A Guide to Vintage Ralph Lauren Ads | Old Money Inspiration 

When I imagine American dream, this is what I think of.

Favorite American designer. This brand is literally my life.

FYI You know, you could actually break down every “world” and make a video series on each and I’d be here for it. ☕️ 🫖

His style is unparalleled. The designs and fabrics are timeless. The Purple label is outrageously expensive. Everyone is perfect in his ads. The models are gorgeous mannequins without a care! You can tell his clothing from a distance. The polo shirts and sweaters are well-made and last forever! Great expose…

2:35 I have never forgotten that burgundy, laced velvet dress. That ad has stuck with me since I first saw it in magazines.

I know nobody asked but I was working in fashion back in the 80's and 90's and RL was the reigning King! The 80's fashion ads were selling the lifestyles as you described and all about look how money affords me these wonderful things. The 90's RL campaigns were focused on paired down looks or "minimalistic chic" led mostly by the economic crash in '88 and casualness of the new wealth emerging from a little place called Silicon Valley. A very less is more decade that still can be seen today yet still falls in line with having money, but not flaunting the fact.

Ralph Lauren has always been my favorite designer. As a photographer, I can really appreciate his ads as something a real person can aspire to. I love the white and the navy. I had a Rio Olympics blazer that all the athletes wore as their uniform in the opening ceremonies. The men wore those navy blazers with white slacks that remind me of white Levi's 501 that are available today. I bought a pair at Macy's recently.

This guy paid attention when he was a salesman at Brooks Brothers. He saw who the big spending customers were and gave them a one stop for all the looks they wore, wherever they went. Genius.

African Safari look: inspired by Karen Blixen and 'Out of Africa'. One can date the ad campaigns by the type font and photographic style, models, etc - mostly, if not wholly, Bruce Weber.

And they were all 🤌🏻✨ perfection. My favorites were always the equestrian, academic, rowing & coastal, British country and safari. 😅 Yeah, I really narrowed it down. Haha But in all actuality they were all simply so inspirational it’s hard to pick one. Or two. Or even five. ✨

I actually live many elements of this lifestyle. My family used to own a multitude of country estates and several manor houses, even a small castle at one point, and hence my style has been inspired by much of this old money stuff. My grandfather, an Espom and then Oxford graduate, has dressed old money/preppy his whole life, and these days he’s the only one in that side of the family who actually has any money. I went to a private school where I played a lot of rugby, though I never really liked horses and stayed clear of polo and the like. I also go shooting on occasion. In regards to the nautical elements of this style, I feel glad that my great-great grandfather from Scotland was a distinguished sea-captain and therefore I’ve got good reason to incorporate these nautical elements. No idea why I felt the selfish need to monologue about all of this but this style is so important to me because it reminds me so much of my family history and my own life.

The kennedys remind me of a Ralph Lauren ad lol!

The two jumpers you asked about - the one on the left worn by Clotilde was from the 1981 Sante Fe collection and was a 'fairisle' take on southwestern and the one on the right I think was from the same collection but a more Navajo aesthetic.

Great Job! Looking at old Ralph Lauren ads always made me feel elegant. I would like to see your take on Ralph Lauren's now defunct "Rugby" line and the style in the old (pre Jenna) J. Crew catalogs from the 80's and 90's - which now sell for up to $50 on ebay. There's still a lot of love for the old J. Crew Style. The images in old J. Crew catalogs always told a story. While Ralph Lauren brought you into the world of old money, J. Crew brought you into a world of newer, younger, American money - done right. The world of Ralph Lauren, while elegant, always seemed unattainable. You were never going to have that sprawling estate with the priceless sculptures and the collection of fancy vintage sport cars or go on Safari and play with the baby lions while wearing white linen. You were an outsider looking in. In contrast, J. Crew catalogs made you feel you could have that better life. You can see yourself playing a pick-up game of touch football on a bright autumn day surrounded in fall foliage with all your pretty friends. You can ride your vintage bicycle in a seaside town. That could be my life if I just stopped buying lunches for three weeks and bought that sweater.

These were all shot by Bruce Weber, who I hired for a shoot. While the pictures look "casual," they were meticulously worked. Every detail was fussed over.

