The story of Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren started in 1967 by designing wide ties sold under the Polo name. The brand quickly expanded into menswear and then womenswear, building an idealised vision of America: open landscapes, equestrian sport and Ivy League clubs. The polo player logo became one of the most recognisable in fashion. In 1978 the house launched its first fragrances, including Polo, composed by Carlos Benaïm, in a green bottle bearing the gold horseman. This powerful woody aromatic defined its era. Polo Blue, in 2003, turned towards aquatic freshness, and Polo Red, in 2013, towards a more energetic fruity, spicy wood. Ralph Lauren fragrances are developed with the L'Oréal group, and the Polo family now includes many variations, from intense night-time versions to lighter summer editions, each keeping the horseman on the bottle.
An olfactory signature
The Polo line expresses a sporty, elegant masculinity. The original Polo opens on artemisia, basil and thyme, moves through a heart of pine, patchouli and oakmoss, then settles on leather, tobacco and musk: resinous, green and assertive. Polo Blue freshens the idea with melon, cucumber and mandarin over a suede base. Polo Red plays red grapefruit, cranberry and saffron over amber and coffee. Each generation reflects the taste of its decade while keeping the same sporting confidence.
Which Ralph Lauren perfume to choose?
For a classic with a strong personality, Polo is the choice for lovers of old-school green, woody fougères, best in autumn and winter. Polo Blue suits everyday wear and summer with its easy aquatic freshness. Polo Red, fruitier and spicier, will appeal to men who want an energetic, modern scent for going out. All three remain resolutely masculine.