The Tamesis
usherVittorio Zunino Cerlotto/Getty Images
Since 1999, the Ralph Lauren Palazzo, with its Italianate stone and majestic columns and arches, has stood majestically on Milan’s Via S. Barnaba. Once inside the venue, however, there’s no denying that it’s a nod to the all-American charm that’s synonymous with the brand. Tonight, that patriotic pride and spirit is amplified five rings as the brand hosts a launch party for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which officially opens on Friday.
Ralph Lauren has been supplying Team USA with ceremonial and casual wear since 2008, and this year the collection is even more diverse in theme. There’s everything from leather bombers (similar to the ones Ralph himself wore when he started selling ties in the late ’60s) to snow-colored duffle coats. The latter was what Arthur was wearing when he arrived, stuck in traffic behind the Olympic flame.
David Lauren, chief brand and innovation officer, said the Ralph Lauren team is always struck by the “humbleness and understatement” of the Olympians they work with: “While they must have a certain level of confidence, we are always impressed by their focus, discipline and training. With every athlete we meet, we truly feel like they are incredible representatives of America.”
In the palace’s atrium, guests including Maggie Rogers, Marisa Tomei, Benito Skinner and Shaun White mingled while pouring margaritas and champagne. Comedians and popular hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers culturalist podcast, may be overheard revealing their fantastic third and fourth bobsled teammates: Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen. When asked which sports they thought they were good at, they didn’t hesitate. “Oooh. We were talking about this in the car before! To him, speed skating is a track star,” Young said, pointing to Rogers. “I think Bowen skied; I really do,” Rogers replied. “I’d love to see you jump into the air. Ski jumping. Because I think it’s really fascinating. I just thought like Watch Yang Bowen fly. “
Moments later, Arthur walked into the palace’s showroom and took a closer look at the sharp navy suit beneath the aforementioned duffel bag. “First of all, I thought curling might be fun,” he said, pondering what winter sport he would switch to in a fictional life-swapping scenario. “But, um… I think snowboarding would be my dream.”
Downhill or halfpipe?
“Halfpipe, of course. And I’m going to have a great coach. That’s Shaun White,” he concluded.
