How Ralph Lauren Invented the Old Money Aesthetic

[@Gent.Z]

Book a 1-1 style consultation with me - www.gent-z.com/oneonone

[@fatsnbul]

I am 56 and Ralph Lauren has been my favorite designer since 1982. Thank you for the history lesson of this legend.

[@modfus]

I'm so glad you made this video. I have known an "old money" family all my life ....and I don't remember ever seeing anyone wearing such contrived costumes as I constantly see on KZbin. It's the "New Money" people (who are often far wealthier) who go to such lengths to look "Old Money".

[@timothyobrien9183]

Absolutely

[@LeadLeftLeon]

Costume. Good description of these outfits

[@eo9165]

I grew up around some “old money” families and I think because it was pre-internet, it was a very different lifestyle. Meaning: far less flashy and attention-grabbing. The kids I knew dressed very well but also very quietly. And this was partly because that was how they were raised. But also because not everyone around had money, including some of their own friends. And at least back then, it was considering in very poor taste to intentionally make someone feel like they were inferior because of how they dressed or what kind of car they drove. I’m not trying to paint a picture of pure rainbows and sunshine. These kids could be just as mean and cruel as everyone else. But this was just one area that was sort of an unspoken “off limits”.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Nouveau is still trash. Always have been. Only a jerk would follow a Kardash or Bezos or Buffet for fashion choices. In fact, ancient money doesn't give a crap about fashion. That's why they have money and you don't. You're too busy trying to look like them. They look as bad as you.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

@@eo9165 One of my "bosses" was a Compote Swan. Stupid as a brick and twice as hate filled. Not someone you would want to know. Don't believe everything a PR firm says about ladies who lunch.

[@rogerdsmith]

Ralph Lauren’s genius wasn’t that he created this look, he was smart enough to revive this style that originated in the 1920’s and before. Ralph Lauren really came into wide popularity in the 1970’s. I still have some classic Ralph Lauren ties from the mid 1970s.

[@williamkazak469]

I always loved the Ralph Lauren ads. Something to aspire to.

[@Gent.Z]

They are works of art

[@marylhere]

The photoshopping of ribs being removed to make a woman who’s a size zero look even “better”…inside cover of Oprah Magazine with theme of “accept your body”.

[@seabreeze4559]

You'll be laughed out the room in England, it's considered tacky and quite homosexual in the flamboyant sense. We also don't mix formal and casual a ton, it looks mad. Proceed with caution.

[@marylhere]

@@seabreeze4559 Hyecinth Bucket on her country manor attire.

[@bricology]

And that's just it: it's all aspirational. And aspirational is something that "old money" never is.

[@andrewfernandez2485]

I’ve always followed and tried to copy that old money aesthetic. Particularly the RL look. Being born and raised in the Bronx, I’ve had to deal with adversity because the style and culture was more Hip-Hop. But Mr. Lauren has always given me the confidence to be different! Thank you for sharing this brief history of one of the greatest fashion icons.🙏🏼

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Ralph Lipschitz is from the Bronx.

[@seabreeze4559]

WASPs rarely wear RL unless you mean some of the sportswear.

[@johnconstable8512]

4:29 man, the time advertising was aspirational, and showed gorgeous beautiful and healthy people and theirs good looking bodies

[@wolfgangk1]

Ralph Lauren DID NOT Invent the old money aesthetic he just made it his trademark. I’m age 68. As a kid my social circle‘s wardrobe was pretty basic, “Brook Brothers” (button-down white shirts), khaki pants, Harris Tweed sports coats, Donegal Sweeters. penny loafers. Our parents' motto was quality. It wasn’t until the 80s that we were called, “preppy” and were accused of being elitist. I live in a college town and am often asked where I purchased my sportscoat. The answer shocks them, “I’ve had this longer than you are old.”His ad with models that are supposed to look aristocratic don’t. When I attended Cambridge University almost all students had the exact aesthetic. Of course, I like Ralph Lauren clothing, but I don’t know if I own any of it. Frankly, nowadays I prefer Orvis, quality and lasts a lifetime, and at my age that isn’t saying a lot

[@spiritcreek9813]

I also grew up in this era. High School we wore Pappagallo flats, Deans sweaters, Lacoste polos, etc. This is where RL got all his design ideas, from the New England prep school (your public school) aesthetic. Cheers.

