Daily Front Row

2009 June 4

Ralph Lauren, Thinking Pink

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Ralph Lauren Pink Pony merchandise from Spring 2009, available in-stores now
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(NEW YORK) Ralph Lauren's committment to the fight against cancer is both global and local, and the brand's Pink Pony initiative encompasses both those initiatives through Pink Pony grants. This morning, David Lauren and Dr. Harold Freeman unveiled the latest news on the issue at the brand's Madison Avenue headquarters. "Above all, we are committed to giving people care regardless of their ability to pay," Freeman said of his work at the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, a partnership with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and North General Hospital. The Center, founded in 2003, benefits the medically underserved of Harlem and offers each patient his or her own navigator who serves as an advocate and guidance counselor while dealing with the health care system.

In the 9th year of the Pink Pony program, which began in 2000 as a breast cancer initiative but has grown to aid in the fight against all cancers, Ralph Lauren's committment continues to evolve. David Lauren recently conceptualized a related program that aims to provide healthy food to local communities and organizations that lack easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables. "The lack of nutritious food is a serious problem in the fight against cancer, as in some areas of New York City, fresh produce can be 40 blocks away," David Lauren explained.

Next year will mark Pink Pony's 10th anniversary, and while the brand has not yet identified a proper means of celebration, the festivities in store are sure to be lively. For Fall 2009, Ralph Lauren is unveiling 19 new products to benefit the initiative featuring its now-classic Pink Pony design motif. Prices range from $40 for a cap to $498 for a black cashmere jersey long-sleeved pullover.
ASHLEY BAKER