December 6, 2024 | 12:00am
To fashionistas, the clothing brand Polo by American designer Ralph Lauren is defined by an elite American lifestyle, a classic look that has not lost its appeal since it was created in 1967. A glance at its iconic logo will remind you that this hugely successful global empire is inspired by the polo game, that most elevated of sports.
You need to own a horse(s), or at least have a close relationship with one, to participate in this exciting, sometimes precarious game. Equestrian players chase a tiny ball across a big green field, hoping to score a goal. Dating back to the 6th century AD in Persia, where it was a way of training the king’s elite cavalry, it has evolved into a sport characterized by style and elegance.
Right in Forbes Park, Makati, we have the Manila Polo Club which was built by my Lolo Pablo Antonio in 1949. I have always loved watching this game because my first cousin Antonio Veloso is a polo player. It was a thrill to hear every so often, “Goal…by Veloso!”
Sporty, colorful casual wear at Polo by Ralph Lauren
The game is a favorite of the British aristocracy and Polo by Ralph Lauren evokes their look, a style loved by affluent Americans in the East Coast. But this look turned out to resonate with Americans everywhere, and then with people all over the world. It gained further popularity when Ralph Lauren designed the menswear for The Great Gatsby (1974) and some of the clothes of Woody Allen and Diane Keaton in Annie Hall (1977).
“I’m interested in longevity, timelessness, style—not fashion,” said Ralph Lauren in describing his work.
This December, shoppers can appreciate the attractive merchandizing display at the Polo by Ralph Lauren store at Rustan’s Makati, Level 1. If it feels like you’re in a Polo store in the US, it’s because an American team was here to do the holiday display. Once inside, you will quickly be joined by a continuous stream of shoppers which shows how much this brand is loved by fashionable Filipinos.
The classic polo shirt in colors is the most in-demand item
The most iconic and beloved item is the polo shirt in pique, done in a range of colors. Among the long-sleeved shirts, there is a certain plaid print that you immediately identify with Polo by Ralph Lauren. Then, to inform you as to the key look of the season, just check out what adorable Polo Bear is wearing. This cute character appears on T-shirts, hoodies, sweaters and more.
The brand hopes to appeal to more women since its core market is sporty and stylish men. Sequined polos, easy white denim dresses and saddle bags have been added to the line of colorful polo shirts and footwear for women. I love the sweaters, all in cashmere, which are casual and luxe at the same time.
For Polo’s 2024 Holiday collection, the plaids, holiday knits and sophisticated outerwear are great for either going out on the town or throwing intimate parties at home. It’s easy to pull together a number of looks from the shirts, jackets, sweaters, vests, belts, bags and sneakers.
I imagine the Polo holiday collection so suited to sauntering around the exclusive Baguio Country Club and even, of course, the Manila Polo Club. But the cable knit sweaters and lightweight jackets are perfect anywhere in the chilly weeks to come. It’s a very American and, therefore, a very democratic brand.
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