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Sweater

Design House Ralph Lauren American
Designer Ralph Lauren American

fall/winter 1989–90

Not on view

IDEALISM 1. The attitude of a person who believes that it is possible to live according to very high standards of behavior and honesty:

Ralph Lauren debuted the American-flag sweater in his autumn/winter 1989 womenswear collection. The garment features a 1777 version of the flag, which has thirteen stars representing the original colonies, and an "RL" signature on the bottom left side. For Lauren, the son of immigrants from Belarus, this flag represented the ideals of the newly independent nation. The sweater has become a hallmark of the brand and was worn by the designer himself at his spring 2002 presentation a week after the September 11 attacks.

Sweater, Ralph Lauren (American, born 1939), Cotton — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Sweater, Ralph Lauren (American, born 1939), Cotton

Sweater, Ralph Lauren (American, born 1939), Cotton

Sweater, Ralph Lauren (American, born 1939), Cotton

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Sweater

Design House: Ralph Lauren (American, born 1939)

Designer: Ralph Lauren (American, born 1939)

Date: fall/winter 1989–90

Medium: Cotton

Credit Line: Courtesy Ralph Lauren Corporation

Accession Number: AME.0306

The Met

The Costume Institute at The Met

The Costume Institute's collection of more than 33,000 costumes and accessories represents five continents and seven centuries of fashionable dress and accessories for men, women, and children.