When it comes to American fashion, Europeans often "look down" on it, simply labeling it as American Sportswear. This term suggests it's practical, easy to wear, and doesn't require much intellectual effort. But the truth is, it was the Americans who actually changed the game by pioneering the concept of turning their brands into full-fledged "lifestyle" empires.
They went beyond just making clothes, launching affordable diffusion lines, kidswear, activewear, fragrances, and more. Americans never cared much about crafting a sophisticated surface; they focused on embedding their brand identity deep into the consumer’s mind. So much so that when you mention “polo shirt”, generations of Americans instantly think of the Polo Ralph Lauren logo.
As for Ralph Lauren, sure, his fashion exudes old-fashioned, conservative glamour, but I think that's exactly what makes it accessible to so many people out there. I don't believe aesthetics, lifestyle statements, or political views are necessarily interconnected. A Marxist or a liberal could also wear it, yes, even something that looks so "conservative" and practically screams "bourgeois", "East side old money" lmao.