Polo Originals pays tribute to all things motorsport, while incorporating a vintage academia flare in its launch of the FW23 collection and campaign. Honoring the heritage of Polo Ralph Lauren while also emphasizing quality craftsmanship with elegance, Polo Originals is a new program within the Polo line that was introduced last year. However, this season’s focus surrounds motorsports, including recognition of the prestigious Tourist Trophy motorcycle race. The collection features garments of carefully curated fabrics ranging from vintage racing jackets to wool sweaters, all while paying homage to the legacy of its preppy rugby style.  

For a look that honors speed and style, the collection seamlessly blends the athletically rugged tailoring of motorcycle wear with the preppy, structured silhouettes graced by an English academia touch. 

The campaign features eminent TikTok star, Jacob Rott of the Elevator Boys, and was shot by renowned photographer, Richard Phibbs, at the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit racetrack in Chichester, England as well as in the tranquil backroads of the English countryside. 

Aside from including classic Polo Ralph Lauren pieces in the collection, like Fair Isle Sweaters and corduroy trousers, the most prominent of the styles include motorsport jackets.

‍The Camo Oilcloth Jacket, which is a reimagined structure of a vintage motorcycle jacket from the Ralph Lauren archive, is crafted from British Millerain® oilcloth fabric, coated with wax, and washed to reveal its subtle pattern. Embossed in logo graphics updated from the mixed-media patches that reference traditional racing apparel, this jacket honors a look that’s noticeably Polo. 

‍The Asymmetrical Oilcloth jacket, which is also inspired by an archived Ralph Lauren piece, features authentic racing details such as quilted piecing and vintage-inspired racing pins. 

The collection also includes a piece inspired by jackets from Mr. Lauren’s personal wardrobe: The Hand-Painted Leather Cafe Racing Jacket. It is delicately hand-distressed and treated with a crackle effect to portray the worn look a cyclist often provides. Each of these jackets are individually painted by artisans with signature graphics that recognize the advertisements that were once decorated on classic racing apparel.

To celebrate this launch, Ralph Lauren hosted guests and car enthusiasts at the Goodwood Revival festival from September 8th to 10th. Guests enjoyed champagne, lunch and afternoon tea accompanied by activities such as drives in vintage cars on the racetrack, private paddock tours and exclusive helicopter tours of the Goodwood Estate.

Photographed by Richard Phibbs