“When I think of the Polo Ralph Lauren polo T-shirt, I think of it as an enduring, wardrobe classic,” shares Hanli Hoefer. The 29-year-old former MTV Asia VJ, who is known for her dulcet voice, magnetic personality and refreshing candour, is also behind Just So We’re Clear, a podcast on hard-hitting topics surrounding sex positivity, mental health, relationships and more. Her authenticity and advocacy make perfect sense. Style-wise, Hoefer is just as expressive.
Never one to play by the rules, Hoefer’s love for fashion stemmed from her free-spirited childhood. Her mother’s affinity for vintage fabrics inspired her to pick out items that were symbolic and unique. Hoefer, as such, inherited her penchant for dressing for self-expression. This was evident in her MTV days which saw her incorporating hip-hop and grunge elements into her everyday style. Her transition to acting, which she describes as a “play to explore her own emotions”, found her gravitating towards comfortable, laid-back outfits in the vein of ikat sarongs and soft bandeaus. Altogether, Hoefer’s style is a reflection of ease and individuality. A culmination of self-invention, confidence and elevation, these are the elements that reflect the modern Polo Ralph Lauren woman, too.
Polo Ralph Lauren has always juxtaposed modernity and heritage. The brand’s polo T-shirt has become quintessential and ubiquitous, cementing its status as a versatile wardrobe staple for a diverse range of people and lifestyles. From classic white and weathered versions to tie-dyed and upcycled ones, the house has also presented a full spectrum of variations. In line with its sustainability goals, a limited number of select vintage and collectible designs will also be part of its latest offerings. This includes breathing new life into some of its exclusive archival collections through unique over-dyeing processes and vintage patchworks.
Just like Hoefer, Polo Ralph Lauren has constantly elevated itself as a canvas for rebirth and storytelling. “The polo T-shirt has become deeply personal for me. I used to wear them to school, pop the collars and roll up the sleeves to suit my style. Now, I’m coming back to my own identity, revisiting the past pieces I wore and feeling more like myself than ever.” To Hoefer, fashion feels symbolic and sentimental. And the return to Polo Ralph Lauren’s polo T-shirts—in all their storied splendour—is a full circle moment for her too.
Augmented reality experience
Want to see Hoefer model a look right in your own place? Click on the image below with your iPhone to see her come alive in augmented reality.
Photography Zantz Han
Styling Desmond Lim
Hair and Makeup Marc Teng
Photography assistant Amos Lee and Jaron Tay
Styling Assistant Jason Sonja
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