Shock of the New (Gentleman)

Despite announcing net income loses of 6.6% on Wednesday, Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. is forging ahead.

“We are operating in one of the most challenging times our company and industry has ever faced,” (WWD) said company chairman and CEO Ralph Lauren.

The focus, as reported in Women’s Wear Daily, is on their “sub-brand culture.”

For Fall, this includes:

• The return of the three-piece suit;

• Monochromatic looks across furnishings and tailoring;

• A sharper silhouette, with a new rolled shoulder. (WWD)

“Purple Label is classically the most sophisticated. It has an international quality. This could be Italian, it could be French.”

“These are things you think you see in a lot of places because they’re timeless and classy, but you really don’t…. I love the ability to go from Purple Label, which has heritage, to Black Label, which feels like another brand.”

“Black Label is contemporary, somewhat technical. This is really saying what sportswear is. We took things from skiwear, various active things.”

All images c/o WWD (pass protected), Photos by Thomas Iannaccone