Ralph Lauren brand hierarchy?

[Joel_Cairo]

Hi guys, I've been lurking for a month or so, and just recently became a member. I have a question about the various sub-brands of Ralph Lauren. Specifically, how do they break down? There's purple label, black label, blue label (which I often see recommended as a decent cheapie), but what is "Lauren"? I've only ever seen this at Marshalls and such; is it RL's "diffusion" (read: craptacular) line? sorry if this is a redundant n00b-type question, if so, I'd be very appreciative if you could just link me to the FAQ thread in which its answered

 

[Panzeraxe II]

I think its:

Purple
Black
Blue
Polo
Other

 

[kronik]

Originally Posted by Joel_Cairo

Hi guys, I've been lurking for a month or so, and just recently became a member. I have a question about the various sub-brands of Ralph Lauren. Specifically, how do they break down? There's purple label, black label, blue label (which I often see recommended as a decent cheapie), but what is "Lauren"? I've only ever seen this at Marshalls and such; is it RL's "diffusion" (read: craptacular) line?

sorry if this is a redundant n00b-type question, if so, I'd be very appreciative if you could just link me to the FAQ thread in which its answered

Yes to the Lauren being the diffusion line.

 

[LA Guy]

Originally Posted by Panzeraxe II

I think its:

Purple
Black
Blue
Polo
Other

There is a member of the RL machine on this board who could answer this more definitively. In any case, you've left out the RRL line, which was RL's baby for a long time, and at about the price point of blue or black label, but specialized in high end jeans and western styled gear, and the new Rugby line, which is somewhere under blue. "Polo" is sort of out of place in the above. "Polo" is an umbrella label, encompassing a multitude of items at a variety of pricepoints. At the bottom are (or were) Lauren, Ralph, Polo Jeans, Chaps, and Polo University (sold exclusively at the outlets, that I could tell). But I understand that the Jeans license, for example, has been reacquired by RL.

 

[skalogre]

Originally Posted by LA Guy

There is a member of the RL machine on this board who could answer this more definitively. In any case, you've left out the RRL line, which was RL's baby for a long time, and at about the price point of blue or black label, but specialized in high end jeans and western styled gear, and the new Rugby line, which is somewhere under blue. "Polo" is sort of out of place in the above. "Polo" is an umbrella label, encompassing a multitude of items at a variety of pricepoints. At the bottom are (or were) Lauren, Ralph, Polo Jeans, Chaps, and Polo University (sold exclusively at the outlets, that I could tell). But I understand that the Jeans license, for example, has been reacquired by RL.
Funnily enough I was going to mention the RRL line (and make a separate thread on it). After seeing the RRL jeans and some of their trousers and shirts, I am hooked. The sort of old-fashioned military/work style prevalent in the line is very appealing to me; well other than the western-wear

A lot of the Polo/Chaps/Polo Jeans articles I have seen were definitely at Nautica/T. Bahama level of overpriced low-quality stuff... . Edit: RRL stuff is quite reasonably priced on eBay while it seems a lot of the plain-jane Polo stuff goes for more

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by LA Guy

There is a member of the RL machine on this board who could answer this more definitively. In any case, you've left out the RRL line, which was RL's baby for a long time, and at about the price point of blue or black label, but specialized in high end jeans and western styled gear, and the new Rugby line, which is somewhere under blue. "Polo" is sort of out of place in the above. "Polo" is an umbrella label, encompassing a multitude of items at a variety of pricepoints. At the bottom are (or were) Lauren, Ralph, Polo Jeans, Chaps, and Polo University (sold exclusively at the outlets, that I could tell). But I understand that the Jeans license, for example, has been reacquired by RL.

so his bottom tier was shopped-out, a la Armani's Exchange?

is there any kind of database where I could fins this stuff out? a nice PDF graph would be lovely. All this digging through wikipedia to figure out whats what is killing me.

 

[lee_44106]

I thinks Chaps in no longer in the Ralph Lauren empire.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by lee_44106

I thinks Chaps in no longer in the Ralph Lauren empire.

It isn't, though some stores still use displays with Ralph's name on them. The current Chaps labels no longer mention RL.

I still haven't seen black label stuff in person, but someone here -- Thinman? -- mentioned that it was overpriced for the quality. I seem to recall that the jackets were fused, a la blue label, but at a much higher price point.

If I'm off, I'm sure someone will set me straight.

 

[LabelKing]

I have also seen stuff like Polo Sport, which is probably a diffusion line.

 

[kitonbrioni]

RLPL is very expense but seems priced about right the qualtiy, the RL Polo line appears to be highly overpriced for the quality on many garments.

 

[designprofessor]

Well, I'll be the bottom feeder since I purchase the Lauren stuff. I will say this:
1. I have liked my choices in fabric.
2. they are comfortable, fit me well with minimal alterations, and they are quite durable.
3. I'm pleased with them and get a good everyday suit for what some labels want for a tie.

by the way are you on basenotes?

 

[LA Guy]

Um, I got my latest information from the guy from RL on the forum, and the previous information from... I don't remember where. Sorry

 

[Holdfast]

My understanding has been that RLPL is the highest line and Polo Blue Label below with Black being variable in quality between RLPL and Blue but more fashion-forward in style than either.

 

[rssmsvc]

-Purple Label (St Andrews and Canterelli)

-Polo Blue Made in the Usa - Older suits but for my money were about as nice it gets with full canvassing , bemberg linings and there were no corners cut. No idea who made these but I still have 2 suits that fit me and look as good if not better than some newer suits I have purchased.

-Polo Blue Label Signature (these are fairly new and have the same lettering as purple label but in blue and they are fully canvassed and have what to appear to me to be pure british cuts) I think Canterelli.

Black Label - Fused but seems like a very trim cut. (No idea who makes it)

Polo Blue Label (Made In Italy)- Fused , but the italy stuff is nice and from Corneliani.


Ralph Lauren - Green Label
Chaps
Polo University Club

 

[JR_Rider]

Those who mentioned Chaps were correct in saying that it is licensed. Chaps is no longer made by Ralph Lauren. Also the Lauren name is licensed, it is no longer made by Ralph Lauren.