Ralph’s sub line RRL supplies old American Western flavours for the contemporary.
The story of Polo by Ralph Lauren began with ties. As it grew it spawned a world of textile based goods with multiple sub labels which embody the ideals of class and wealth.
In 1992 they launched the sub label Polo Sport which became the uniform of hip hop. Whilst Polo Sport, like Polo, was marketed towards a preppy, upper class, mostly white consumer, it was adopted in the projects of New York by rappers, DJs and street hustlers for its iconic designs and aspirational identity.
RRL is a sub label which has never recieved the same amount of attention, but not of lack for style . Named after the ranch Ralph and his wife Ricky share, RRL is focused on providing top-of-the-line homage to the Old American West and early 1900s workwear.
Lauren often said “I am not a fashion person, I am anti-fashion. I am interested in longevity, timelessness and style.” This philosophy permeates into the identity of RRL. Many of the products are interpreatations of garments and materials that have been in use for over a hundred years. This is highlighted with overdyed tees and half faded prints that give the garments a pre worn aesthetic, the sort of wear a cowboy gives his boots.
For a long time RRL was hard to obtain, it was restricted to a limited list of stockists. Ralph intended for there to be a level of secrecy for the line, a ‘for those that know’ brand. The construction of their garments is specialist and he intended the customer base to mirror that.
Check out the range on offer at Yards here and see what you think.
