Simply put, Polo Fest in Tokyo is the greatest vintage Ralph Lauren store ever assembled. I went to it and filmed a 23 minute walk through for everyone who couldn’t be there. Enjoy!!! youtu.be/8NWkndL0BkA?si=_se6…

“Everyone” is my new favorite store in Tokyo - Located in a 5th floor apartment - By appointment only - Cool minimal but not ultra expensive clothes - Memphis furniture Was told there’s no avail appointments until January, but if you can plan ahead for your next trip do it

I’m in my hotel room typing out this post about Polo Fest, but the right words are hard to find—at least ones that would adequately capture how special an event—and a week—this has been. I’m by no means one of a kind when I say that Ralph Lauren was the most important brand to me in terms of introducing me to clothing and shaping my understanding of it. There’s a quote inside Polo Fest on the wall from Ralph that reads: “I don’t design clothes, I create worlds.” It was these worlds that made me realize clothes weren’t just necessities, but vehicles for expression, storytelling, and community. And it’s that community, many people of which were here this week, that way back when made this menswear stuff feel like a spiritual home that I’m still proud to be a part of today. Frankly, to be here with the brand itself and considered an authority on it is nothing short of a pinch-me moment, and an honor. This is before we even talk about Tokyo itself, which for as long as I’ve cared about clothes has represented the epicenter of taste and cool. To say it’s exceeded my expectations would be overstating my expectations. Whatever I thought to find in terms of passion, artistry, and intentionality here was truly nothing compared to what I found. I love Tokyo!!! Polo Fest has for me and so many others who hold Ralph in the highest regard made dreams come true. (See: Tyson Beckford wearing my jacket, 30+ years after he wore it in an iconic ad.) It’s also frankly nothing short of a masterpiece of brand building, and something I genuinely don’t think any other brand on earth could even attempt to pull off. Like, other label—ever—has touched this many iconic areas of style and executed them as an unmatched level? And done it for this long? Being here makes you realize that when it comes to impact, design, and cultural relevance, over the last nearly 60 years there’s Ralph, and everyone else. How can you not be romantic about clothes? From the bottom of my heart, thank you Polo and to everyone who made this week possible. I’ll cherish these memories for the rest of my life.

This jacket may have instantly catapulted to the title of “coolest Ralph Lauren piece I own”

News: I have acquired a red leather polo swing jacket

Tyson Beckford wore the blazer I have in a famous Polo Sport campaign back in the 90s I met him at Polo Fest in Tokyo, and he asked to put the jacket back on How can you not be romantic about clothes

Live from Polofest in Tokyo An overwhelming (complimentary) celebration of vintage RL and the people who love it This is truly one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen a brand do

Feeling like the Mann the way I’m in Tokyo with my greatest vices

They won’t even know it, but about to absolutely quarterzip mog the Greyson masses this fall and winter

I have notes about the looks of the New Balance 990v7 (they seem a little squat and the contrast ice blue in the midsole isn’t ideal) but there is no doubt in my mind that they are going to be a MASSIVE hit They feel like a departure from the 990v6 back the v2 in a nice way too

Purchased this SSSTEIN cashmere v-neck sweater for $433 It is $750 on Mr Porter I love Japan

Just found out about Scotch Grain Japan shoes Basically a super lightweight version of a JM WESTON golf but 40% of the price Horween leather and Goodyear welted Not sure if available in the US

My first ever YouTube video, which I did with the incomparable Pete Middleton of Wythe about the brand’s coats, just surpassed 50k views Super grateful to everyone for watching and if you haven’t, please do! youtu.be/6qI0Ux0kAs0?si=k67L…

The best pleated pants of all time have made their glorious return

The natural fiber fanatics aren’t gonna like to hear this, but these 50/50 cotton poly A.Presse work pants are absolutely perfect For the record they’re not stretchy at all, just polyester for durability and feel

All black fit and brown shoe remains peak Bomber: A.Presse Pants: A.Presse Shoes: The Row

What happened financially at Apresse can never be discussed again

It turns out everyone who’s every told me the DRKSHDW sneakers are the GOAT may have been correct Arch support is impeccable and toe room for days

A fit compromised only of things I got in Japan today Mont bell shell Studio D’Artisan French work boro pants Rick Owen’s DRKSHDW canvas sneakers

Acquired pants in Japan Some people are calling them “the sickest pants ever made” Studio D’Artisan repaired moleskin cinch back pants Each pair is hand dyed and hand repaired, with the original deep blue fabric on the inside (seen on the cuff) Truly next level stuff