Back in 2001, fans and hardcore collectors of the Ralph Lauren Steiff bear releases were given one of the finest releases. It was the Ralph Lauren Mohair University Bear (RL0180), the 18th bear in the series with only 500 produced.
Image source: Steiff-mate.com
This Steiff bear came with an awesome RL67 herringbone sports coat, striped oxford shirt, orange cable knit v-neck sweater, chino pants, brown belt with a metal buckle and a striped silk tie in navy blue and gold. Despite it being one of the last university bear’s created by Steiff for Ralph Lauren, because of how elaborate this bear was created and how it is the true definition of Ralph Lauren preppy style, it’s a heavily sought collector’s item that is worth a lot.
The first Ralph Lauren Polo Bear from Steiff aka “Preppy Bear” (RL0010) was released back in 1991 and then the knit sweaters came afterward and would become an iconic character for Ralph Lauren clothing enthusiasts. (Click here to see all 20 Steiff Ralph Lauren Polo Bears)
There is no doubt that the Ralph Lauren signature pony logo is the definitive brand of Ralph Lauren, but the Polo Bear, people who are fans of this iconic bear know that the bear represents many things to many people.
May it be because the Polo Bear is classy. Preppy. Elegant. Sporty. Cool.
And to own something featuring the Polo Bear, you feel you part of a special community of people who respect the Ralph Lauren brand and style. Because many stylish men and women want to be as classy as that awesome bear!
And sure enough, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic Polo Bear, Ralph Lauren released a 30th anniversary sweater (jumper if you are in Britain) featuring the University Polo Bear that is inspired by the 18th Steiff bear. Yes, this bear sports the RL67 herringbone sports coat (this sports jacket has been an important part of designer Ralph Lauren’s wardrobe since 1971, and Polo Bear sporting it is so darn cool!), the orange cable knit sweater, white/blue striped oxford shirt, the blue/gold striped navy tie, Ralph Lauren stilleto watch, and the corduroy trousers. Also detail around the shoes and the cool socks.
Featuring a forest green 80% wool/20% cashmere sweater made and the bear made of 48% wool, 24% cotton, 16% camel hair, 11% lambs wool and 1% cashmere.
Because it was limited edition, it was sold slightly higher than the basic sweaters but that didn’t matter as the sweater sold out quickly on many Ralph Lauren online shops internationally.
For those who are thin and can wear size extra small, small or medium may be lucky to find one from an online clothing shop at under $500 but already the 30th Anniversary sweater is going over $1000 on online auctions.
While it’s not known how many of these were made, considering that the actually bear from 2001 had a limited quantity of 500, the fact they sold out quickly, made me even wonder if they were in limited supply.
I truly believe that as we are to say goodbye to 2021, there will be two holy grail sweaters from this year that collectors and Polo Bear fashion driven individuals will want to own but will be difficult to find (or way too expensive for the majority of collectors) and that’s the 30th Anniversary Polo Bear jumper and the new version of the Sitting Bear Jumper (the original Polo Bear which debuted in Ralph Lauren’s 1991 Holiday collection).
As a person who owns many Polo Bear sweaters, this sweater is wonderful!
