Ralph Lauren and Clot Are Reimagining Classic Polo Pieces to Celebrate the Year of the Ox
There is simply no way to talk about American fashion without talking about Ralph Lauren. The man and the brand that bears his name are synonymous with stateside style. But the really heartening thing about that—the thing that points to the impressive level of optimism underpinning the entire decades-long project of creating the mythos of Ralph Lauren—is the fact that the 81-year-old designer and his team didn't rise to their current positions by being one-trick (polo) ponies. Rather, it was the mashing-up of disparate influences ranging from New England prep to Western ranch-wear to military clothing that turned Ralph into the juggernaut it is today.
For 2o21, Ralph and the crew are expanding that set of influences by teaming up with Clot, the Hong Kong-based streetwear and lifestyle label founded by Edison Chen and Kevin Poon in 2003. The new collection, debuting at the end of this month to celebrate the Lunar New Year and the ushering-in of the Year of the Ox on February 12, is officially dubbed "Polo by Ralph Lauren. The Clot Collection" and takes all those Americana classics that are so Very Ralph and filters them through Clot's own design perspective.
The result is a collection of Polo classics—oxford cloth button-downs, chambray work shirts, windbreakers, chinos, and more—finished with details like silk panels and frog button closures. They're still as familiar as ever (who, after all, could ever mistake Polo for anything other than Polo?) but thanks to Clot's Chinese heritage and streetwear literacy, they bring a new dimension to the ever-expanding set of references that encompass Polo as a whole. And considering Clot's history of collabs with the likes of Nike, things wouldn't be complete without a sneaker, so there's also a Chen and Poon-approved riff on the Polo Court in the mix.
The new collection will hit shelves on January 27 at select Ralph Lauren and Dover Street Market locations, plus Clot's own Juice boutiques. Digitally, you can try your luck on the Ralph Lauren and Juice websites, plus the Polo app. As with any special RL release, expect a little competition. But the Year of the Ox is all about hard work and positivity. Just channel that energy and hopefully you'll score the W you've been waiting for.
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