In 1972, four years after successfully launching a line of 26 neckties, Ralph Lauren decided to try the polo on for size. Sophistocated casual, all-American nonchalance: inspired by the American bourgeoisie of families in the Hamptons and prep school kids. The polo established the classic American or neo-British style of Ralph Lauren.
The short-sleeved polo was then available in 24 colors. The female version, taking a page out of the mens’ book, came to be added to the Ralph Lauren ready-to-wear womenswear collection that had been established one year earlier.
Ralph Lauren said back in the day: “”My wife has great style, she would go into boy’s stores […] and people always wanted to know where we got those clothes. Women like that are what made me decide to create a womenswear line.”
40 years have gone by, but the Ralph Lauren polo hasn’t lost its magnificence and continues to convey tasteful prep.
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