I love Ralph Lauren ♥️. So timeless. The American Southwest pattern is called "Navajo".

So well done! I love the "Ralph Lauren World analogy - I wish it was real, I'd buy a ticket in a heartbeat.

I absolutely love the style and all the brand has done since I was a child. I remember my father bought a shirt just because I loved it and wore for me. Memories. 😭💗💗💗

The Safari look was very popular because of "Out of Africa," which came out in 1985. I watch that movie at least once a year just to look at the gorgeous clothes.

Carol Burnets long lost sister! Who knew? Back then we'd buy the magazines to check out the new Ralph ads! Men should start growing their hair long again, it looks so great. This is cool!

The patterns your looking at in the Southwestern is Navajo or Hopi weaved Rug designs. they also made full weaved dresses also

Love this video! I’m currently decorating my guest room with a Ralph Lauren vibe. Touches include antique wood furniture, vintage red Turkish rug, and white and blue bedding.

Kinda going along with this, but when I lived in Monterey California for a brief period, I remember there was a clothing boutique that was obviously geared to women aged 60-80. From the window display i thought "what grandma looking clothes". Then for fun i tried on a bunch of said outfits, and to my amazement I legitimate felt like Mia Thermopolis in PD2 when she starts dressing classy casual. I think the older generations are onto something. Just saying to anyone reading this - give it a try

I love ralph lauren home decor style. I will one by one draw the piece he used in his house to inspired myself to decor my own house

Fun fact: that "Southwestern" style is not Aztec (although it descended from it). It is based on the gorgeous traditional Navajo woollen textiles called "Moqui stripe." I just discovered your channel and I'm binge watching your back episodes. Having a blast!

Great video! Ralph Lauren is my absolute favorite designer. His ads have always been sublime.

Great video. I am a Ralph Lauren aficionado and I especially love the vintage lifestyle ads. I downloaded as many as I can find and use them as inspiration.

Love these. All the models are tan a fit

This is literally my favorite aesthetic💓

The knitwear was called the Santa Fe collection 1981. According to the book Ralph Lauren in his own fashion written by Allan Flusser

Perfect and comprehensive RL style analysis 😍 I enjoyed it so much! Didn’t know they had western/south-western aesthetic as well!

Wow I really love winter and nautical theme. ❄⚓ All of these pictures just scream high class and old money.

This is the best Old Money style video I've watched so far, thank you very much !!! ♡♡♡

YES!!! Let’s gooooo I just redid my sons room and it’s was based on these old ads

These ads make me want to have so many kids lol

I just want to say that shade of pink looks lovely on you!

There was a menswear shop in Leura in the blue mountains west of Sydney called mainly for him. I think it was a photo pamphlet for the northern winter of 1995/1996. Lots of sailing but the one sequence that split my brain was a bunch of guys playing touch football in khakis, Oxford shirts school ties with rugby jumpers ties around their waist. Very baggy (it was the nineties) but I have never forgotten that. I’m into watches and it was funny that they showed a Rolex worn upside down to show it was a Rolex.

Thank you for this video, I didn't know I needed! 🥺🤩

Great video. What a trip down memory lane with Vogue and Mademoiselle back in the day.

Since I’ve discovered Ralph Lauren, it really was that moment when I realized that this is how I want to look like. Amazing video.

Such a great video and you really caught me with a reference of Hornblower! it was such a great series and he was such. cute man.

Your channel is so much fun! Cheers!

Loved the break down!!

❤️❤️❤️❤️this vid . Ralph has long been my favorite. I’d call that pattern Navaho.

I love this video, great concept! Love your style ❤

So fun to watch! Makes me wish I hadn't got rid of my R.L. brown linen safari shirt and R L flowered linen capris I ought back in the 90s when I worked at Nordstrom and got rid of them for being too wrinkly! Arg!

Fab, you are fab!!! ♥️ your history of fashion videos are fun and interesting!!! I can get caught up in the fantasy, but your take helps me keep my own style at the forefront. BTW I am and have always been a major RL fan because of his timeless and classic style. Your research and presentations are always greatly appreciated!!😊👍❤

love your channel, fantastic analysis and i can tell you know your stuff!

Excellent vidéo, thank you ! Kiss from France !