[@TheJewishCatholic]

I think the essence of this video is that under Ralph’s vision, he created a brand that encompassed all that is associated with the “Old Money Aesthetic”. Not just single items but rather the variety, the branding style, the design, the principles and the image the brand puts out.

[@khai3192]

I practice minimalism, and I now only get my outfit narrowed down to Ralph Lauren boutique, because the brand sells almost all the aspects of lifestyle, each of their brand lines, looks timeless even after worn down over time.

[@Gent.Z]

I’m also quite a minimalist. Finding a brand that you identify with can save a lot of time and energy while remaining stylish

[@bricology]

Anyone who shops for a "lifestyle" deserves to be taken for every last dollar they have.

[@geemo4284]

I’ve never heard of Ralph Lauren being associated with Old Money, but then, I’m not American. I’ve always thought of it as an American East coast aesthetic, but in the UK, old money would never be dressed head to toe in any designer or high fashion look

[@TheNightshadePrince]

I think he's equating simplistic formal outfits with a fashion brand that has a long history of putting logos on things, I think the over lap is very little. Ralph Lauren is more of an upper middle class fashion house than anything else. :)

[@seabreeze4559]

Finally a reasonable opinion. It's larpy American cringe mostly.

[@kcjd8659]

Neither would old money in the US. I just added a comment about this-check out the original version of The Official Preppy Handbook. It’s a bit satirical, but it’s accurate. That’s what I grew up amongst in Palm Beach in the 1980s before all the new money took over.

[@bricology]

@geemo4284 -- yes, and your opinion is consistent with that of the American _haute bourgeoise_ (or whatever one might want to call us) who descended largely from the younger sons of British gentry who came over during the great migration of the 17th c. There are _many_ places where the tastes, views and sensibilities of "old money" Americans overlap with those of their British equivalents, such as the avoidance of ostentatious displays of wealth, thrift and repairing clothing as long as possible, color understatement, body modesty and so on, that the creator(s) of videos like this one completely miss. But catering to _actual_ old money doesn't sell new merchandise, and the "old social order" makes some people envious and resentful. And of course, just as in Britain (although probably less so here), people who _actually_ came from "old money" recognize each other by far more subtle cues than whatever clothing they may wear.

[@bbybella9937]

@@bricologyLol you guys do not descended from the younger sons of nobility. That is just a small percentage.

[@MrFenris75]

Really loving your videos. Growing up in the 80s, Ralph Lauren was the style everyone aspired to. His influence was monumental. Hope you're loving New York.

[@Hypatia52]

I think it's laughable that "fashion" bought back the most hideous & cheapest elements of 1980s style. All severely distressed & acid washed jeans, and neon "athleisure". I remember a return to natural materials especially cotton & real wool, and a rejection of double-knit polyester, or "ponte" & rayon/viscose.

[@nina-ciara]

Wonderful and fascinating video. I know it is targeted to men, but as a woman I find it truly amazing. Informative and insightful. Thank you!

[@Gent.Z]

You're very welcome, Nina

[@SAGUY1971]

Having grown up in South Africa, public schools with blazers, ties, cricket jerseys , rugby jerseys , I totally identify with RL's timeless classics and love his use of colour in what one wears . I get a lot of inspiration from the photo shoots on his website . I definitely appreciate the New England sense of comfortable , but timeless style and subtle elegance . Thanks for a great video .

[@PatrickGunderson]

Great essay. You could probably do similar pieces on others like j. Crew, banana republic and maybe even the influence of classic specialty brands like land’s end and tommy bahama

[@Gent.Z]

Good idea! Check out my older video on Brooks Brothers if you haven’t already, you might enjoy it

[@kimvo-2247]

I have always dressed like this my whole life, didn’t know what they call it. So simple and stylish. I guess, I have always been preppy, very close to this style. I love your voice and your narration.

[@johnilfa7914]

Just bought myself a Polo Zip from Ralph Lauren last week, and it´s great to see more about the history and ideals of this classic brand. Indeed, Ralph Lauren it´s one of my favorite brands, together with a brazilian brand called "Richards", that combines a "carioca" lifestyle with old money color palette and cloth. Greetings from Brazil, love your content.

