Ralph Lauren introduces RL cooling know-how for Group USA
Ralph Lauren unveiled Team USA’s inaugural ceremony parade uniform and introduced RL COOLING, a cutting-edge wearable technology debut
Ralph Lauren unveiled Team USA’s Opening Ceremony Parade Uniform and introduced RL COOLING, a cutting-edge wearable technology. The technology is a self-regulating temperature cooling device worn by the flag bearers of Team USA during the Olympic and Paralympic Opening Ceremonies parades. The brand developed the innovative system exclusively for Team USA.
“At the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Ralph Lauren celebrates America’s pioneering spirit and tradition while promoting modernity and innovation – and with that ethos in mind, we have developed RL COOLING technology in mind,” said David Lauren, Chief Branding and Marketing Officer Innovation Officer and Vice President of the Ralph Lauren Corporation. “We recognized Tokyo’s summer heat and tried to develop a solution for Team USA that combines fashion and function – so that they can show and feel their best side on one of the largest stages in the world.”
The RL COOLING system is seamlessly integrated into the garment and dissipates heat from the wearer’s skin through a sophisticated device that monitors and optimizes the temperature and uses the same technology to cool the world’s most advanced computer systems. The effect is an immediately noticeable and long-lasting feeling of cooling, even in oppressive heat.
“Ralph Lauren’s commitment to providing innovative, sustainable, and functional outfits for Team USA athletes will help improve their gaming experience,” said Peter Zeytoonjian, senior vice president of consumer products, US Olympic & Paralympic Properties (USOPP). “As our Olympic and Paralympic athletes take to the global stage this summer, we are proud to have the continued support of a brand whose thoughtful approach to better serving our athletes is unique to Team USA.”
Ralph Lauren’s commitment to developing innovative solutions to sustainability challenges served as inspiration for the development of RL COOLING, and the concept is a leader in the emerging field of personal thermal management systems.
Ralph Lauren began research in the field with the premiere of the Ralph Lauren Heated Jacket at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics. Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, a U.S. Department of Energy agency, suggests personal thermal management is portable and localized solution that, when scaled, has the potential to reduce reliance on energy-intensive bulk cooling systems like HVAC systems for personal Reduce comfort.
The launch of RL COOLING builds on the company’s work to drive, nurture and scale sustainable innovation – most recently Ralph Lauren introduced Color on Demand, a revolutionary dye platform that will transform the way the fashion industry dyes cotton, and announced an investment in natural fiber welding. Inc., a leading sustainable materials science that revolutionized the use and reuse of plant fibers and materials into patented, high-performance materials.
Team USA’s 2020 Opening Ceremony Parade Uniform is a classic All-American look that incorporates sustainable materials into each piece. The look includes a dark blue blazer made from US grown wool; a striped t-shirt from ECO FAST Pure, an advanced pretreatment solution from Dow that allows cotton to be dyed with less water, chemicals and energy; a printed scarf, shoes, and mask made from verified US-grown cotton; a striped belt made from recycled Repreve polyester from plastic water bottles; and narrow denim trousers with a back patch made from MIRUM, an innovative leather alternative material made from renewable raw materials that is free from synthetic plastics. Every item in the uniform is proudly made in the United States.
The entire Ralph Lauren 2020 Team USA collection is available in select Ralph Lauren retail and US department stores and online at Ralph Lauren.com and TeamUSAShop.com.
Ralph Lauren is proud to have been the Official Supplier to Team USA since 2008. Unlike most Olympic and Paralympic teams, American athletes are not supported by federal funding. With royalties on sales of the Polo Ralph Lauren Team USA Collection to the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams, the brand is proud to support Team USA’s success at this year’s Games and beyond.
