RALPH LAUREN’S PINK PONY COLLECTION: FASHION FOR A CAUSE

By: Prachi Khatri

Fashion can be a powerful tool for social change and we love a good philanthropy campaign to supercharge some positive influence in the world. A great example of how fashion bring attention to an important cause is the Pink Pony Collection by Ralph Lauren.

The journey of Ralph Lauren’s Philanthropy initiative began long before the Pink Pony Campaign, which launched in 2000. Lauren himself was working on creating breast cancer awareness since 1989, when a diagnosis of his close friend who had breast cancer inspired him to use his platform for the good.

To kick off the October observance of breast cancer awareness month, Ralph Lauren employees do a Pink Pony Walk across the globe, making a more personable commitment to the cause. Celebrating its 24 year anniversary this year, the Pink Pony collection has become a symbol of hope and strength to fight cancer through its signature pink polo player emblem. The collection aims to inspire consumers to be proactive about their health, including preventive cancer care, with a new campaign titled, ‘Live Well. Be Well.’

Source: Ralph Lauren website

“Since 2000, Pink Pony’s mission has been to reduce disparities in cancer care in underserved communities and ensure that access to quality treatment is available to everyone at an earlier, more curable stage” – Ralph Lauren website

Every year Ralph Lauren pledges to contribute to its mission through its global sales. This year the company has pledged to donate 25% of its global sale proceed from the Pink Pony collection to provide quality cancer care to cancer-fighting organizations across 18 countries. The collection can be found online or in stores and all merchandise purchased from the Pink Pony collections will be monies donated for cancer research and treatment programs.

Proceeds from the Pink Pony Fund supports cancer screening, education, early detection and treatment for undeserved communities and much more. In May 2022 the Ralph Lauren foundation contributed $25million towards the expansion of its five cancer centers focused on breaking down barriers to treatment. The Pink Pony logo brings visibility and dispelling the stigma surrounding the need for extra support. We all love the iconic Polo emblem but pink just automatically becomes a conversation starter, which is exactly the purpose of the campaign.

Source: Ralph Lauren website

Fusion of fashion powerhouses with philanthropy is what the world needs to inspire hope, innovation and inspiration for next generation. Beyond proceeds helping various organizations, Ralph Lauren co-founded the Nina Hyde Centre for Breast Cancer Research in the honor of his close friend Nina Hyde back in 1989 and has continued his commitment to create change over the years.

From all the campaigns and leveraging the notoriety of the Ralph Lauren brand, breast cancer awareness, detection and treatment is far more accessible. Wearing a Pink Pony t-shirt may seem like a small gesture but has huge impact bringing a sense of confidence, pride and visibility to the cause.

The power of charity to bring people together, tackle pressing global issues and organize resources is what makes it so important. By integrating charity to its brand identity, Ralph Lauren has demonstrated business activities can act as catalysts for social improvement, helping both people and society at large.

Philanthropy has the power to bring about long-lasting, constructive change, especially when backed by powerful businesses like Ralph Lauren. Today, with the gap between wealth and need so wide, it is even more important for private businesses to get involved in social concerns. Ralph Lauren's charitable endeavors serve as a reminder that companies have a special chance to change.

Hoodies, shirts and sweaters from the Pink Pony collection are not only contributing to the fight against Breast Cancer, the legacy brand is also inspiring fellow designers in the industry to join in its philanthropic journey and the world needs more fashion brands to use their influence, making a positive impact.

Cover Image Source: Ralph Lauren website