[@DimitriTheBarbarian]

What color is Polo Zip? Such an instant classic piece of clothing for a fit guy

[@Arginne]

He stole that logo from USPA

[@Dakiniwoman]

Ralph is the genius of our time when it comes to dressing with class. He is my favorite.

[@jeremiahbok9028]

Fascinating story! Love the Ralph Lauren brand and it's good to learn more about it's creator. I really appreciate the RL mix of classic clothing and boldness.

[@Gent.Z]

The brand and style really makes sense when you understand the man behind it

[@seabreeze4559]

That is called tacky in WASP circles.

[@rodneynoriel1528]

Ralph Lauren ads in the 80’s sold me on white bucks and saddles shoes, with the red crepe soles.

[@RichardBarnett-hs1qy]

RL did the same thing for English Country House Style. ("It's been in our family for generations.") He brought far more romance and luscious glamor to the genre than ever existed in real life.

[@wulfsorenson8859]

The entire aesthetic originates from the English upper class.

[@seabreeze4559]

@@wulfsorenson8859 yes cultural appropriation

[@wulfsorenson8859]

@@seabreeze4559the old WASP elite in the US descended from the English so it had nothing to do with cultural appropriation on their part but definitely on Ralph Lifshitzs though.

[@bricology]

Ralph Lifshitz would not have known "old money glamor" if it slapped him across the face, until relatively recently. He was born to a poor house painter from Belarus. He bought into an image of something that he aspired to, and even went so far as to change his name to try to fit into that world.

[@RichardBarnett-hs1qy]

@@bricology I detect the stench of anti-semitism. Hope that makes you feel better about yourself.

[@laniersmith1798]

I like Ralph Lauren have always been attracted to the style off the English Aristocracy, the Hollywood style of the 30's and 40's and the Ivy League esthetic. I have been following Ralph Lauren since the 70's and have loved his creations ever since. Bravo on a wonderful video journey through the history of this incredible designer. Cheers!

[@rolle820]

A great message and Good point in regards to the real old money look. I much more approve of celebrating the joy of dressing rather than trying to ”fit in” or try to be someone you are not.

[@MM-vv8mt]

Buzzy Kerbox. The Old Money Look personified. Plus the dude could surf!

[@ma.ku.520]

Great video!! Always enjoying your videos!

[@VIP-rp3oq]

love the cream suit white shirt ,very tempting for a summer wear. great story about Ralph Lauren thanks

[@foxbatmotorsports]

Another great video. I truly wish we would return to a time when people took a lot more pride and car in how they present themselves.

[@Gent.Z]

Well we’re doing it on this channel one man at a time 🍸

[@foxbatmotorsports]

And doing it very well. This was a good episode; perhaps more videos about other labels such as Brooks Brothers, Tom Ford, or Gieves & Hawkes? @@Gent.Z

[@alexcardosa8079]

Just depend who your friends are. The greater population has reached peak trash so I don’t expect any change from that segment of society.

[@hereforit2347]

Ralph Lauren’s prep school aesthetic was MUCH bigger in the late 70s into the 80s than it is today. Advertisers were steering people away from the super casual hippie look and Americans went from “turning on and tuning out” to being focused on wealth, materialism, and designer labels. We went from “hippies” to “yuppies” and “preppies”. Young people were wearing polo gear as street wear. Jodhpurs, riding boots, and, of course, rugby, polo, and button down Oxford shirts. I remember. I was there. All Ralph did was market a country club aesthetic to the masses. The middle classes were spending exorbitant amounts of money trying to look “rich”. The more visible designer labels, the better: Polo, Izod LaCoste, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Sasson, Gloria Vanderbilt, etc., were all the rage. Ralph Lauren has been rehashing the same old look for decades.

[@walterfoyt5985]

I enjoyed you videos and grew up loving classic dress. I grew up admiring the styl you were right when you said that since the lock down people have deep desire to dress their best but when I see the way people dress I’m not sure. I can only hope videos like yours will inspire people to embrace classic dress.

