Ralph Lauren when men's winter marries elegance

Class and elegance: looking at all the Polo Ralph Lauren men's collections, nothing else can come to mind.
The simple and impeccable design, uncompromising sophistication, and unquestionable good taste are the soul and body of this brand that resembles its creator in every way: Ralph, a gentleman who fully intends to be one. The desire that sparked the creation of this unparalleled fashion house was to create a clothing line that was timeless, with pieces of ageless elegance and everlasting charm. It cannot be denied that this perspective has been widely realized. Ralph Lauren's style is sophisticated, its charm is undeniable, and it will never grow old. After all, everyone in life has at least once quoted Ralph's motto: “Fashion fades, style is eternal”.

Polo Ralph Lauren: The iconic pieces

Polo Ralph Lauren clothing reflects a very specific concept: it doesn't aim to dress just any man, but a gentleman. An attribute laden with meaning that permeates a style intimately connected to the founder's innate class. The brand's Classic line is iconic not only for its immediately recognizable designs but also for the imagery it represents. Let's then discover these cornerstones of timeless elegance.

Knitwear is the flagship of this haute couture house, paired with minimalist-designed trousers it adds a refined touch that makes the outfit preciously chic. The most iconic knitwear pieces are undoubtedly the Polo shirts: in cotton piqué or ribbed velvet, long or short-sleeved, slim or regular fit, and available in numerous shades, including the typical Navy Blue and burgundy.

Another distinctive piece is the cable-knit sweater which, in its simplicity, offers a refined prince style: in cotton or in Italian wool and cashmere yarn embellished with the exclusive pony, a design element emblematic of this brand. It proves to be very versatile in pairing choices due to the various color options in which it is produced, including the reddish-gray mélange and Andover cream.

From sport to the runway: the world of Ralph Lauren

The sporty influence on style choices is strong and is fully expressed by two garments: the Cricket sweater and the Rugby sweater. The first is characterized by a cream cable-knit pattern, a V-neck, striped finish in the traditional colors of American schools, and the iconic embroidered pony logo. It is also available in a Prince of Wales wool variant with college-style stripes on the collar. On the other hand, the rugby shirt is made of cotton jersey on a navy blue cruise base and features details in burgundy, gold, or green.

Jackets and outerwear are the most charming elements of the outfits from this made in the USA brand, which, in its concept of class and refinement, has created unparalleled garments: the RL67 herringbone jacket in pairs of brown/camel and black/cream shades, the modern-cut military jacket in olive mountain color with exclusive patches, the Prince of Wales jacquard fleece jacket with contrasting leather and faux suede finishes, and the waxed navy blue Car coat inspired by the jackets of early 20th-century sailors.

The most famous is the classic Polo jacket, a double-breasted in the finest wool that creates the perfect blend of sartorial style and sportswear thanks to its refined details and slim silhouette.

Another flagship of the house is the men's shirts, with the most famous ones being the corduroy camp shirt and the oxford model, both embroidered with the iconic pony.

Polo Ralph Lauren: men's Fall Winter 2023/2024 Collection

Every Polo Ralph Lauren collection introduces models that consistently claim a role that seems rightfully theirs, reflecting the timeless style concept and destined to be must-haves in the most sophisticated wardrobes. This year, too, the American brand has released models of rare elegance that combine the refined style of haute couture with the practicality of the sports world.

In this collection, some pieces are reintroduced with a modern twist, such as the Polo Soft jacket, the handmade Scottish Kent, or the Caban in fine navy blue twill with corozo buttons. However, there are also innovative elements, such as the charcoal blue 3-in-1 Parka, a set consisting of a canvas jacket and a quilted ripstop liner with a soft faux fur lining inside.

There are also significant innovations in knitwear: a hand-knit shawl-collar cardigan with an off-white pattern on a black base, made from Italian and Scottish cashmere and featuring genuine horn buttons; a sweater with the United States flag inspired by the one that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, a banner that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the U.S. national anthem, and whose restoration Lauren himself contributed to in '98; the custom-fit denim shirt with embroidered pony and the Tattersall shirt, which showcases a black and white checkered pattern with mother-of-pearl button closures.

The maison also offers footwear, including the retro-inspired Sneaker Trackster 200 and the Chukka Talan boots in waxed cowhide leather for a casual chic style.

