Ralph Lauren had some good ideas for the U.S. Olympic team's clothes this year, with one notable exception that, to my mind at least, devalues the entire effort. And that's the over-sized polo pony that claims equal billing with the Olympic symbol on each ensemble.
I mean, there were so many ways that the company can profit from its sponsorship. Did it really need to put a logo on the clothes? I mean, why stop there? A big "Polo" across the back would have added some more visibility.
Totally tasteless behavior, in my opinion, from a company that has been usually been numbered among the more tasteful players of the branding game.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
A Logo Too Far
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12 comments:
I'm sure the reasoning behid RL's plastering of large logos on their outfits (The blazer gets the worst of this), is due to competition from all the other large sponsers (Adidas, Nike, etc). RL has to get their name out there somewhere. At least their iconic logo looks better than those of the sporting companies.
An equal embarassment for the designer as well as those who accepted the design for the team.
It’s not about style. It’s not about taste. It’s only about money.
I have seen a lot of payers on tour, and some around here in nyc, wearing polo shirts with an enormous logo, and often a number on the back, like a rugby shirt. It's not my style, but it's perfect for all the 21-26 yr olds running around trying to appear rich and successful, buying bottles at night. I don't think it's because of the olympics. Again, it's not my style.
I agree with you Will. There are other ways to get it across to the public that he is providing the clothing. His empire is in the Billions I don't think he needs to advertise on the body. In the store or in a magazine is sufficient.
I don't disagree with Will's comment, however much of the reports about this topic in the media have focused entirely on the "shame on Ralph" angle to the story. Doubtless the Olympic Committee, and/or Team USA, had approval rights over Ralph Lauren's proposed uniforms, so to me the finger-wagging should be directed just as much towards those parties as to Ralph Lauren.
I agree that the logo is over the top, but disagree that Polo has been tasteful in its application of the logo. Men are not supposed to be billboards. The embroidered pony on Lauren's polo shirts, as well as the "old" polo shirts (button-down oxfords) were always tasteless, just as was, in my opinion, the Lacoste crocodile,the Louis Vuitton monogram luggage (which is less expensive than their more subtle lines for a reason), and the Members Only tag.
Mind you, I am perfectly happy with subtle cues as to the maker. Anyone will recognize my coach briefcase, not because it says coach anywhere on it, but because of the design and hardware. Likewise, I'll forgive Hermes including iconic horsey motifs.
The polo emblem was particularly irksome since it was difficult to cleanly remove. Those who leave it on remind me of the folks you see on the train with a maker's label still stitched to their off-the-rack suit. If it's tasteless to have your clothing monogrammed with your own initials in an obvious place, then why would you think having others' imprint on your clothing is a good idea?
I was in Bergdorf last week looking at some Hermes ties and noticed the Hermes logo plastered on some of the ties. When the salesman came over to pester me I voiced my displeasure at the logo. He looked at me in shock and said "but it's a status symbol." Yes, status symbol for rat catchers to use a term used by the late Duke of Windsor's father.
I rather prefer no maker's logo...anyway, bespoke clothing will usually come sans logo...and if the maker's mark is included, should be in a place not visible during wear...like the inside of the yoke of a shirt, or inside pocket of a jacket, or inside waistband of a pair of trousers.
I love capitalism, and so I dissent with popular opinion here. Polo is paying a pretty penny for the sponsorship, I imagine, and so it's only proper that it should say how large the logo will be displayed.
I am consistent, however, in that I absolutely refuse to wear any company's logo on my own clothes unless I'm getting adequately compensated for it in some manner.
I am glad Will has voiced his disagreement here. When I posted on AAAC about it, I found more support for RL than when I posted on SF, not sure why. The blazers and trousers would be very beautiful if it weren't for the pony.
Ralph has always had designs based on the olympics hence 1992 the entire highly collectable 'Stadium' line was based on the olympics.
To design the outfits for the olympic team is a pretty big thing especially to Ralph being that he is pretty much 'Americas' designer , the oversized pony in my opinion is acceptable in this case, if i were designing for the olympic team i would like everyone to see and know that this was designed by me and a smaller pony would not suffice especially to the millions of viewers in the stadium and at home.
At the same time it is free advertising for RL so why not ? - im sure he would agree it would be more tasteful without the pony.
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