A QUICK DIVE INTO THE ICONOGRAPHY OF RALPH LAUREN

I am obsessed with the Ralph Lauren Polo Bear. I recently went to the Ralph Lauren outlets and could not stop squealing at the amount of Polo Bear merchandise that scattered the store-- the bears portrayed in their swim gear on t-shirts, hoodies, towels, and even mugs. For my birthday, my mom gifted me a Polo Bear bag and a Polo Bear scarf. It's honestly the best present I've ever received.

Since its introduction, the Polo Bear has taken a life in its own, becoming a mascot for the brand. Originally known as the "Preppy Bear," Ralph Lauren's Bear Shop has become a coveted part of the brand, with many collectors around the world. You can find a fantastic article going into the history of the Polo Bear by Grailed's Dry Clean Only here.

What interests me so much about the Polo Bear, besides its utter cuteness, is how the bear became another icon for the brand. Icons in branding are used as representations of the business and builds brand identity. Previous to the Polo Bear, we had (and still have!) the Polo Man. The Polo Man represents how the Ralph Lauren brand is inspired by sports, in this case, a horseback game, with connotations of preppy style and wealth. The connotations of wealth and class become associated with the brand, and the identity of the brand begins to take its form.

The Polo Bear, on the other hand, represents a playfulness to the brand. Given that the wealthy are not always portrayed in a good light, often times seen as cold and perhaps cunning, the Polo Bear makes the brand approachable to those who may not completely know what the brand is about. It's pure genius. 

The Ralph Lauren house is known as one of the best brands when it comes to brand storytelling and marketing, and I just find it so amazing how the brand is able to add things into its universe that not only resonate with audiences, but also resonates with the brand at heart. My favorite icon? A combo: a Polo Bear riding on horseback, playing Polo: