressed in specially designed Ralph Lauren apparel.Appelbaum p.40
In 2006, Polo Ralph Lauren became the first Official Outfitter of
Wimbledon , redesigning the outfits for ballboys, line and court judges and the Wimbledon logo was adapted for this purpose. Ralph Lauren's Polo brand and style was used and a range of clothing for men and women was launched on 26th June.Los Angeles Times p.D4
The company also sponsors US professional golfers
Tom Watson ,
Jonathan Byrd ,
Davis Love III , and
Luke Donald ; as well as
LPGA golfer
Morgan Pressel .Business Wire
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Appelbaum
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Michael
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Tennis Apparel, Anyone
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Brandweek
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40
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2005
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2005-3-14
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Polo Ralph Lauren to Sponsor Morgan Pressel
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Business Wire
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1
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2006
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2006-3-15
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