Earlier last month preppy clothing giant Ralph Lauren announced it would be launching a made-to-order program for its iconic polo shirts. Custom designs aren’t exactly a novelty in the world of fashion. Even in modern design, we’ve seen brands like Nike, Gucci, and others allow customers to make personal adjustments to shirts, sneakers, hoodies, and more. In fact, Ralph Lauren already has a custom shop where folks can add graphics and embroidering to sweaters, cardigans, hats, pillows, and more. But, the made-to-order polo program pushes that customization further. Customers can choose from six bases, 24 colors, 10 different shades of logos, and the option to add embroidery to both cuffs. While made-to-order clothing puts the customers in the shoes of designers, it also allows companies like Ralph Lauren to minimize waste, reenvisioning a design future where backstock isn’t sitting on shelves for years and years. Plus, Ralph Lauren will be able to track the designs customers gravitate toward for future releases. While this isn’t a watershed moment for the design industry, it does demonstrate that even the like of Ralph Lauren are willing to break from tradition in an effort to streamline the design process.
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Huckberry’s Essential Holiday Gift Guide
Unzip your coat and have some mulled wine on the house—you’ve arrived at your final gifting destination: The Holiday Gift Guide. It’s like your friendly neighborhood one-stop holiday shop, except instead of balsa wood ornaments, ours is packed with thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. Future heirlooms, small-but-significant stocking stuffers, and gear for getting out there (or staying in)—are all right here. There’s no music playing in the background though, so you’ll just have to hum Bing Crosby while you click around instead.
