Wimbledon with Ralph Lauren. Story by Ana Topi, Editor of RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: Ralph Lauren / GettyImages.
The connection between the green courts of SW19 and timeless style deepens each summer, but this season, the collaboration between Wimbledon and its Official Outfitter, Ralph Lauren, delivered a remarkably charming perspective on heritage.
Since 2006, the American design house has shaped the visual landscape of the tournament, dressing the chair umpires, line judges, and ball kids in meticulously tailored uniforms that respect tennis tradition while maintaining contemporary performance.
This year, however, the brand took its narrative a step further, merging cinematic charm with sophisticated technology.
The Bear and the British Icon
The absolute highlight of the season’s digital storytelling is a clever, animated episodic series featuring British actor Tom Hiddleston alongside Ralph Lauren’s most enduring mascot: the Polo Bear. Artfully created by blending live-action footage with CGI technology, the short films capture a shared sense of poise and dry British humor.
In one memorable vignette, Rufus the Hawk—Wimbledon’s legendary resident bird of prey tasked with keeping the courts clear—watches over Hiddleston and the Polo Bear on Centre Court. The duo shares a quiet teatime between matches, exchanging witty banter.
The standout moment comes when Hiddleston glances at his well-dressed companion and remarks:
“The clothes make the man, but in your case, the Bear makes the clothes.”
It is a delightful nod to fashion history. In the world of Ralph Lauren, the impeccably styled Polo Bear has long served as a direct reference to Mr. Lauren himself.
New York Sophistication Meets Centre Court
Beyond the screen, the brand expanded its physical presence on the tournament grounds by debuting The Polo Bar by Ralph Lauren at Centre Court. For the first time, the sophisticated warmth and casual elegance of the famous New York dining institution were transported directly to SW19.
The exclusive suite captured the essence of the original Fifth Avenue location, replacing the classic polo-themed artwork with tennis-focused imagery while retaining the signature hunter green walls and rich, artfully aged leather banquettes.
During the Gentlemen’s Singles Semi-finals, the suite welcomed an array of notable guests, including Hollywood legend Dustin Hoffman, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Cynthia Erivo. Attendees experienced the curated atmosphere firsthand, enjoying classic cocktails and tailored hospitality while taking in the high-stakes matches.
From Bond Street to the Baseline
For those experiencing the tournament from the heart of London, the celebration extended well past the courts. The spectacular Ralph Lauren flagship store on Bond Street transformed its historic facade into a visual tribute to the grass-court season, complemented by the festive Ralph’s Coffee pavilion nearby in Sloane Square.
Through a seamless blend of tailored outfitting, exclusive hospitality, and a touch of cinematic animation, Ralph Lauren continues to prove that twenty years into an official partnership, the match between American heritage and British tradition remains completely flawless.
