Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York & Los Angeles

This week, Polo Ralph Lauren unveiled the new uniforms for Wimbledon in which umpires, line judges and ball people will be donning on the Centre Court this year. Apparently, Polo signed a five year contract for the first ever apparel provider in the tournaments 129 year run. The uniforms are conservative yet encompass the Polo style. Women will have crème skirts while men will wear trousers and all will have classic polo shirts. Of course, the Polo pony logo will also appear on all items. While I can appreciate Polo branching out to the sports world I find it a little tacky and odd that Wimbledon agreed to move forward on this project. Wimbledon is one of the most prestigious tennis tourneys in the world. Although I am a major devotee to fashion and have never once thought it to be frivolous, I think this crosses the line. How do we make the distinction of cheap and tacky branding to high fashion and art? Seriously, is Ralph going to include this on the runways in Olympus Fashion Week? Doubtful. While I understand the profitability this union will bring to the Polo Company, I think it lacks class and prestige, although I know that my idea of prestige may differentiate from that of Ralph himself.

Ii just makes me wonder where fashion is headed. Are we going to see a boom in designer uniforms? Are doctors going to be clad in Roberto Cavalli scrubs? Maybe waiters in Versace suits? Seriously people, I am all for designer studs but this is simply crossing the line. I hope there will be plenty of television coverage on these oh so stylish uniforms during the tourney—I mean really, who cares who wins anyway, as long as the umpire is donning his Polo Ralph Lauren uniform all should be well.