The modern, preppy look is back
After nearly a decade, Polo Ralph Lauren opened its second store at Greenbelt 5, and it's a bastion of the modern, preppy lifestyle.
“We didn’t have the space before,” says Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) Group president Anton Huang, referring to the dedicated women’s section in the 119 square-meter boutique. “Now it’s a proper store.”
The July 12 opening was star-studded, with celebrity endorsers like the Pangilinan family — Anthony and Maricel with son Donny and daughter Ella — Miss Universe 2023 contender Celeste Cortesi, actor Troy Montero, TV host Christine Jacob-Sandejas, actresses Kyline Alcantara, Sofia Andres, Barbie Imperial and Chie Filomeno, fashion designer Chris Nick, influencer Janeena Chan, and Anton’s daughter Nikki Huang.
Polo fans will be happy to know that the Heritage Icons are front and center, with over 15 colors of the Hamptons-inspired polo shirt, which has been a classic since it was first introduced in 1972.
The shirt with the number-3 patch is prominent: apparently, in polo, the game that heavily inspired the brand, number 3 is worn by the player who is classed as the strongest on the team.
Polo Ralph Lauren’s spring-summer 2023 collections include Key West, which is for men who enjoy the island lifestyle, while The Curator combines refined sportswear with an understated, sophisticated, Manhattan gallery/Ivy League look.
The Summit range is the active line, featuring archival styles and technical performance, while the South America assortment is perfect for warmer weather and adventurous, outdoorsy types, with its Indiana Jones vibes.
Three themes for women
The Polo Ralph Lauren women’s collection, which was unavailable for a few years, is back with three collections: Mediterranean, which embodies the destination’s allure with nautical stripes, block print florals, and rustic woven fabrics in an ocean-inspired palette; California Modern, which showcases chic, tailored pieces, summer dresses, and crisp button-downs inspired by California's coastal architecture; and Laurel Canyon, which captures the free-spirited style of the ’70s with lightweight suiting, shirting stripes, and romantic florals.
Additionally, the Polo ID Collection features timeless handbags, leather goods, and footwear crafted with authentic equestrian details — accessories that are always sought after by Polo’s female clientele.
Classic, elegant ambiance
The store itself embodies the classic, elegant ambiance the brand is known for. White walls and tasteful, neutral pieces, such as a brown leather sofa and vintage steamer trunks, contribute to the timeless aesthetic.
The decoration and visual-merchandising teams from Polo Ralph Lauren’s regional headquarters personally curated and arranged the merchandise, ensuring a cohesive display that encapsulates the brand’s rich heritage.
Aiming to capture a wider audience and make the brand more accessible, two other stores are set to open this year: Rustan’s Makati in September and Solaire in December.
These purveyors of the preppy lifestyle are truly back.
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In the Philippines, Polo Ralph Lauren is available through boutiques owned and operated by Stores Specialists, Inc., located in Shangri-La Plaza East Wing and the newly opened boutique in Greenbelt 5.
Polo Ralph Lauren is also available online through Trunc.ph, Lazada.ph, and Rustans.com. Follow @ssilifeph and @rustansph on Instagram for more information.
