The world of Ralph Lauren, extending beyond the brand's history.
A gathering of vintage clothing collectors and creators who explore the appeal of Polo Ralph Lauren from their own unique perspectives. What has this globally beloved brand cultivated in Japan over the past half-century? The fact that Tokyo was chosen as the venue for the landmark first edition of “PoloFest”—an event designed to explore that very question—is sure to delight not only fans but everyone else as well.
DESIGNED IN NEW YORK
New York, the home of . This city, where an aesthetic sensibility rooted in history and innovative energy thrive, is both a vital source of inspiration and a key hub for the brand.
COLLEGIATE STYLE
The relaxed, classic style of Ivy League students has had a major influence on Ralph Lauren. Navy blazers, cricket sweaters, and rep ties are iconic examples of this style, and they continue to be passed down as timeless wardrobe staples that symbolize the brand.
POLO SPORT
Sports are also a key element in shaping the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. The “SNOW BEACH” and “STADIUM” collections, which debuted in the early 1990s, continue to enjoy a devoted following among Polo collectors today. Another defining moment in the brand’s history was in 1992, during the Barcelona Olympics, when Polo Ralph Lauren launched a collection featuring track and field and other sports, as well as USA-themed motifs.
The first thing that caught my eye upon entering the venue was a series of exhibits that vividly brought to life the world that *Ralph Lauren* has built over many years through six distinct styling concepts.
Based on styling created from the vast archive of pieces dating back to the brand’s founding approximately 60 years ago, the exhibition is designed to allow visitors to revisit the stories that has created over the years.
From among them, we’ve picked out three looks that particularly caught our eye at Fuinam to share with you.
POLO COUNTRY
Country style—one of Ralph Lauren’s defining aesthetic influences—features distressed jeans, a stars-and-stripes sweater, as well as iconic motifs like buffalo check and tartan, creating a space that is packed to the brim with the rugged charm of American casual wear, evoking the “good old days” of America. Many of you are likely aware that this eventually evolved into the legendary “Polo Country” line, which was launched in the late 1980s and continued through the 1990s.
THE AMERICAN WEST
In “THE AMERICAN WEST,” Ralph Lauren expresses his longing for the wilderness and the American spirit—which he has cherished ever since watching cowboy movies as a boy—through Western wear. One of Ralph Lauren’s greatest achievements is undoubtedly his ability to reinterpret Native American and cowboy attire into sophisticated fashion styles.
ENGLISH TWEED
Although it is a brand based on the East Coast of the United States, the deep respect it has consistently shown for the tradition and history inherent in British traditional style—the very foundation of its fashion—is an indispensable element when discussing Ralph Lauren’s creative vision. In the “ENGLISH TWEED” collection, Ralph Lauren reimagined British country style in his own unique way, incorporating tweed jackets and Fair Isle knits previously released by Polo Ralph Lauren.
While drawing inspiration from the American wilderness, the brand also pays homage to British tradition. The unique charm of *Ralph Lauren* lies in its ability to seamlessly blend these diverse cultures and styles into a single aesthetic.
