If you’ve ever wandered into a South African (SA) Polo store, you’ll know it’s a classic wardrobe staple, crisp shirts, smart casual wear, and that unmistakable sense of local style.

Now, this homegrown icon is stepping onto the global stage, American fashion powerhouse Ralph Lauren is acquiring the SA Polo brand.

The deal, recently approved by SA’s Competition Commission, hands over all trademarks, logos, and the brand’s goodwill to Ralph Lauren. But fans of local Polo, don’t worry, the LA Group, which has run the brand for decades, will keep selling products under licence, so your favourite shirts and polos won’t disappear. Plus, staff involved in making and selling the clothes are protected from retrenchment, keeping local jobs safe.

The story behind Polo in SA is fascinating. While Ralph Lauren’s Polo, the one with the famous mounted polo player, was born in 1967 in the United States, SA’s Polo came to life in 1976, founded by Gordon Joffe and a few partners. Over the years, the two brands have shared more than a passing resemblance, sparking the odd legal tussle, but most shoppers just loved the style and didn’t think twice about the details.

With this acquisition, Ralph Lauren aims to bring the local Polo brand into its global orbit, increasing awareness of both labels while keeping the SA flavour alive. The LA Group says the deal should be wrapped up in the next few weeks, marking an exciting new chapter for a brand that has been part of SA fashion for almost half a century.

–ChannelAfrica–