NEW DROP
POLO RALPH LAUREN | ASOS: CLASS OF '23
By Georgia Sayer, 13 April 2023
Meet Taya!
TAYA: I was veeeeery focused at school! I’d do my homework WAY before it was due (I was a keeno), so maybe most likely to be… top of the class!? I was a reliable girly!
We love a reliable queen 🫡 Would you say your style has evolved since your school years?
T: Absolutely! In school there’s so much pressure to fit in – you want to do what’s 'cool', but I think for myself *a lot* more now. I go with what works for me and I’m just way less influenced by trends.
Polo Ralph Lauren x ASOS exclusive collab terry towelling shorts in pink with logo, £109
Polo Ralph Lauren x ASOS exclusive collab varsity bomber jacket in pink with logo, £265
Polo Ralph Lauren x ASOS exclusive collab terry towelling t-shirt in pink, £79
How would you describe your personal style now?
T: I really go towards texture and colour! When I plan an outfit, I tend to start with a focal point and then create a look around it. I love masculine, oversized 'fits, but I’ll pair them back with something more feminine – like maybe incorporating some pink. V masculine with a feminine edge.
How do you think being a knitwear designer influences your style?
T: What I wear is a big part of what I make! In my collections, there’s never anything that I wouldn’t wanna wear myself.
Polo Ralph Lauren x ASOS exclusive collab terry towelling shorts in yellow with logo, £109
Polo Ralph Lauren x ASOS exclusive collab terry towelling shirt in yellow with back print logo, £135
How do you feel about unisex collections?
T: It's important to cater for everyone, and it makes it waaaaaay more versatile when it comes to styling. The fit of these pieces is really me – relaxed and comfy – which is what I love. And I’m especially into the embroidered towelling pieces 😍
And finally… do you have a yearbook quote you’d like to leave us with?!
T: 'There’s no rush, take as much time as you need.'
MEET ARTHUR!
Polo Ralph Lauren x ASOS exclusive collab long sleeve t-shirt in cream with logo, £99
Hey Arthur! Lovely to meet you 👋 So what was your style like back at school? Any fashion faux-pas (we won't tell, promise)?!
ARTHUR: Definitely! I went through this phase in my freshman year where I was all matchy-matchy. I thought it was really sick to wear everything black and white, or everything in one colour… It wasn’t a bad thing, but I look back now and think, meh… that was a bit weird.
We've all been there 🫣 And what would you say your most ICONIC style moment has been?
A: Defo the first time I did a cat eye and mascara! That was amazing.
What would you have been voted as most likely to be?
A: Best dressed! Honestly, my friends knew about my creative potential – I started experimenting with thrifted clothes back at school.
How would you describe your style now?
A: I would say over the last three years, I came into my truth as being non-binary, so it’s been this beautiful time where I’ve been able to explore so many feminine paths that I was too afraid of before. For me, some days I feel more masc and some days more fem – sometimes I want to look BEAUTIFUL and put on a dress and just feel pretty, and other days I want the opposite, wearing baggy jeans, a distressed tee and big boots. My style is all about honouring how I feel every day.
Pictures: Polo Ralph Lauren
Do you think being a yoga teacher affects your style too?
A: For sure! Before yoga, my style was crazy, different, cool, but also aimless. When I came into yoga, that’s when I started to mindfully acquire my taste, with all my creative endeavours! And my style in particular has become so much more curated, and I take my time with it.
How would you go about styling the collection, putting your own spin on things?
A: I think I’d take it more femme! I’d wear it with a makeup look and maybe a crop top or a long skirt – that would be cute!
So this collection represents a change for our PRL X ASOS collabs, as it's our first ever unisex collection together! What does change mean to you?
A: I think change has to do with us being sturdy in our mental health awareness – we’re all gaining so much new knowledge, seeing all these new experiences from all over the world on TikTok, at all times! There are a lot of followers, but its about staying true to you and making sure you have time for reflection! Change is about being authentic to yourself, but having true compassion and no judgement for others trying new things!
Love. Finally… do you have a yearbook quote to leave us with?
A: 'Let it go! Trust the process, love the process.'
Shop the full Polo Ralph Lauren x ASOS collection here, RN!
