On July 4, the USA – the country of freedom, entrepreneurship and “self-made” philosophy, are celebrating 243rd anniversary of independence. For about a fifth of this time, Ralph Lauren, the designer, who realized the American dream, has been creating the authentic American style. Why do the clothes from Ralph magically charge actions with American dream? We will explain using the symbols of the best-selling items from Polo Ralph Lauren.
The Man As A Symbol Himself
Polo Ralph Lauren
The date of “67” on the T-shirt refers back to the year, when Lauren opened his first store selling ties, without any formal education or experience in design. Below, Lauren is pictured at the peak of his success (he is now among the Top 100 richest people in America) against the background of the most important symbol of the country that brought him everything he had ever dreamt about.
The autograph of the designer looking upward confirms that anybody, who is not afraid to dream, risk and work hard can achieve huge success.
The Wealthy Player
Polo Ralph Lauren
Lauren explains that he achieved success because he never wanted to engage himself in fashion or in creating something brand new. The designer focused on creating a lifestyle that won over the hearts of risky and ambitious Americans.
That is how the idea of the logo with a polo player holding his mallet high ready for the victory shot appeared. Why a polo player? “Well, what kind of people play polo?” Lauren asks. “Wealthy, cosmopolitan, chic. I wanted to create a concept for the name.”
The First-Flag Sweater
Polo Ralph Lauren
The US flag sweater first appeared in 1989 with RL initials in the place of the stars. In later collections, Ralph returned the 13 stars to the blue rectangle as a tribute to the first flag of the free America, which inspired poet Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem. Interestingly, ten years after the first flag sweater was launched, Lauren donated $13 million to the Smithsonian museum for restoration of that 200-year old US flag.
The Most Stylish Bear
Polo Ralph Lauren
The idea of creating a character that embodies the dream of every American about a prosperous and relaxed life came to Ralph in 1991, when his employees gave him a teddy bear dressed exactly as Ralph for his birthday.
American journalists compare The Polo Bear to Barbie for its skill to look harmoniously in any role – here, he is drinking champagne in an elegant three-piece suit, and there – surfing in his swim trunks, or proudly holding the American flag in a white preppy suit.
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