Polo Ralph Lauren: a bit of brand history

The iconic style of this brand reflects the taste and sophistication of Ralph Lifschitz, known as Ralph Lauren: an American born in 1939 in the Bronx to a family of Jewish immigrants from Belarus. Young Ralph created his label, Polo Ralph Lauren, in 1967, inspired by a distinctive sport in a world of class, elegance, and discretion. In his studio at the Empire State Building, he developed a collection of wide, handmade ties inspired by the glamour of old Hollywood, which gained enormous success. He later released a complete line of men's clothing, leading him to open a boutique inside Bloomingdale's in New York and shortly after, the opening of the first independent store. In just 10 years, his stores appeared all over the country: Beverly Hills, Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Chicago, Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. In 1971, Ralph introduced tailored women's shirts adorned with an embroidered pony, which later became the brand's icon, followed by a complete women's collection. The year 1972 marked the launch of the brand's most well-known piece, the exclusive polo: crafted with premium materials and available in a wide range of colors, it became a symbol of American style.

During this time, a collaboration between the designer and the world of cinema also blossomed: Ralph dressed all the male actors in the film "The Great Gatsby" with the Polo collection and specially created the elegant pink suit for Robert Redford, portraying Jay Gatsby. He also took on the task of shaping the unmistakable look of Diane Keaton in the film "Annie Hall," enhancing the original and tender personality of the protagonist.

In less than a decade of business, Ralph won the Coty Award for both women's and men's clothing and embarked on new projects to enrich his brand. This included the creation of a men's fragrance featuring notes of pine, leather, and tobacco encased in an exclusive green bottle inspired by a vintage flask. Additionally, he opened the first European store on New Bond Street in London, characterized by a gentleman's club aesthetic that would become the hallmark of all his shops; he also delved into creating a home line along with a collection of paintings. Ralph then focused on the renovation of the Rhinelander Mansion on Madison Avenue in New York, creating a multi-floor space with a well-defined concept—an innovation that effectively redefined the retail world. He also ventured into the realm of dining by opening his first restaurant in Chicago; then, combining all these fields, he inaugurated a flagship store with a restaurant in Paris located on Boulevard Saint-Germain inside an 18th-century hotel particulier. However, his entrepreneurial spirit has never overshadowed his tailoring artistry, and over more than 50 years, he has conceived numerous collections that now breathe life into the luxurious style of Polo Ralph Lauren—different approaches converging into a singular concept of elegance.

How to Recognize an Authentic Ralph Lauren 

Polo Ralph Lauren clothing, like many luxury brands, is susceptible to counterfeits that harm buyers and the headquarters. To avoid falling victim to scams, in addition to strategies applicable to every brand, there are specific techniques to ensure you are purchasing an authentic garment.

To expose fakes, it's generally necessary to be wary of excessively low prices, analyze both internal and external seams, which should be seamless and uniform, and inspect the internal labels for any writing errors or other anomalies.

After these initial essential steps, let's now see how an authentic RL garment looks:

• The internal label has a central part with the inscription "Polo by Ralph Lauren": the font is the characteristic RL one, and the color of the writing, when held up to the light, appears silvery. Of course, this is not a print but an embroidery, which can be verified by the presence of blue dots typical of hand-sewn stitches. Additionally, the back should be a bright silver color.
• Next to the central one, on the right, there is a label indicating the size of the garment. In a fake model, it is usually missing or placed elsewhere.
• There is also a lower tab indicating the model or the material of the product. On the back of this tab, there is an identification code consisting of two letters and a series of numbers.
• The most visible and also the most important part is the exclusive Pony, which must be perfectly embroidered and have no defects.
• The fashion house is also gradually incorporating QR codes next to the labels of its garments: this is a digital tag that allows you to verify the authenticity of the product through a smartphone. A quick, immediate, and secure method.

Where to buy Ralph Lauren men's Fall Winter 2023/2024 Collection

If after reading our article you feel like purchasing a piece from Ralph Lauren men's fall-winter 2023/2024 collection, you're in the right place. It's indeed possible to find the best deals related to the made in Italy brand on Pier Abbigliamento; visit our store and stay updated on discounts and promotions related to Ralph Lauren.