Discover The Independent Spirit Of Ralph Lauren’s Double RL
Embrace laid-back Americana style with Western-inspired looks, classic denim and timeless tweed from a true American icon. By BILLIE BHATIA
Ralph Lauren is to American style what the Super Bowl is to NFL fans – they are inextricably linked, resting on one to bolster the other. The founding father of Americana, Ralph Lauren’s eponymous label is synonymous with preppy style, tailoring of the highest order and a sense of occasion. It is the older sibling to Double RL, a brand that has excitingly landed on NET-A-PORTER in spectacular style this summer.
Inspired by the legacy of the American West, and rooted in the tradition of rugged independence, the pioneering spirit of Double RL feels inherently American. Founded in 1993, and named after Ralph Lauren’s working cattle ranch in Colorado, Double RL isn’t just an off-shoot of a mainline – it has an authority in its own right: a destination for those seeking exceptional craftsmanship and authenticity.
Where cowboy culture has recently taken center stage (both in music and fashion’s continued obsession with country-themed accessories), Double RL has stayed true to that influence since its inception. “I have always loved clothes that were designed for a purpose – work clothes, uniforms and the hard-wearing utility fabrics they were made of,” explains Ralph Lauren. “They have a timeless quality, honesty and integrity to them – which, to me, is very American.”
True to the ethos of the Ralph Lauren brand, Double RL itself is hinged on hardworking pieces that will last beyond a mere seasonal offering: whimsical dresses, classic denim, eclectic accessories, all inspired by the independent spirit of the American West. There is a palpable balance of toughness and softness to Double RL – romantic, but wild. And it’s clear, on closer inspection, that it’s those themes that really bind the collection together and add to its appeal.
“I have always loved clothes that were designed for a purpose – work clothes, uniforms and the hard-wearing utility fabrics they were made of. They have a timeless quality, honesty and integrity to them – which, to me, is very American
”Ralph Lauren
From the Western-inspired jacket and skirt (both practical yet elegant) to the coverall that leans heavily into utility (but with a relaxed and playful feel), these are clothes to really live in. The denim, as predicted, is purposeful – made for the ranch hands it would have first served – but pairs effortlessly with prairie-style blouses and the brand’s embroidered cardigan to strike the balance of function and fashion.
Whether this is your first foray into Americana or your cowboy boots are a long-serving staple, the authenticity of Double RL’s American West legacy make you feel part of something very real.