Japanese fans share their half-century-long love for the series.
Tatsuro Sugihara (ROW)
Of course, when discussing Polo Ralph Lauren, the presence of Japanese fans is indispensable. Take Tatsuro Sugihara of “ROW,” a vintage shop based in Osaka that specializes in American vintage clothing from the ’90s and ’00s. He says the first Polo Ralph Lauren item he ever owned was a T-shirt he bought when he was in middle school.
“Back then, with the LO Life trend in full swing, I used to wear oversized pieces and viewed *Ralph Lauren* through the lens of hip-hop and street culture. Even now, some 20 years later, I can still incorporate it into a smart, put-together look like the one I’m wearing today. Polo Ralph Lauren has that kind of versatility that appeals to everyone, regardless of age or gender. That’s why I think it has a charm that endures across the generations.”
From the days of youth, when it was worn as a street style icon, to the present, when it’s incorporated into mature wardrobes. Even though it’s the same brand, it changes its look to suit the wearer’s age and lifestyle. Perhaps that very experience is the reason it has remained beloved for so many years.
Tez Saito (Reflex)
And then there’s Tez Saito, who runs “Reflex” in Nakameguro. He was working at Ralph Lauren when Double RL first launched in Japan and is a key figure who knows the brand’s history inside and out.
"The moment I stepped inside the building, I was so moved by how meticulously it was put together that I almost started crying. I even thought, 'Maybe I should just quit my job' (laughs). The power of a global brand really is incredible. An event on this scale—it might have been the first since the fashion show we held in Harajuku back when I was a new employee."
Ralph Lauren has a variety of lines, such as Polo Sport, Double RL, and Purple Label, but each one isn’t just about individual items—they’re designed to embody a whole worldview. “That’s why items from Polo Ralph Lauren and other lines can be mixed and matched without looking out of place. And Polo Ralph Lauren is the foundation from which all these diverse lines stem.”
The brand offers a range of lines that share a common worldview yet each possess their own distinct character. It is precisely because the underlying aesthetic sensibility remains consistent that these pieces can be freely mixed and matched to create a cohesive style. I feel that Mr. Saito’s words—spoken as someone who has closely followed the brand for many years—capture the very essence of *Ralph Lauren*.
The “A Speaker Series” featured renowned collectors and creators with ties to Polo Ralph Lauren from both Japan and abroad. Held over three days for a total of 13 sessions, the series greatly contributed to the excitement of “PoloFest.”
In addition, talk sessions were held throughout the three days where various Ralph Lauren enthusiasts exchanged views. In addition to a large number of experts who traveled from overseas, figures who have led Japanese men’s fashion culture—including illustrator Hiroshi Wataya, editor Masafumi Suzuki, and stylist and fashion director Akio Hasegawa—shared stories exclusive to “PoloFest.”
