Flashy, evil scumbag in 'The Sopranos', Ralphie is said - by Tony's sister - to be hooked on Ralph Lauren. Whether he is or he isn't, his style seems to be in direct contrast to most of what we see clotheswise. But it's still pretty much of a no-no as far as I can see. There appears to be very little in the way of collar roll on display and we have to content ourselves with the merest hint of preppiness. So, a dry run for 'Mad Men'?
Ralphie likes to stand out from the others - and manages to do so. Can much of the clothing be identified as 2000 onwards Ralph Lauren? I really wouldn't know.
I actually, come to think of it, saw some RL shoes last weekend I fancy may have been worn by our scumbag: a kind of sand-coloured suede brogue: not at all nice. But remember that scene where he steps in horseshit?
Ralph loses his head in the end, but what a great fucked-up character. In the early 2000s, very soon after The Sopranos had ended, he was sitting at the table next to mine in a fancy Italian (of course) restaurant on Wardour Street. I was so excited "Look! It's Ralph!" I was screaming but my fellow diners hadn't seen it so I just stared over, starstruck. I don't recall his outfit, but not much Lipshitz on display.
Am I the only one here never to have owned an item of RL? Or even to have considered owning any. It's not a principle, it's just I've never seen anything to tempt me. The brand in itself certainly has no appeal, at the same time I wouldn't hesitate if I saw something of theirs I liked.
There's a gent on IS FB who dresses head to toe in RL and posts a lot of selfies. He's got his own style and he is good at it, but it doesn't look ivy to me, nor does it appeal. (Except in comparison to the majority of other posters over there, in their interminable chinos, blazer and bow tie combinations.)
Last edited by Yuca (2021-11-05 12:40:09)
Good points, Yuca.
I've been wearing it and off for quite a while. Mixed feelings. Don't like the logo but a USA-made pocket polo without it is a good quality item. In fact, it's most certainly that fucking pony that sets my teeth on edge. Still, try pointing out that the gear is better without and you'll get some funny looks. Same with that damn check... the croc... the laurel leaf...
I assume only the older RL is US made?
In Tkmaxx today I saw two of the most dodgiest Harrington jackets made by RL. No wonder they were on the clearance rack.
When I lived in Canada 1993 the RL shop in the Toronto suburbs sold quite a bit of stuff made in Canada. All good quality. The shop reminded me of a JS shop selling lots of well made items but mostly with the logo attached.
So: Ralph Lauren clothing is turning up here and there, usually on characters who aspire to be something other than an overweight, lumbering, lying, basically humourless prick like Tony. Or the fat boys in their shiny blue tracksuits. One or two button-down shirts. Nothing interesting.
A slightly preppie look to, I think, Carmine Junior (I lose track) in a nasty-colour Lacoste polo shirt. Not a bad look on Carm's dad (around eighty) in his basic check shirt and chinos.
Of course, if every member of the mob dressed like 'Silv', the cops and FBI would have no trouble identifying them. A Grand Jury could bring them in guilty on charges of grave crimes against clothing humanity.