THE JOURNAL
There’s a kind of luxury that shouts, demanding attention. Then there’s the kind that whispers, earning it quietly. Ralph Lauren Purple Label has always belonged to the latter, reflecting an expression of taste defined not by trends, but by time. “Purple Label to me is more than just beautiful clothing,” as Ralph Lauren himself puts it. “It reflects the personal style of the wearer and a way of living inspired by timeless quality.”
That same ethos runs through every piece of the new pre-spring collection. It’s a line-up inspired by the dynamic spirit of motor racing, but designed and crafted to be worn every day, even if the open-road lifestyle isn’t your thing.
Old-world sportswear silhouettes – now foundations of contemporary menswear – have been updated in the finest seasonal fabrications. A cable-knit mock-neck sweater comes in uber-soft cashmere, combed from goats raised in the mountains of Mongolia. A knitted T-shirt made from the same fibre acts as the grown-up version of your everyday essential, a reliable base layer to wear under blazers, sweaters or lighter outerwear. Or, indeed, with the corduroy trousers from the same collection.
Expertly cut tailoring has always been a pillar of the brand. “I’ve always believed in the art of fine tailoring,” Lauren has said. “Before I started my own company, I had my suits custom-made. I wanted the fit and construction to have the integrity of old-world craftsmanship, yet remain soft and supple, natural and comfortable.”
That balance is exactly where this season’s pieces land. A double-breasted blazer for a break in the weather is modelled on classic sports coats and comes with sharp peak lapels, a double vent and a fluid lining that move the way real life does. Similarly, tailored trousers gather in double-front pleats, designed to keep up with your pace.
What sets Purple Label apart isn’t just how well the clothes are made – it’s how they feel once they’re on. Even the sharpest silhouettes are softened, lived-in and intuitive, designed for a modern vision for luxury. One that doesn’t just apply to what you wear, but how you live, too. Exactly how Ralph Lauren envisioned it.
