"Sunday Runway, Playing with Fire . . . "
Greeting,
(edited and expanded from my facebook posting yesterday)
I've actually been avoiding this discussion - because one's views rarely improve upon the silence when the subject of politics comes up - but, maybe I can chime in. I worked for Ralph for almost 15 years - from 1988 until 2002 . . . and have seen a great deal of his business change and evolve over that time period as well as in the years since I moved on. I can clearly remember when the entire company was owned directly and uniquely by Mr. Lauren. Those were the days when we had huge decorative budgets, opened fabulous, glamorous stores - hell, we even had amazing floral budgets to make shopping in the stores an experience. Then the company went public. We, overnight, became answerable to stockholders. And the business of retailing changed.
Even ten years ago - while I was still with Polo - most of the company's manufacturing took place overseas. The globalization of the clothing industry was well underway. The higher price-point items produced either here in the US - or in England and Italy . . . the lower price-point items in China and elsewhere. And frankly, that same division of manufacturing exists with most every other major designer and retailer in this country. That is just the current landscape of manufacturing.
You might not like that fact - and I can understand being disappointed that items for our Olympic teams were produced outside our borders - but, the vitriolic response to this situation feels seriously misplaced. The accusation of "traitor" feel more than just a little hyperbolic. Instead of cries that we should “Burn the uniforms” (and it’s always worrisome when Harry Reid and Donald Trump are in agreement about anything- lol) - I'd much rather the situation open a conversation about re-engaging manufacturing here in the US. The truly disappointing realization is that we, as a nation, are consumers. Not manufactures.
And as far as Ralph’s involvement in all of this - it’s not as if he had promised to produce these garments in the US - and then maliciously took the orders to China under the cover of darkness. Ralph Lauren manufactures clothing in China. The Olympic uniforms for the last several years were manufactured in China. As I understand it, these are clothes that are privately funded. And in response to those paying the bill for these uniforms - they should be produced at a competitive price.
I’m ALL for national pride. But, you should most likely take a good long look at the American flag wafting in the breeze in your front yard. Most likely, it was made in China too.
Cheers,
Scot
Comments
Why are we so quick to point the finger when it is us who demand inexpensive, up-to-the-minute, disposable clothing. Is there anyone left in the US who could have even manufactured the Olympic uniforms? My understanding is that almost all textile mills and most clothing production has been off-shore for years.
Scotwife ~ CAS
I appreciate you having the courage to post what you did. We need to be having a conversation about how to bring back manufacturing to this country, rather than pointing fingers and blaming. And we need to be making conscious choices as to what and where we buy our products. Do we support superstores or do we support Mom & Pop stores? This didn't just happen to us; we let it happen through our choices.
Mr.Lauren and all the rest are just fulfilling the enormous consumer need to shop seven days a week (although Ralph Lauren does it with such style:)
I SO wish it was different - having manufacturing done here - and maybe someday it will eventually return, little by little.
Your point on flags is well taken
Helen
I was on the Board at Fort McHenry in Baltimore for a number of years. The Fort is where the National Anthem was written. And the flag that flew over the Fort was at the Smithsonian, and rotting and falling apart from age.
Ralph Lauren sponsored the restoration of the flag - a multi year project because the flag is 30x40 feet(ish). And it had to be attached to a linen backing, tiny stitch by tiny stitch. It was a massive job, and thank god that Mr. Lauren & Co. stepped up to the plate and funded it. Otherwise the flag that we honour in our national anthem would no longer exist except as a pile of threads in a few years.
Blaming Ralph Lauren isn't the answer. Hell, at least he built a company that employs thousands of people in this country.
Well said Scott!
And thanks to everyone for your thoughtful, measured responses.
Cheers,
Scot
Great post.
It's never ceases to amaze me the path that we are on...and what politicians get so worked up about.
One of the positives to this story, is that awareness is key to getting back on track. So many of us walk around simply not knowing.
Also, call me crazy, I thought it was a little bit hypocritical that the same government that banned the incandescent lightbulb, requiring ALL Americans to switch over to CFL bulbs....forgot to mention that there was NOT one single manufacturer in the good ol' USA making them. But, yet we all were suppose to buy them.
Your American Flag comment...spot on, sad, but true (why I LOVE my antique ones). :)
I think it was not to long ago that the Smithsonian Museum gift shops was in the news about something similar. Want to buy a souvenir at a museum that is owned by the people of the United States....check that tag!....It just might say "Made in China"...
It is a HUGE problem with so many things manufactured. The issue runs deep..... :(
:)
mikky
www.todaloos.com
People should check their American Flags......all made in China. Just saying.
I think that all of us suburbanites and small town folks remember the days of vibrant down-town scene of prosperous local businesses and a sense of community.
I too would like to see more of a national discussion of these matters without it degenerating into a polemic wrestling match.
Mitt Romney's tenure at Bain Capital would certainly be an opportunity for us to do just that.
However, it's a pity that election year politics will drown out all but the most partisan and simplistic of voices.
No, matter the results of the election, here's hoping that in the future this topic will be part of a reasoned national dialogue.
Great post and you made the point. We, as consumers, have the power to say NO to what is produced overseas and prefer local production. But who is really checking the label and who is really willing to pay the price of local manufacturing?? For years I have been checking the labels of nearly every clothes I am buying and the struggle is there. It is us whit our choices who can change things, but screaming with no acting will have no effect.
people choose to ignore this situation so they can buy, buy, buy. quality, no. quantity and instant is de rigeur.
debra
ps; loved the RL story, fascinating!