Well what Started as a post in the Niketalk Official Ralph Lauren Thread , became a blog post, that was reposted on Niketalk. lol:
As Far as D&S. In my Opinion….. its Polo Jeans Company 2.0. If these Dept stores are marking it down 75% that’s not good at all. Not hating on D&S though. Some of the stuff is nice, but not really what im into.
In my opinion, If your going to spend money on clothing you should spend it on items that have longevity, and timelessness. I feel like the D&S line came out of nowhere and if anything, it lessens the worth of his marquee brands. But to each their own. Polo, RRL,RLX, Black Label, and Purple Label all have lanes that serve a particular purpose, and really don’t get in the way of each other……..but I feel like there is much more confusion with D&S and Rugby Personally.
If Rugby sticks to the Collegiate and Prep look it will be fine. In my opinion Rugby’s only issue is that its tends to replicate both past and current season Ralph Lauren Items at cheaper price points. If I’m buying a Cowl Neck sweater for $295 at Ralph Lauren, and it’s just about identical to Rugby $195 offering. Why buy it from there? Granted it’s not “Polo Ralph Lauren”, but its the same sweater.
D&S on the other hand is making clothing that is alot similar to Polo Ralph Lauren Items, that might not necessarily be “collection”. I do notice that many of the items D&S Carries is stuff that Polo By Ralph Lauren USE to make more of. Both Crewneck and Hooded Sweatshirts with Company Graphics, patchwork jeans, more casual cargos, denim jackets, camouflage etc. Essentially, Denim & Supply carries what the younger crowd typically would want to purchase from a Polo Ralph Lauren Line. Why so? As I’ve stated in previous post, I believe that Ralph is trying to pull him self from the middle of line offerings and propel his Brands to the upscale, luxury, or whatever you want to call it. Hence, price points dramatically increasing, stock becoming more limited, etc.
For folks who want to learn about RL and his Brand you should go read Genuine Authentic it’s a really good book. You will learn alot more about how he operates, and you can create your own opinion. Ralph has always made a conscious effort into bringing his customer into his world of fashion. (which is typically themed by some luxurious leisure activity or historical backing) Also his aim was to make his clothing the standard for middle and upper Class. When he realized he needed to make clothing for the person who couldn’t afford or wasn’t willing to spend bigger bucks he created chaps. Now he realizes his customers are older and the younger crowd needs to be catered to. Well what better way to do, but by creating two new brands D&S and Rugby. If it doesn’t do well he will kill the brand, and recreate something to replace it years later. Hence Polo Jeans company 2.0. Ohh let me not forget American Living which is Chaps 2.0.
I could go on and on about this. Long story short…..Buy what you like, Buy what you can afford, Buy what works for you. I owned Polo Jeans Company Items which introduced me into Polo Ralph Lauren Items…. Ralph Caters to all tastes. When I wanted a more Technical Jacket I bought RLX, When I wanted Luxury I bought Purple Label, when I wanted a sleeker look I bought Black Label, when I wanted a more older Athletic look I bought Polo Sport, When I wanted some good selvedge Jeans I bought RRL… and the list goes on.
