Ralph inspiration

I must admit I knew nothing about Ralph Lauren before watching the documentary, Very Ralph. My main recollection of the brand was his popular polo shirts, which those who purchased, usually wore them with the collars turned up.

Or then there’s the times I would walk through a Myers department store, where I often stopped to admire their simplistic, yet comforting display. 

They are Ralph Lauren’s muse and an extension of his world, even if they have never met him.

Something has always drawn me to the brand: the clean cut feminine shirts that reminded me of a classy, yet laid back sophisticated woman on a warm and breezy summer’s day, or maybe it was the men I’d seen wear Ralph Lauren, who I instantly thought were ‘somebody’ when I caught glimpse of the logo.

The truth is, they are somebodies. They are part of a club, a legacy, a dream, a passion, a vision – they are Ralph Lauren’s muse and an extension of his world, even if they have never met him.

Credit: Audrey Fretz, Park Street Photography @parkstreet_

It’s a club that makes somebody feel like ‘somebody’ – even on the not-so-great days or when a cup of coffee has artistically decorated their outfit just before walking into an important meeting. I truly imagine if one is wearing Ralph Lauren that day, things are only half as bad.

Fashion has always inspired me – not just for its beauty, but by how it makes one feel and the stories behind each designer. Dior, Chanel, the list goes on for the great moments in history that shape not only the fashion world, but signify a culture, a dream, a country, family, love, passion, and more deeply, someone’s soul.

“You have to have a full life to be able to create. You can’t create from emptiness.”

Ralph built his entire life from his soul – which was always full. As mentioned in the documentary: “You have to have a full life to be able to create. You can’t create from emptiness.”

He was guided by what he felt, never knowing if what he was going to create was right, but knowing that by trusting his gut, it would always work out exactly how it was meant to.

He always knew that by following what he felt, he would have his answer. Most of all, he continues to teach us that we don’t always need to know that our creations are going to work out perfectly or even be correct, but we do need to trust our inspiration, our vision, and what we are feeling, as it is this that will lead us to where we’re meant to be. 

“Sometimes you have to fulfil your dreams, to know what the real dream is about.” ~ Ralph Lauren

Have you watched Very Ralph? Let me know what inspired you most about it by commenting below.