[@Gent.Z]

Thank you Walter! I think we are helping bring it back with this channel! 👔

[@TerryWhisk]

It resonates because it’s aspirational, and in a time where everything is extremely expensive, aspiring to live a life where money isn’t an issue and you aren’t saddled with mortgage-sized student loan payments every month resonates with people (whether consciously or unconsciously)

[@AAWagner]

Ralph has always had exquisite taste and vision. He makes the best choices. My closet is filled with decades old RL clothing.

[@mileswoodard4278]

Great video as usual. Very informative and interesting!! Great content!!

[@LeadLeftLeon]

Ralph is one helluva marketer lol

[@marvin2678]

Isnt that a good Thing ?

[@seabreeze4559]

we call it ripoff merchant

[@simon5005]

I have been wearing his Polo line since I was a sophomore in college.........which was forty-seven years ago. 😊

[@amigadecachorros]

Omg I heard the best podcast on this!!! Articles of Interest American Ivy. Sooo good.

[@LearnWithRonnie]

Thanks for this video. You're helping a lot of young men like myself. Cheers!

[@boomerang1125]

Please make more videos about Ralph Lauren. I love his clothing. I own many RL pieces from the Old Money/Ivy League style to the western style. I love learning more about his life, lifestyle, I adore video of his car collections, his homes and hearing what fascinates him relative to the topic of style.

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Great video on Ralph Laurens history. Very interesting. I believe Old money is really about classic style and not fashion . Fason doesn't last but style goes on forever. Cheers Ron

[@Tweegrrl]

Ralph Lauren also worked with Diane Keaton to style her for the film Annie Hall.

[@mopp0504]

I'm 41 and I've loved Ralph Lauren since i can remember. Recently this has been called the "old money" aesthetic but i just always loved how timeless his clothes were (to me at least) i have stuff from highschool that i can wear today and they don't look dated.

[@malikajohnson5069]

I’m a lady and always love Ralph and menswear. thank you for the break down.

[@jorisvanoeffel4721]

Excellent RL bio! Awesome video

[@ejohnson3131]

I don’t consider Ralph Lauren to be high fashion. To me it’s more preppy, upper class with an “edgy” twist. It’s perfect for rich people with a bohemian, well-travelled aesthetic with a cowboy “Americana” influence. I can see his clothes worn on an African safari, a yacht in St. Barth’s or a ranch resort in Wyoming. I could hear you speak for hours by the way and you are SOOOO easy on the eyes! 😊

[@Gent.Z]

Thank you. I think Ralph Lauren exists somewhat outside of fashion. He definitely creates clothes for a lifestyle rather than a passing trend. I'll be doing a video on his personal style soon too

[@BmaGrl]

It's all about classic lines & quality fabrics. Anything you buy today, you should be able to wear 40 years from now, if you take care of it, & pass it down. I still have things that my Dad passed down from when he was in college in the 50's, & they look like they came off the rack at Brooks Brothers or Ralph Lauren, today. THAT'S "old money." THAT'S "quiet luxury" (a term I LOATHE.) THANK YOU SO MUCH, Ralph, for RESCUING us from the hideous Hippy aesthetic of the 60s & 70s!!!

[@estebanmaldonado1395]

Of course I enjoy learning from your videos. Thanks and congratulations

[@judyqiu2108]

I am a fan of this brand since 1994, and I love the style, color and materials they used. I got compliments on each time I wore them. ❤

[@stefanhenrico]

New subscriber, really enjoying the videos! Do you have any recommendations for books on how to learn more about men's style/fashion? The history, the different types of jackets, shoes, etc?

[@portalrene2485]

I must have had the 1st Polo shirt my father bought me in the late 70s while he was in NYC

[@rickpostdp]

Great video! I did not know the story of Ralph, pretty interesting to know.

[@TCshore1]

Great. Video old money style accessories and hairstyles are unique as well you see

[@Gent.Z]

Thank you

[@carlsenlifeafter60carlsen11]

I really enjoyed your video. That’s exactly right he designed clothing that was selling also a lifestyle it was his fantasy probably it’s most people fantasy.😊

[@Gent.Z]

Thank you! Yes, definitely a fantasy that lots of us enjoy delving into

[@robbieross6646]

Ralph Lauren had the “genius” of putting a polo pony logo on Brooks Brothers Clothes. Smart marketing? Yes. Design genius? No.

