Ralph Lauren and the spirit of Americana Style
An ode to Ralph Lauren, who has shaped more than just wardrobes — he’s defined a vision of American identity through timeless design, storytelling, and style. Written by Madeleine Wagner x Rodeo
*Note From Team Rodeo*
Meet Maddie Wagner— writer, Rodeo creator, and storyteller with an eye for timeless style. Her take on Ralph Lauren had us emotional (in the best way), and her Rodeo is just as thoughtful. Follow her for Americana-inspired looks that feel classic, personal, and cool.
xx
team rodeo
Ralph Lauren is more than a fashion designer – he is a cultural visionary who has thoughtfully crafted an enduring, idealistic vision of American style. His iconic designs tastefully blend elements of vintage Western denim, classic preppy style inspired by historic boarding schools, and nautical styles inspired by East Coast summers. His brand is recognized and respected worldwide – standing the test of time and remaining a classic, tried-and-true option in the closets of millions.
Born in 1939 in the Bronx, in New York City, Lauren began his career in retail at a young age. After graduating high school, he worked at a clothing store during the day and decided to take business classes at night. Years later, he began working for a tie company and started his own neckwear line, marketing and selling it under the name Polo. His early designs were inspired by East Coast men's refined, classic, sporty style. After seeing success with his ties, Lauren began to bring his visions to life – from tweeds to well-tailored blazers; these styles are still worn today. In 1972, he debuted his most iconic and loved piece, worn by men, women, and children: the sporty Polo shirt.
Lauren's modest background and upbringing mirror the American Dream – rising from humble beginnings through grit, determination, and persistence. His style and designs embody the spirit of Americana – distinctly American clothing, rooted in the reverence of our nation's past and grounded in optimism for our country's future. Americana celebrates all things quintessentially American as a cultural aesthetic: from a small-town Fourth of July parade to a worn-in pair of jeans or rugged cowboy boots and country music concerts enjoyed with friends in the summer. It's sentimental and nostalgic and emphasizes ideals like freedom, tradition, and wholesomeness within our country. Ralph Lauren doesn't just design clothes; he designs this feeling. Through fabric, patterns, marketing, and advertising, the story of belonging to a country is built upon strong family values, pride in one's country, and a steady belief in God. His advertisements don't just sell clothes – they offer a glimpse into this lifestyle.
Lauren has crafted themes of nostalgia, Americana, and timelessness into his designs, and his clothing has helped define national identity and American culture. He is not just a fashion designer but a storyteller, shaping and influencing what it means to be an American.
The clever use of nostalgia in Lauren’s marketing has played a key role in the longevity of his brand. From the Old West to prep schools and East Coast summers with hydrangeas in full bloom, he's been able to sell an idealized America. His magazines and advertisements include attractive, fit young couples, bronzed beachgoers playing volleyball, and preppy teenagers donning striped tees aboard sailboats. He's crafted an effortlessly cool, casual, yet chic look that has become widely recognized. His clothing is not covered in logos or ostentatious designs. Instead, his designs are the epitome of classic, as people still wear Polo shirts, flag sweaters, and his iconic teddy bear designs.
There's an inspiring paradox in Lauren's work: He came from modest beginnings in New York yet built a brand that embodies an ideal version of America. His clothing is a staple among country clubs, private schools, and summers in Martha's Vineyard—all part of the appeal. Lauren sells the American dream. His brand invites us to imagine a version of ourselves that's more polished, more adventurous, and proud to be an American.
It can be difficult for brands to stand the test of time and grow in popularity over the years, but Ralph Lauren had no problem doing that. Signature pieces such as polo shirts, tweed blazers, cableknit sweaters and tailored dresses have appealed to customers across generations. Their timeless designs have become recognized cultural symbols, often sparkling feelings of nostalgia among wearers. Pieces like my mom's sweater have become heirlooms, passed down from mother to daughter. When I wear my shirt, I recognize the symbolism that it holds.
In my own closet, tucked among rows of sweaters and knits, is my mother's Ralph Lauren flag sweater from the 90s. I've worn it proudly over the years during some of the most special moments of my life. From visiting the Midway ship where my Poppy served during WWII to celebrating the Fourth of July with my family in my grandparents' backyard, this sweater has remained a constant piece I reach toward. It's so much more than just a sweater – it's an emblem of the Americana spirit, and it's stood the test of time being passed down over generations.
Lauren comes from humble roots, yet the brand he has built reflects an idealistic America. His brand sells access to a lifestyle filled with tennis and golf matches, horseback rides during summer in Aspen, and gorgeous homes in the Hamptons. His clothing has a wide price range, making aspirational style feel attainable for everyday Americans. Fashion rental apps like Rent the Runway have started carrying Ralph Lauren, and users can rent pieces for events daily. The Real Real, a luxury consignment shop, also carries vintage pieces – from sweaters to blazers, dresses, and bags.
Today, creators on TikTok and Instagram are styling Lauren's pieces in eclectic, unique ways—pairing vintage flag sweaters with worn-in cowboy boots and styling vintage preppy polos with baggy jeans and sunglasses. This interpretation depicts how, though styles change over the years, certain pieces remain classic. Lauren's designs have also been embraced and reimagined by groups outside his original East Coast audience. In the 1990s, hip-hop singers wore Polo to symbolize luxury and cultural power within their communities. The brand reflects themes of reinvention, idealism, and aspiration. Ralph Lauren clothing is built to last – withstand a lifetime full of adventure, sports, and new experiences. His clothing makes people feel like their most aspirational self – even if they aren't spending summer on Nantucket or horseback riding in Colorado.
For me, the navy flag sweater isn't just another piece of clothing hanging in my closet. It's a living artifact — stitched with memories, identity, and American pride. In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Ralph Lauren's timelessness endures, reminding us that clothing can carry stories. Growing up, my mom instilled in me that classic, timeless style is always the way to go – trends come and go, but having staple pieces that stand the test of time is key. Ralph Lauren's lasting legacy and brand remind us that what we wear sends a message, connecting us to something greater than ourselves.
Sources:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rob-smith-03b7026_ralph-lauren-has-long-been-a-symbol-of-tim
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https://corporate.ralphlauren.com/leadership-ralph-lauren-full-bio.html
https://www.biography.com/history-culture/ralph-lauren
https://creativemarket.com/blog/design-trend-americana-style#:~:text=Think%20of%20American
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for-you#:~:text=Americana%20Shirts%20and%20Jackets,technology%20making%20clothing%
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https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ralph-Lauren
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