RALPH LAUREN FORGES FASHION PARTNERSHIP WITH SNAP INC.

Ralph Lauren has teamed up with Snapchat’s parent company, Snap Inc, on a long-term global partnership.

The collaboration introduces virtual branded apparel inspired by real Ralph Lauren looks, shoppable styles to match your personal Bitmoji – through Ralph Lauren retail, as well as innovative camera technology collaborations. Through first-to-market opportunities, the partnership aims to elevate brand storytelling and redefine commerce capabilities, reaffirming Ralph Lauren’s focus on leading with digital – while reaching a younger generation.

“Ralph Lauren is excited to embark on this innovative partnership with Snap,” said Alice Delahunt, chief digital officer at Ralph Lauren. “With Ralph Lauren’s respected reputation as a global leader within the luxury fashion space and Snap’s undeniable creative prowess and expansive reach to a younger consumer, we feel inspired to explore disruptive ways to tell our brand’s story, drive social commerce and engage with a new generation in an authentic and empowering way.”

“This partnership is an expansive and holistic venture to bring the Ralph Lauren brand into the digital world,” added Selby Drummond, head of fashion and beauty at Snap. “Bitmoji is the world’s most personal avatar, and with a new virtual wardrobe experience, it’s possible to feel even more closely and authentically connected to your avatar when wearing the labels you love. We’re thrilled to see Ralph Lauren leading the way as brands embrace the world of digital fashion.”

The collaboration will lead with Ralph Lauren’s branded and customizable wardrobe for Bitmoji avatars – the first of its kind to live within Snapchat and the Bitmoji app. Bitmoji’s newly launched ‘Mix and Match’ feature will highlight 12 looks from the Ralph Lauren x Bitmoji collection – 6 men’s and 6 women’s – so Snapchatters can dress their Bitmojis, expressing their personal style. The collection is styled on a virtual background that reflects the timeless heritage and welcoming atmosphere, synonymous with Ralph Lauren retail.

“Bitmoji avatars enable millions of people every day to be their true selves in the digital world,” said Ba Blackstock, CEO of Bitmoji. “Just like in real life, your Bitmoji’s outfit is a powerful form of self-expression. We’re excited to partner with innovative brands like Ralph Lauren to help shape the future of digital fashion by connecting our community with the brands they love.”

Created through the eyes of the Ralph Lauren design team and treated as an extension of the physical collection, the pieces include classic double-breasted blazers, a branded racer jacket, a striped rugby shirt, and a vibrant track jacket. Additionally, over the next six months, every Polo Shirt within the Bitmoji closet will be branded with the signature Ralph Lauren polo player logo.

Bitmoji users wearing the Ralph Lauren looks will also see the designs on their Bitmoji in a variety of digital experiences on and off Snapchat, including Chat, games, on the Snap Map, in personalized content like Bitmoji Stories, as well as being available for purchase through the Ralph Lauren website and select Ralph Lauren retail stores.

Recent collaborations between the two brands include a regional mural initiative, interactive gaming, and experiential out-of-home Augmented Reality (AR). The murals, or the “Polo Public Art” project, is a series of interactive street artwork featured in New York, Chicago, and Dallas by local street graffiti artists commissioned by Ralph Lauren in celebration of the iconic Polo Shirt. Leveraging each individual artists’ unique style, the murals will authentically reflect the flavor of the various cities/ neighborhoods in their designs, while celebrating the Polo Shirt. The wall art will be enabled with AR animation via Snap Codes, to bring each mural to life and even further engage fans.