THE FASHIONISTA BIBLE · JAPONISTA UNIVERSE
Ralph Lauren: Ivy, Prairie and the Polo Pony
Ralph Lauren began in 1967 with a line of wide neckties under the Polo name, and menswear followed in 1968. Over the decades the house built a complete American world out of Ivy League tailoring, western ranch wear and military surplus, and in 1993 added RRL, a workwear line with a more archival bent.
Japan is a natural home for that vocabulary. The Ivy look reached Tokyo in the postwar years through VAN Jacket and the 1965 photo book Take Ivy, and the trad and amekaji traditions that grew from it have kept Ralph Lauren close to Japanese wardrobes ever since. Well-cared-for knitwear, oxford shirts, chinos and outerwear from earlier decades are easy to find here.
Look at fabric hand, label generation and wear at collars and cuffs, and use the size notes on each piece rather than the label alone, since cuts have changed across the decades.
The Hunting Salon™
If you are looking for a particular Ralph Lauren, Polo or RRL piece, the Hunting Salon™ can assist discreetly with search, verification and shipping.
Curator’s note: Read Ametora and What Is Amekaji? for the Japanese side of the story. Continue with the Fashionista Bible, the directory of Japanese fashion designers and the collector guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is RRL?
Ralph Lauren’s workwear-inspired line, launched in 1993.
How is condition described?
Every piece carries a Japanese condition rank from N to C, explained in Japanese Condition Ranks Explained.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes. Duties vary by destination; see Import Duties on Luxury Goods from Japan.
Index terms: ralph lauren · polo ralph lauren · rrl · double rl · ralph lauren vintage · ivy style · take ivy · american trad japan · amekaji
