RUGBY RALPH LAUREN

'Rugby Ralph Lauren' is an American clothing brand launched in 2004 under the management of parent company Polo Ralph Lauren.

Contents

Brand history and identity

Controversy

Store locations

External links

Brand history and identity

Rugby is clothing designer Ralph Lauren's latest brand for men and women, aimed at a collegiate and post-collegiate clientele. Rugby's lower price point and edgier styling caters to a younger shopper than his other luxury clothing brands. Though the company is still experimenting with a logo, most of the clothing either carries a small embroidered rugby player, "RRL" monogram, or a skull and crossbones motif. Rugby carries a line of polo shirts, outerwear, sport coats, dresses, and accessories, all with a distressed or embellished flair, as well as their signature rugby shirts that can be customized by buying patches in the store. Though originally intended to compete with stores like Abercrombie & Fitch, RUEHL, and American Eagle Outfitters, its significantly higher prices will more likely attract younger customers from its own Polo brand.

Controversy

Recently, Rugby has received criticism from several British private schools whose uniforms, crests, ties, and sports jersies the company has copied. These schools include: Eton College, Harrow School, Worth School, Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, Dulwich College, and Marlborough College.
Also, the brand has suffered sharp criticism from the American rugby playing community. Ralph Lauren copyrighted the name of several previously existing rugby supply stores and organizations, including Barbarian Rugby and USA Rugby. In retaliation, ''Rugby Magazine'' writer Buzz McClain began a campaign to copyright the name Ralph Lauren. More importantly, there is concern that the image of the sport would be co-opted by a brand noted for its exclusivity.

Store locations

Rugby is currently only available through its network of stores. These include:

★ Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA

★ 115 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT

★ 195 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT

★ 1065 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington D.C. (includes Rugby Food and Spirits, a small café)

★ 1000 West Armitage, Chicago, IL

★ 342 Newbury Street, Boston, MA (flagship store)

★ 99 University Place, New York, NY

★ 4200 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX

★ University Village, Seattle, WA
The Rugby line is also offered in Ralph Lauren Outlet stores, though with a limited selection of styles.
A store is expected to launch next summer on Main Street in East Hampton, New York, according to the manager of the Ralph Lauren store there.
After two years, the Rugby location in Charlottesville, Virginia as well as the store in Chapel Hill, North Carolina have closed.

External links

★ Rugby Official Site