Vintage dealers from around the world discuss the appeal of Polo Ralph Lauren.
Richard Corrigan (METROPOLIS VINTAGE)
The first person I spoke with was Richard Corrigan of “METROPOLIS VINTAGE,” who joined us from the brand’s headquarters in New York.
“I’ve been carrying Ralph Lauren since the ’80s, and throughout that time, I’ve felt a strong connection to Japan. Even back then, many Japanese dealers would come to my store and to flea markets, and I myself visited Japan frequently. Whether it’s vintage jeans or American casual and Ivy League styling, I believe the Japanese played a major role in discovering and popularizing their appeal. In that sense, I feel that holding the first “PoloFest” in Japan is a sign of Ralph Lauren’s respect for Japan.”
Although it is an American brand, the Japanese fashion scene has delved into its essence, added its own unique interpretations, and shared it with the world. His words—shaped by his experience engaging with the brand through vintage pieces—highlight the close relationship between Japan and *Ralph Lauren*.
Cojimo Champolini & Valentina Fiaschi (TARTAN VINTAGE)
Next up are Cosimo Camporini and Valentina Fiaschi, who run “TARTAN VINTAGE” in Florence, Italy. The two, who opened their shop about 10 years ago, describe the appeal of Ralph Lauren in Italy as follows.
"In Italy, Ralph Lauren items from the ’80s and ’90s have become iconic. The rugby shirts, in particular, are incredibly popular. Ralph Lauren has a unique appeal that’s distinctly American—one that’s different from the craftsmanship of Italian tailoring. I’m particularly impressed by their skill in working with thick fabrics like cotton and tweed.”
With its unique use of materials and striking presence—hallmarks of American products—this collection captivates even the most discerning connoisseurs in Italy, the land of fine tailoring. It seems to embody a distinct Ralph Lauren aesthetic that cannot be fully captured by the label “American” alone.
Jesse Heifetz & Drew Heifetz (F AS IN FRANK)
From Vancouver, Canada, Jesse and Drew Heifetz of “F AS IN FRANK”—brothers who run one of North America’s leading vintage shops—joined the event.
“Polo Ralph Lauren offers a wide range of styles that complement any look. Thanks to the growth of the internet, you now see similar styles no matter which city you visit, but this brand is perfect for standing out from the crowd. Especially since it gets cold in Canada, heavy-duty, lumberjack-style items—like buffalo-check outerwear made from thick wool—are very popular for the coming season.”
Clothing preferences vary depending on the country and climate. Even so, there seems to be a common thread: the ability to embrace the wearer’s individuality and adapt to a wide range of styles.
