Through the Magpie Eye: Old Ralph Lauren Adverts

23.08.2019

Polo Ralph Lauren advert of three models fishing from a wooden boat in field jackets and hats, with a wicker creel and a dog

Ralph Lauren’s son was once quoted as saying, “It’s not about fabric, it’s about dreams,” — and nowhere is this fairly wistful sentence more apparent than in the classic Polo ads of the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Whilst most adverts around this time followed the fairly classic text heavy style, Ralph ignored long sales pitches and reams of technical information in favour of lavish, romantic imagery of outdoorsy Americana.

Horses… huskies… lazy afternoons fishing by the river… rustic looking shoe racks… it’s hardly the most attainable lifestyle in the world, but that’s probably the appeal.

Scroll down to see some classics (mostly hoiked from a pretty extensive site aptly titled ‘Old Ralph Lauren Adverts)…

Polo Ralph Lauren Sportsman advert for The Trail Guide Moccasin, brown moccasins with grey wool socks and rolled khakis

Polo Dungarees advert, a denim jacket, black American flag jumper, check shirts, red cap and scarves hung on a blue peg rail

Ralph Lauren RRL advert collage of denim dungarees, a model in denim and a brown jacket, running horses and check flannels

Ralph Lauren advert of four models in fur hats, a fur-trimmed parka and a red Nordic knit, in snow beside a chestnut horse

Polo Sport Sportsman advert, two models holding huskies on a cabin porch, one in cream, one in a black and white Nordic knit

Ralph Lauren advert, a model in a red and black reindeer knit and matching hat, sat beside a husky in the snow

Ralph Lauren advert collage of models on a farm in denim and canvas jackets, caps and an orange gilet, by a blue tractor

Ralph Lauren advert, a model in a red and black check jacket, another in a black hat and tartan scarf, and a husky in snow

Polo advert of two models in the snow with wooden skis, one in tweed and a check shirt, one in a grey jumper and check cap

Polo Sport advert of a model in a red USA hoodie under an olive fleece jacket, against a blue sky

Polo by Ralph Lauren advert of a rider in a cowboy hat and long fur coat on a dark horse, crossing deep snow

Polo Ralph Lauren for boys advert, two models in red, yellow and blue puffer jackets holding wooden hockey sticks

Ralph Lauren advert of a model in a navy RL-92 cap under a hood, with a yellow and navy jacket over a striped shirt

Ralph Lauren advert for The Fishing Vest, a model in a felt hat and tan vest in a wooden canoe with a yellow Labrador

Polo Ralph Lauren Adirondacks advert of three pairs of tan moccasins and boots on a blue floor by a rush-seated chair

Polo Ralph Lauren advert for The Adirondack Moccasin, a tan lug-soled moccasin worn with grey tweed trousers, on a log

Ralph Lauren advert for The Polo Bear, The Chairman, a teddy bear in a navy pinstripe suit, white shirt and check tie

Ralph Lauren advert for The Polo Bear, The Producer, a white teddy bear in dark sunglasses and a black pinstripe belted coat

Lifestyle Eyewear by Ralph Lauren advert of four models in large glasses, one with a tennis racket, one in a pinstripe suit

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