[@marvin2678]

Thats what Matters 😂

[@Arginne]

He actually stole the polo logo from USPA and somehow got away with it.

[@seabreeze4559]

Exactly, he just steals and copies. This brown-nosing is contemptible.

[@seabreeze4559]

@@Arginne the religion is how he got away with it

[@angelo8516]

Yes I concur! Not original!

[@skyword5508]

Classy video - merci. My understanding of RL's major influence was that of America's Royal family, The Kennedys, particularly their seeminly casual-collegiate-sporty style harkening to their easy breezy days at Hyannisport [sport being the root]... of sailing... of touch football... of being athlectic... even competing during family gatherings on American holidays. Americans didn't have to be born of class, they made thier own class - and this is what i understood to be most appealing to RL.

[@bbybella9937]

I think you’re right. They had a huge influence on this particular style and made it very popular not just regular rich white people but for anyone to wear. Also places where old money in America travels to summer such as Nantucket, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard were made very popular because of them.

[@Gian_Valkiri]

Ralph Lauren is one of the creators of the lifestyle of the old money but not the only, have a documentary here in youtube called "The Look" which in one of the episodes talk about Ralph and called him a mediocre fashion designer, but a master in styling, from old money, to cowboy to nautical. Another creator of the old money aesthetic is the japanese Kensuke Ishizu, in the 50's and 60's his fascination for the American Preppy couture was developed in his own brand called VAN. Van was substantially inspired by the traditional american and Ivy league style from the occupation in post-war Japan. He and his crew have a photography book about the Ivy league called "Take Ivy". His look was called Ametora which is the name of the book I took this informations, but is a play on words for "American Traditional"

[@seabreeze4559]

Nope, it's working class fashion from after WW2, the upper class began dressing like their staff so the Monarchy wasn't ended. Americans and Japanese can go hang in the English court of opinion, they copy us, even now (especially the Japs). The Kennedys aren't even WASP, this whole conversation is ridiculous.

[@anastasiakallinic]

RL makes the best fitting jeans.

[@tehgreatist]

great video but I just want to know where you got that jacket

[@gretaenglish3519]

Lauren's style was prevalent at my high school when I was growing up. I think of it as taking the time to look effortless.

[@3581tossit]

Ciao from Italy. Great video! I wouldn't pair that jacket with your blue / white button-down, however.

[@TheSwissChalet]

I immediately thought the same thing. It clashes.

[@marvin2678]

​@@TheSwissChalethow ?

[@marvin2678]

Why Not ?

[@3581tossit]

@@marvin2678 patterns don't match and colors don't match

[@janTurtle1]

I agree, I hope he takes this constructively..

[@wilfredmuller1710]

Dear Sir , Have you ever hiked Hadrian's Wall in England or atleast visited it ? Have any of your friends or family ever hiked it and if so how long did they say it took ?

[@Gent.Z]

I have not done it I’m afraid

[@tubulardude44]

I love the fashions of the 1920s, when people took pride in their public persona. Everyone wore nice hats, for example. I like Ralph Lauren clothing except the logo. I’d feel like a walking billboard wearing those items.

[@jelizavetase5272]

great video, and you are a great speaker, thank you!

[@southern428]

Extremely well put 👏 👌

[@elizabethhopkins7582]

This is absolutely true. In my old money "preppie" family he and his clothes were made fun of. In the early 80's Dad once shamed my brother out of a button down shirt with his polo logo on it by saying "why are you wearing Ralph Lipshitz's shirt? Are you really that insecure?" That said I have always liked his clothes for women. They are indeed classic.

[@lunallena5594]

He did not make this up. He imitated classic and elite styles.

[@aldobega2649]

Old money is a term used to describe a style embraced by those seeking to dress with an air of wealth and sophistication. This ‘new’ trend fuses timeless, classic fashion with subtle modern aesthetics, standing as a counterproposal to more conventional, bold, and flashy fashion styles. In contrast to those styles, the old money look is discreet and noble, showcasing individuals who are both stylishly attractive and impeccably dressed, yet with a refined sense of class and finesse. The emphasis is on high-quality fabrics and materials rather than visible logos or branding. However, it’s important to clarify that the term ‘old money’ does not refer to how traditional old money families, like the British royal family, dress. This is a common misconception. In fact, real old money wardrobes are often very understated and, by today’s standards, can seem quite plain. Ralph Lauren, in my opinion, was exceptionally astute in creating a brand and aesthetic that appeals to those with wealth-or those aspiring to the appearance of it-offering an alternative to the more ostentatious designs of labels like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Balenciaga.