I loved this one! I remember seeing a lot of these ads at the time they came out (I loved the tartan tights especially)...hi from the US.

Love it💛thank you for the inspiration, really enjoy your vids

Ty for this.....I'm big into RL and the lore, history etc

I’m the oldie that subscribed because you deserved it. Love your ascetic and really really love Ralph Lauren clothing and the fantasy worlds they inspire. I would like to see your take on the Gibson girl look some day. Keep faith with the direction of your channel and success is sure to follow.

Love it!

Love love love this video🥰🥰. I would love it if you could do a breakdown on how to dress like this.

I love your content so much.

I am new on your channel and subscribed immediately. I like your humor and personality and the content is super interesting. This was also a great video with all the vintage pictures and your research.

I am arriving late but the jumper pattern is called « fair isle » and I am absolutely obsessed by this pattern these days.

Loved this, it was such a cool idea!

Yep definitely my favourite designer

I really appreciated this Thank .you

Great video and I like what you're wearing. I'm from Canada and I also say Ralph Lauren the same way you do. And I like you're reasoning, ha ha!! I would say Navajo pattern but not sure with a conch belt?

Love it, Fab!

The « very Ralph « documentary is a must watch 💙

The knitwear pattern is called fairisle in the first image and Navajo in the second. I was in my twenties in the eighties and these looks were my style inspiration. I have even dressed my son in Ralph Lauren since his mid teens and he would fit into these ads so well today, he even looks like the guy in the centre of the university image with the long hair. My whole style aesthetic has been influenced by Ralph including my home. Also we share the same birthday 14th October. This is the first video I have seen of yours but can’t wait to watch more x

Thank you!!!

I've always admired his clothing style. I'm not rich nor fancy but I love the colors and style it reminds me of English country. I'm not an expert on clothing styles so I might be using the wrong term for it. Oh yes I saw equestrian look on your video and love that so much. If I saw a purse with equestrian details (snaffle bit and buckles) I had to have it. Of course it wasn't Ralph Lauren brand I couldn't afford that. Just a beautiful look.

LOVED this video as I do all of the ones on your channel. I hope one day you do a Jackie Kennedy video.

Love your videos. :-)

Navaho, I believe. And, I'm certainly going to start wearing a pearl necklace with my Polo and Burberry shirts!

I can’t see the knitwear pattern on the left very well but at first glance it looks like Fair Isle.

You’re so knowledgeable .

Late to the party, but the Southwestern print you mentioned is Navajo. American Indian.

Adobe Style, Arizona. Aztec is South America region found in Brazil, Peruvian is South American too.

Regarding the knitwear designs, I think most people would recognize them simply as Southwest patterns. There may be some historical distinction between Navajo and Pueblo and other indigenous motifs which would be interesting to learn more about. Traditionally, you usually see these patterns in all kinds of weaves, not really knitwear.

THE PERFECT VIDEO DOES NOT EXI-😍😍

🙌🙌🙌🙌

I collect old Ralph. Say Lauren any way you want, honey.

So..no collection at all for Spring/Summer 2022? Why? I wear ALOT of Ralph Lauren...and I have lived alot of old money places...so his clothung fits in lots of places for me. Actually most inspiration is British Country, English riding wear, New England prep, and even Ranch. Highly wearable clothing...at least for me. I shop vintage where I find my best RL fashion also end of season. I have 20 yr old pieces and older. They are very special to me.

I have a Pinterest board of these adds too. And a few vintage pieces too. I'm looking forward to your new series of looks. I really enjoy your view on fashion.

The Western-inspired print/knit pattern is known as NAVAJO (navAhoe - if you please)...

Your awesome and beautiful. Really enjoyed this.

please please please make more old money videos!!

9:35 "But the thing about this children is they always look like borderline depress" LMAAAOOOOOOO🤣

Dont forget, Ralph Lauren was inspired by Brooks Brothers! Brooks Brothers mentored Ralph when he was coming up in the Fashion business. He got the 'Old money aesthetic from Brooks Brothers. He just added a little extra to the aesthetic. Brooks Brothers started the use of Polo and Tennis as a marketing strategy to reach the Ivy league clientelle! When you study the Fashion business, most of the inspiration for these brands comes from previous era's! Like it says in scriptures📖 according to the Prophet Soloman(as)" There's nothing new under the Sun"!🌄

Ralph Lauren 💕🌵💕….southwestern Navajo print

Love love love this 👏🏽❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸❤️ So glad I requested this theme ☺️☺️ it’s like an indigenous/Native American inspired pattern for the southwest. RL is also more diverse with their models as well ❤️

Great video. As a former long-time employee, it's LAUR-en. Not LaWREN. Keep it up.

