Menswear designers new and old are tracing fashion roots and embracing brand heritage– whether it’s their own or borrowed.  Ralph is the true master of classic American sportswear, and no one is more in their element at this time than him.

Ralph Lauren’s vision has always remained consistent.  Fall 2009 means–

• The return of the three-piece suit;

• Monochromatic looks across furnishings and tailoring;

• A sharper silhouette, with a new rolled shoulder.

Creatively, the company remains focused on its subbrand culture even as Polo — just like every other fashion and luxury brand — battles the challenges of the recession.

Purple Label, which began with made-to-measure tailoring, now represents the  most traditional luxury that Ralph Lauren has to offer, whether in tailored clothing or sportswear. It is deliberately worldly, to contest the perception that Ralph Lauren merely stands for prep or Americana. 

The modern sleekness of Black Label, on the other hand, alludes to spy planes and Italian race cars. The tailored component is minimal and slim, and styled in monochromatic charcoal ensembles. 

RRL– Ralph’s vintage-inspired denim and sportswear line, is not widely wholesaled, aside from the Barneys NY flagship.  RRL has an intensely devoted following in Japan, where there is a major resale market among collectors. Special edition RRL jeans sell for $1,350 only in Ralph Lauren’s Omotesando store in Tokyo. “It’s a cult thing,” said Lauren.

Link to WWD  story