[@yankeedoodle6293]

You really are dressed beautifully

[@Gent.Z]

Thank you!

[@shaunhagan1610]

Great video. I like the tie your wearing

[@Gent.Z]

Thank you! Only $28 too go.shopmy.us/p-3318764

[@elizabethpeterson455]

He didn’t embrace trends….he originated the style for timelessness and it looks new always

[@seabreeze4559]

Weird, my grandfathers were wearing it at school in the 30s and 40s before he founded his company... guess you're another liar like most of this comment section. Nothing he does is original, it's called a ripoff merchant.

[@ruzzelladrian907]

I love that Ralph Lauren screams old money but never uses the word. Pure class. I actually hate the term old money, because most of us have no money compared to generational billionaire heirs. When I hear the term old money, I immediately roll my eyes.

[@v.j.3029]

You can’t get anymore old money than the Royal family and he was definitely inspired by their style.

[@Gian_Valkiri]

so you lost the point of the video, Ralph Lauren was inspired by the royal family and all the preppy, but he added elements of style, desire and trends of the era to evolve the Old Money

[@seabreeze4559]

@@Gian_Valkiri No he didn't. Stop simping.

[@MoiseLevi]

Great content as usual, not sure if you trade RL in the stock market, but your video is right on target, Ralph Lauren is hitting all times high, heading much higher as global demand is picking up once again

[@chelseyschlutereichen9009]

I bought some about a year ago when "old money" started being everywhere. It was a good move.

[@treyhayden]

More history lessons please! This is great.

[@unlisted8042]

Serious question. How long does it take you to do your hair like that?

[@heraclesreborn]

RL is great, but I can not buy his Asian sweatshop stuff. When RL sources from the US, Italy, and England, the clothes are top notch.

[@Gent.Z]

Personally I love the aesthetic but you can find the same styles but better quality for less money elsewhere

[@Βενιαμίν-κ2ξ]

Not everything in Asia is sweatshop. I can assure you as I was born and raised in the Philippines. We sew just like a factory worker in US and Europe. Quality of a shirt has nothing to do on where it was made but a fabric and thread used to assemble a garment.

[@MollyandSonnyboy]

❤Enjoy life through clothing sounds great to me!!!

[@Gent.Z]

Indeed!

[@davidbiagini9048]

"Main character in their own movie." Exactly!

[@basetiansan]

Great video. Greetings from the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴.

[@Gent.Z]

Thank you!

[@thaisdasilvademoraes974]

What's the diference between Ralph Lauren and vintage Lacoste?

[@kcjd8659]

Lol yes, if you want to learn about true old money aesthetic, look at the original The Official Preppy Handbook by Lisa Birnbach. I grew up in Palm Beach before the new money took over. That book, though tongue-in-cheek, shows the real deal. Quality brands no one outside the circle has ever heard of, clothing that is worth repairing when it finally starts showing wear, shoes that can be resoled and are worth bothering to resole, functional rather than flashy monograms, etc. Old money is quiet.

[@lucieciepka1031]

The only reason I prefer Ralph Lauren and Petit Bateau is that you can wash the thing 50 times and it’s sill as new.

[@sannalo11]

I didn't expect this to be this interesting. I've always been told that this style doesn't go out of style, but maybe it would have if RL hadn't made it evergreen? Just a handful of decades before this look, women were wearing skirts that swept the floor. Maybe we'd all be in silver jumpsuits if not for RL keeping these "classic" looks alive? And yet, this style also signals something that irritates me, when done from head to toe. It signals to me a desire to step right in with what came before, politically as well as stylistically. I've met true old money people and remember feeling that there was something creepy about young people wanting to venerate, not change, as if the evergreen clothing signaled a desire for evergreen ways of thinking about how the world should be set up, especially in regard to keeping economic and social power in the hands of those who had it when the look was created. Your more generous way of seeing the staying power of this look is worth thinking about. Thanks.

