Sun 23 Dec 2012
Ralph Lauren Wants Your Help to Bring Back the Classic Polo Bear Sweater
Posted by Mikey Fresh under for fashion-hounds and obsessive consumers , photos[12] Comments
Retro Jordans and vintage polo gear had a huge hear in hip-hop. Though, both have remained staples in rap fashion since the 80s, there’s definitely been a new found interest amongst sneakerheads, celebs and listeners who weren’t even born when these a lot of these pieces were originally released. Whether you’re a critical Lo head, or newbie, the classic polo bear sweater is always recognized as a classic. Now, the newly formed online shop/vintage Polo outpost, RLVintage.com, is running their first “Bring It Back” contest. Currently, they are taking votes on which iconic Lo bear sweater will be re-released first. You can vote until Dec. 31st, so make it count! (spotted at FreeOnSmash)
Conveniently, Styles P’s new freestyle is the perfect theme music as you read this post.
Check more photos and details after the jump…
Check out our friends at Freshness for more detailed photos of the classic Lo bear sweaters.
Related:
Andre 3000’s Quirky VIBE Interview: His Worst Haircut, Polo Gangs, Becoming Hendrix, Obama
Chris Brown Goes Retro in Classic ‘Snow Beach’ Polo on ‘Today’ (Video)
December 23rd, 2012 at 10:20 pm
Man the Polo Bear is a classic hands down growing up in Brooklyn if you had even 1 sweater you was the S#*t…I would love to see the Ski man Polo goose’s come back as well….Guess & Lo head ta toe and I’m let yah know/who got da Props(Buckshot of Blackmoon).
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December 24th, 2012 at 3:43 am
F POLO. How about worrying about raising your own net worth because thanks to you sheep Ralph Lauren’s net worth is 7.5 Billion. After buying his cheaply made in China bullshit now he wants you to buy his cartoon POLO Bear. Hip Hop is who pushed him to billion status while the only status you have is when you update your Facebook. Do you think Ralph Lauren gives a fuck about hiphop beyond our dollars?
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Marlon Reply:
December 24th, 2012 at 9:27 am
Damn that was so real.
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SledgeHammer Reply:
December 24th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
Thats just dumb… Unless you make your own clothes someone is getting wealthy on everything you wear. Even then someone is gaining wealth from materials you buy to make those clothes.
You act as thought RL was uplifted by Hip Hop alone. The news here is the company started in the 60′s and pre dates hip hop. It was and remains an upscale brand prior to hip hops embracing the brand. Combined with global growth and adding in more products and companies.
There are roughly 1200 people in the US that are Billionaires. I challenge to find ONE that’s the result of hip hop solely.
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Jackin Ralph Reply:
December 24th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
That’s the good part about opinion is everyone is entitled to one. Your points do have merit but so do mine. In no where did I state hiphop made RL. I said that hiphop pushed it to a billy. I worked in the Polo department for years so I know what RL sales figure were prior to the 80′s and 90′s. Once hiphop embraced Polo it blew up further. Like Ralph Lauren said “He did not know his brand would reach that segment of people (hiphop)It wasnt meant for them”. “No its not dumb” its my opinion. How can you call yourself an all American company when nothing you sell is made in American? Yeah Yeah I am not stupid so you dont have to tell me that everything is made in China or overseas I realize that but it dont make it right. You mean to tell me Ralph Lauren or Apple cant build a factory and employ a few thousand Americans. My comment also asked if you love a brand shouldn’t you invest in it? I have owned RL stock since the early 90′s and although today’s $151.00 per share price is more than the $32.00 I paid for it its still possible to own. You love Polo then get some stock versus walking like a broke ass supermodel.
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Mikey Fresh Reply:
December 24th, 2012 at 7:13 pm
speak it!
Sledgehammer Reply:
December 26th, 2012 at 9:06 am
To be clear I am not calling you dumb, merely the statement. You reference that its an American Company with products made abroad. I submit its a global economy and that most US companies make products or provide customer service from outside the US. Thats just smart business.
The question is whether for the price do you get the quality you require? IMO I do with their products.
I invest in many companies and RL is not one I have ever done so with. I do invest with LVMH which provides a great return for me.
The only place you stray is looking to ascertain my wealth with the broke supermodel comment. But I suppose you were entitled to a dig regardless of fact.
My bottom line is simple. Hip Hop did not make or sustain the RL. It had some influence but with or without that support the brand was extremely successful.
Jackin Ralph Reply:
December 26th, 2012 at 11:10 am
@Sledgehammer by far this has been the most intelligent dialogue that I have ever experienced on this site and to that I say thank you. Your points are very valid and for the record the “broke” supermodel dig was not aimed at you but was more directed at my culture who consumes but doesnt invest.
December 24th, 2012 at 7:12 pm
Question for all readers: Would you guys like more fashion/sneaker posts like this?
Let us know!
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Young Scuba Reply:
December 24th, 2012 at 7:55 pm
As long we don’t have to be subject to looking at men wear kilts/dresses then sure
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Jackin Ralph Reply:
December 25th, 2012 at 9:36 am
As someone who is very into fashion It would be very nice to have posts like this because we know the music industry and fashion run together. I love hearing other peoples opinions. The one thing I didnt say in my previous post aboout Polo is that 90′s POLO was waaaaaaayyy better than the stuff that is put out now its not even close
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Neji1k Reply:
December 25th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Agreed and I’m saying this cuz I’ve seen a couple of the OG joinTs I wasn’t old enough to wear the 90′s PoLo cuz I was born in that time but I also have to include that Tommy HiLL was also that joinT too I remember Marlon wyans used to kill that $H|T on Waynes Bro. lol
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