HISTORY OF POLO RALPH LAUREN: SNOW BEACH CAPSULE COLLECTION OF '93
The designer's early life and the limited-edition capsule.
Most people know Ralph Lauren as the designer of the eponymous label, but what is often forgotten is that Ralph Lifshitz was the name in his formative years. The designer, and now richest man in American fashion, grew up in The Bronx in New York City as the youngest among 4 children of a Jewish working-class family of immigrants. It was his fantasy for living extravagantly back then that fueled the legacy that we’ve come to know. That nearly 25 years ago, Polo Sport Ralph Lauren would release its SNOW BEACH collection, as part of a limited-edition release — when Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon wore the infamous multi-colored pullover in Can It Be All So Simple — felt like fate.
Arguably, the first major commercial break that saw Polo Ralph Lauren in the space of popular media was on the silver screen. It was a 1974 adaptation of The Great Gatsby which dressed the male casts in Polo Ralph Lauren where Robert Redford was outfitted throughout. In its early years, the brand would be most associated with the preppy country-club crowd who donned slacks, ties and suits alike. But it wasn’t until the late ’80s to early ’90s where Polo Sport Ralph Lauren, the brand’s sports line, would find its way reeling back through Ralph Lifshitz’ past and into his grassroots New York neighborhood. The same sensibility for affluent living that the brand was conceptualized around, would strike a note in the minds of rappers and youths alike, forever changing the visual language of the brand today.
The label’s original 1993 SNOW BEACH collection was inspired by the attitude of early ’90s snowboarding culture. It was defined by an eclectic mix of prime color-blocking and graphics over technical pieces. The outdoor styles introduced a new aesthetic that went on to become highly sought-after collector’s items; a status symbol for aspiring youths and a way of life for ‘Lo heads.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of its SNOW BEACH imprint, Polo Ralph Lauren is re-releasing the limited edition collection. From its original ‘93 debut, this coming collection will be packing a slew of updated designs dubbed as the “Color” capsule, alongside a bonus line-up of monochromatic silhouettes in the “Black & White” capsule.
The Polo Ralph Lauren SNOW BEACH "Color" Capsule Collection will be releasing at 9AM EST, Jan 25. The "Black & White" Capsule Collection will release at 9AM EST, Feb 1.