[@seabreeze4559]

You mean... conservatism?

[@94115david]

How about those Polo shirts with the giant sized polo player? I'll bet that was not his decision.

[@te-bo7618]

People in the comments not realising this is 100% normal upper class fashion in a lot of European countries and even places overseas, even as far back as 1920’s

[@S.Morgenstern]

I'm a lady but I enjoy watching videos like this one too 😘

[@dojocho1894]

Ralph took the upwardly mobile newly affluent yuppies of the 80's and created a style off a type of british royalty...thus like the gilded age in the states you too can be royalty. The hunt style... country style... Polo... yachting...it was a theme to go with the new found wealth in the US.

[@jonathansavage3933]

I enjoy the videos man. I am in VA and TX. If you are in one of those states, look me up

[@RichardCahaninIII]

RL also pays attention to the fit and that’s main reason I’ve bought his brand.

[@Mimke1]

Hes a genius, pls make a video on his home furnishings

[@niviamaeva]

Your accent is to die for! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@scottg2946]

This is really interesting background of a phenomenon I've been a casual observer of for decades. It's not really my thing though, at least relative to the images in these ads, where everyone looks like they're trying way too hard. You seem to allude to that when you put up the pics of princes William and Harry.

[@pwp8737]

I grew up in an "old money waspish" neighbourhood, those people never splurged on fashion, they bought, on sale once a year, high quality timeless clothes. Their wealth, power and security meant they didn't give a rat's ass for other people's opinions, except maybe for those from their tribe.

[@wendywhitley4611]

I feel RL took an British Old Money (Manor Class) Aesthetic, and Americanized it. Look at the imagery....horses and polo, sailing, cricket, country estates. This is English, which is what the average person aspired to. And the fact that his brand really took off in the 80s when we (Americans) were obsessed with all things British from music to the Royals. The timing was perfect. Old Money in the US can never be that Old, considering the US is pretty much in her teens as a nation.

[@pavXX]

Good history lesson. Similar to the chapter in Laws of Human Nature where he talks about Coco Chanel. Interesting how various trends manifest.

[@am143-g1m]

I think people nowadays don´t understand anything about nothing. Old money aesthetic is a stupid name for a style that always existed in all classes. As in the past society was much more conservative in its way of dressing than it is today. In the past, it was common to see men in suits or just in a blazer and shirt. So this indicates that dressing in a classic and timeless way is not something for the rich. Then there is also the confusion that "old money" people only dress formally, which is a lie, as they also dress more casually even if there is an item that denotes some formality to make the look more composed and clean. . Furthermore, over time, Old Money people began to relax and leave this type of style a little aside, as fashion became more creative and dynamic. Nowadays, there is no aesthetic associated with anything, because in terms of fashion in the most varied social classes, everything is diluted. I've seen young people from old money families wearing doctor martin boots or some pieces from luxury designers, for example, thus showing their creativity and a certain break with the mold of the past. What I find interesting is that people dress with classic elements from the past and include new elements with new and different views. There is no style that categorizes having or not having more money, what exists is an attitude and way of being that differentiates who has class or not!

[@jackyshultz995]

Ralph Lauren created an iconic fashion that exist with no limits,

[@ttopero]

I was definitely inspired by his marketing during the 90’s, but being in the upper west-midwest, it wasn’t all that purposeful for our needs. Closest I got was a piece or two to wear with more rugged & less refined clothes.

[@peterroselli5992]

You might consider doing the Lauren Olympic Games sponsorship that over its many quadrennials has made Team USA in my observation best dressed even more so than Armani’s outfitting of Team Italia. His contribution to the country in doing this is hard to overstate. The best phenomenal outfitting for the best team in the world.

[@caiusKeys]

Ever hear of _The Preppy Handbook_ by Lisa Birnbach? It's a thing!

[@juliannakaberovsky4545]

I don't like fashion, i love classic!

[@Gent.Z]

Me too

[@DillonTDavis]

Love that herringbone jacket, but the one you linked doesn’t match the jacket you’re wearing. Do you know where I could find the one you have on?

[@SeBo-ML]

why the button down shirt?