Was that a zebra at 06:45 or a painted pony like Tanya Roberts rode in the SHEENA movie?

A Russian NYC jew wanted to be an English WASP. He knew how to get there. He's big even in England.

Outback country is the label

Sophia loREN, Ralph LORen. BTW

Navajo Style for Southwest?

RL has the equestrian aesthetic down.

Oh Fab, that pattern of Southwestern materials is sometimes called a Navajo design. (Not sure if it always) (I'm American)

Okay here is my life and why RL fashion fits me so well: 1. Raised in Texas...My family owned a ranch but we lived in the city..the ranch was a fun getaway place for western riding and tubing in the river, climbing oak trees. So I feel very at home in the western wear. Those SW patterned sweaters at least some are Navajo...the SW wear is likely meant to reflect the popularity of Taos, NM with the moneyed/artsy set, loads of artists in residence and galleries. The LAURENS of course own a rsnch as well cant recall where but not I ti think in NM. 2. The preppy New England/Sailing wear. I went to college in NE as so many aspire to eg the Ivy League...preppy style is very classic and traditional and never goes out of style. Sailing is a common past time in New England on the coast...I love it. I grew up sailing in Texas then sailed the Caribbean for ten yrs in early retirment on a 45' motorsailor. I assure you the RL sailing style style is largely impractical for REAL sailing. We rarely wear whites..we do wear boat shoes Sperry Topsiders in leather or canvas, no socks in the Caribbean...if you go barefoot you will break toes..my husband has had three! I have had no broken toes because I wore my topsiders...he wanted to feel free! I did have a couple of RL sweaters, severalmñolo collared shirts for sailing bt mostly they are too thick for Caribbean sailing. Now in retirement I eould not be without my teo navy RL blazerd one for dummer snd one for winter. i live in the tropics in moutnain country and MOST multi millionaire sand billionare women of a certain age ALL wesr RL fashion and recognize it a mile off...here I AM TALKING Latina women..it was so.odd to see them at daytime concerts and in restaurants, the friends I made wearing RL! So the brand is indeed international.You are never out of place in RL anywhere which is part of why I feel so comfortable in it. 3. British Riding, Country Home, Polo wear...my stepfather was a Grandier Guard at Windsor Castle trained at Sandhurst...their West Point. He also fought in WWII..He was an English country gentleman later when I knew him. He told me British men get their tweed jackets...checks as you called them..as uni students cut generousy to let out and take in over a lifetime...that shocked me being American. hE said they sent them out for reweaving holes etc..that to have new ANYTHING was declasse. The Brits treasure OLD, most important old family titles and social standing, old money, old cars thus the antique Jags in so many ads and RL himself collects them. They treasure old family estates and homes, old battered and frayed by American standards antiques. They abhor bright shiny NEW...which Brits consider "trying to look the part" but being fake. The Lauren family copies the lifestyle in their homes, cars, estates BUT they can never be to the manor born and they well know it. RL grew up in a NYC cold water flat, his wife grew up a lovely WASPY LOOKING Polish immigrant Catholic. RL loves the blonde female aristocratic look and most of the vintage RL models were blonde, fresh faced non sophisticate old money look..it is his favorite look. But he has moved with the times thus the Chinese models to appeal to that large market...and American Black models male and female, to appeal to Black celebs and the less expensive mass market volume produced oitlet mall lines like Polo marketed to the aspirational. Ralph began his career selling ties in the lobby of a NYC office building...

hey girl, great video !!! how tall you are??? just curiosity...

I saw an interview with Oprah and Ralph took her to his teepees on his ranch and called the print Navajo

Styl mojego męża ❤on ma szerokie ramiona i wygląda dobrze we wszystkim ale lubi tą markę ❤

WASP Culture is so Classy and Sophisticated.