Ralph Lauren is in the midst of celebrating his 50th anniversary. With any career that longevity is to be applauded, and in the fashion industry that can be quite fickle, that is especially quite an accomplishment. Although he is most likely known for his apparel offerings, whether it's for his namesake label, his Lauren by Ralph Lauren label or his Polo Ralph Lauren label, it is still safe to say his reach goes beyond "just" apparel.
One of the most interesting aspects for me is how Lauren has created a global empire - a lifestyle brand. It started with apparel and apparel is most certainly still the main pillar, but it has branched off into accessories, books, restaurants and even coffee. Yes, coffee. And, it's this latter point where I will stay for this post.
I'm a fan of coffee. Early into my coffee journey, it was more about the caffeine and tasty flavor combinations. Later, I began to branch out by having more espressos, macchiatos and cappuccinos. It was then, where the real flavor of the coffee began to be tasted and in conjunction with trying more boutique coffee shops, my taste buds were ignited. I had ventured into a whole other coffee realm.
Cue Ralph's Coffee. My first experience with Ralph's Coffee when Lauren still had his Polo store on New York City's Fifth Avenue. Since that closed, Ralph's Coffee did too. That was until this fall when Ralph's Coffee reappeared.
In the very Ralph Lauren way, they chose not to do "just" a pop-up coffee shop, but rather a mobile truck. Of course I had to take a detour to experience this extension of the Ralph Lauren brand during a NYC day filled with meetings - a welcomed detour I might add. Nestled within Rockefeller Center is where Lauren has taken this version of his Ralph's Coffee, and it did not disappoint.
Even if you aren't a coffee drinker but a fan of fashion or vice versa, I highly recommend stopping by the green truck when in New York City. There is something special about this Ralph Lauren experience. And, with so much experience under his belt, it's safe to say he probably knows a thing or two about fashion, and even coffee too.
Also, with the holiday season in full swing, be sure to check out my recent post for some Holiday Gift-Giving Ideas. [ Christina, could you insert the link when this post goes live?]
- Aimee
Comments will be approved before showing up.
I just read an article that sounded – to me at least – like “a canary in a coal mine” or an early warning of danger. This piece, written by Joe Pompeo, appeared in the May 2020 issue of Vanity Fair magazine with the title “The British Tabloid Invasion” and a subtitle that read, “How the Daily Mail is conquering American gossip.”
The paparazzi horde, La Dolce Vita, 1960 – photo courtesy of Vanity Fair
Apparently the good old U.S. is a nation of “not great” sleepers. Really? And I thought I was the only one! According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it was revealed that one out of three Americans are chronically sleep-deprived. Yikes!
I think we’re all taken by the incredible mystique of the famous French fashion house, Hermès that has been with us for two centuries and is still owned and operated by the same family. From its beginnings in fine equestrian leather goods, they are – in the tumultuous year 2020 – best known for their handbags and many other items.
My image of Hermès has always been rarified products at equally rarified prices so imagine my surprise when I recently received a very stylish publication of theirs in the mail.
