A polo player on horseback holding a mallet preparing to strike a ball: It’s because of this iconic logo, sewn on shirts, sweaters and hoodies, that those who wear Polo Ralph Lauren garments recognize each other in the crowd. They are united by the same values of quality, elegance and ease – key elements of American style. Now we can join the club: two Polo Ralph Lauren stores have opened in Kyiv.
Heritage
It all started with a little startup of young entrepreneur Ralph Lauren in 1967, and evolved into an international fashion empire. When the designer chose polo as his brand’s symbol, his targets were the wealthy fans of the sport of polo. It was a good choice: after 50 years his shirts are still perceived as synonymous with success and well-being.
Polo shirt
“We owe it to those vibrant polo shirts that our school and university uniforms were non deadly boring,” Americans often say. Today this iconic shirt still embodies the so-called Preppy style, and can be paired with literally anything. For example, with the classic blazer – as worn by Ralph Lauren himself.
Americana
Effortless elegance and the ability to add a sporty element to business-style clothing are still in the core of Polo Ralph Lauren’s vision. The designer also pays homage to his country, his major source of inspiration, by using the image of American flag on sweaters, denim jackets and hoodies.
Blazer
The double-breasted jacket has become Polo Ralph Lauren’s iconic statement piece. It can be worn genderless, by men and women or kids alike, as the designer himself and his family does. Gold-buttoned, satin-lapelled or just a plain navy one: it gives space to the imagination and can be paired with basic jeans, a dress, or a knitted sweater, creating a perfect outfit for any context.
Denim
Denim is the key to American style, and Ralph Lauren works a lot with jeans materials. As the vintage denim trend is back, we can finally start to wear a total look again: like a pair of old-school blue jeans with matching denim jacket and brown cowboy boots, as Mr. Lauren himself likes.
Polo bear
Apart from the polo player, the teddy bear is another symbol of the brand. It started to appear as a print on the clothes because of Jerry Lauren’s collection of Steiff toys. The employees gifted both Ralph and his brother Jerry lookalike teddies for their birthdays in the 1990, and next year Steiff released a limited edition collection of teddy bears wearing Polo Ralph Lauren. The toys, nicknamed Preppy Bear by the clients, sold out in one weekend!
POLO RALPH LAUREN, Gulliver Mall, 1-A, Sportyvna Square, t. 044 501 8110
POLO RALPH LAUREN, Ocean Plaza, 176, Antonovycha St., t. 044 501 8100
