PR86649

SYDNEY, Nov. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

The Australian Open and Ralph Lauren Corporation today announced a new, global

long-term partnership. Ralph Lauren has been named Official Outfitter of the

Australian Open and will outfit all on-court officials, including the AO ballkids and

chair umpires, in a specially-designed collection of apparel and accessories.

"We are delighted to welcome Ralph Lauren to the Australian Open family and

proud to partner with this prestigious global brand who have a role in some of

the world's biggest sporting events," Australian Open Tournament Director Craig

Tiley said. "The Ralph Lauren style and sophistication will bring a fresh new

look to the Australian Open and the uniform designs reflect the contemporary,

playful and premium AO brand. Our shared commitment to excellence, innovation

and creativity, along with a deep connection to history and tradition, form the

base of this exciting new long-term partnership."

"For over 50 years, the Polo brand has embodied a spirit of sporty elegance and

we are thrilled to partner with the Australian Open, adding this iconic event

to Ralph Lauren's incredible portfolio of sports partnerships. The Australian

Open is well known for its energy and personality and is a natural alignment

for our brand as we continue our commitment to the world of sports and reaching

consumers through their areas of passion," Ralph Lauren Chief Innovation and

Branding Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board, David Lauren said.

The Ralph Lauren Australian Open uniforms are inspired by the fresh energy and

playful spirit of the tournament. Supporting the Company's commitment to

sustainability, the fabric making up items in the uniform – the Polo shirt,

short, skort and cap – will be made from yarn derived from recycled plastic

bottles. The fabric will also have functional performance features, like stretch,

moisture-wicking properties and UV protection, all constructed for active play.

For the duration of the tournament, Polo Ralph Lauren's on-site store will

feature the custom Create-Your-Own program for the first time in Australia,

alongside an assortment of classic Polo icons. Customers will be able to

personalize an array of products with their name or initials including Polo

Shirts, pullovers and totes.

The partnership will kick off at AO 2021 and supports Ralph Lauren's strategy

to deliver sustainable growth and value creation - specifically supporting its

priority to win over a new generation through high impact global events. The

Australian Open's 2020 global viewing audience reached 900 million homes daily

across more than 215 territories, also aligning with the Company's objective of

exposure in key markets including Australia and Southeast Asia.

This is the third Grand Slam tournament in the Ralph Lauren portfolio,

alongside Wimbledon and the US Open. Other prestigious sporting partnerships

for the brand include the US Olympic and Paralympic teams, the PGA of America

and the PGA Championship, the US Ryder Cup Team, the US Open Golf Championship

and American Junior Golf Association.

Please kindly find press assets here: https://we.tl/t-vMyOQVqbi6

ABOUT RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing

and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel,

footwear & accessories, home, fragrance and hospitality. For more than 50

years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently

developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international

markets. The Company's brand names, which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren

Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren

Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps and Club Monaco, among others,

constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer

brands. For more information, go to https://corporate.ralphlauren.com .

CONTACT

Japan

Sachie Kim

Sachie.kim@ralphlauren.com

South Korea

Kaitlin Kim  

Kaitlin.Kim@RalphLauren.com

Greater China

Frank Yang

Frank.Yang@RalphLauren.com

Singapore

Vicky Tam

Vicky.Tam@ralphlauren.com

Australia

Ingrid Lovett

Communications Director, MAXMEDIALAB

ilovett@maxmedialab.com.au

Source: Ralph Lauren

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=376935 

   Caption: Ralph Lauren Named as Official Outfitter of the Australian Open