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Ralph Lauren is named Official Supplier to the Australian Open

The Australian Open and Ralph Lauren Corporation announced a new global long-term partnership. The luxury brand has been named the Official Outfitter of the Australian Open and will provide all officials on the pitch, including AO ball kids and chair umpires, with a specially designed collection of apparel and accessories.

"We are very excited to welcome Ralph Lauren to the Australian Open family and are proud to partner with this prestigious global brand that plays a role in some of the biggest sporting events in the world," said Craig Tiley, Director of the Australian Open Tournament.

“The style and sophistication of Ralph Lauren will give the Australian Open a fresh new look. The uniform designs reflect the contemporary, playful and first-class brand AO. Our shared commitment to excellence, innovation and creativity as well as a deep connection to history and tradition form the basis of this exciting new long-term partnership. "

“For over 50 years, the Polo brand has embodied a spirit of sporty elegance. We are very excited to be partnering with the Australian Open and adding this iconic event to Ralph Lauren's incredible portfolio of sports partnerships. Renowned for their energy and personality, the Australian Open is a natural direction for our brand as we continue our commitment to the world of sport and reach consumers through their passion, ”said Ralph Lauren, Chief Innovation and Branding Officer and Vice Chairman from the board of directors, said David Lauren.

The Ralph Lauren Australian Open uniforms are inspired by the fresh energy and playful spirit of the tournament. To support the company's commitment to sustainability, the fabrics in the uniform – polo shirt, shorts, skort and cap – are made from yarn from recycled plastic bottles. The fabric also has functional characteristics such as stretch, moisture wicking properties and UV protection, all of which are designed for active play.

During the tournament, the Polo Ralph Lauren on-site store will offer the custom Create-Your-Own program and a selection of classic polo symbols for the first time in Australia. Customers can personalize a range of products with their name or initials, including polo shirts, sweaters and tote bags.

The partnership begins at AO 2021 and supports Ralph Lauren's strategy of achieving sustainable growth and value creation – specifically the priority of attracting a new generation through global events with high impact. The global audience of the Australian Open in 2020 reached 900 million households daily in more than 215 areas, which is also in line with the company's goal of being present in key markets such as Australia and Southeast Asia.

Alongside Wimbledon and the US Open, this is the third Grand Slam tournament in the Ralph Lauren portfolio. Other prestigious sports partnerships for the brand include the US Olympic and Paralympic teams, the PGA of America and PGA Championship, the US Ryder Cup Team, the US Open Golf Championship and the American Junior Golf Association.