A Peek Inside The Most Stylish Suite At The 2023 Australian Open
It had to be Ralph’s
Credit: Liz Sunshine
If there were a secondary tournament running adjacent to the on-the-court action at the Australian Open – one which saw the sponsor suites battle it out for the most glamorous guest experience – Ralph Lauren would take it in three straight sets.
In a build reminiscent of Mr. Lauren’s Bedford home – read: tawny brown leather lounges set against forest green wood wall panelling and heavy curtains – guests were invited inside to sip on champagne while inspecting Norman and Daphne, the two perpetual trophies that would eventually be presented, respectively, to the male and female winners of the 2023 Australian Open finals: Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (who defeated Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-4, 7-6) and Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka (who defeated Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4).
GRAZIA’s Jessica Bailey. Credit: Jessica Bailey on Apple iPhone and Liz Sunshine.
Every evening for two weeks, guests enjoyed a three-course dinner to the accompaniment of a string quartet before being ushered – drinks in hand – to their prized and coveted seats inside Rod Laver Arena to watch their match. From Australian actress Olivia DeJonge and model Cat McNeil, all invitees were decked out in Ralph Lauren and Polo Ralph Lauren’s current season and archival collections – and it was interesting to see how each sartorially interpreted their fit for the tennis.
In a nod to peak tenniscore, cable knits were tied over the shoulders of models and actresses, tartan and stripes would accent every navy fit, and white skirts, white skorts, white shorts and white Polos were aplenty. Indeed, there was so many bodies in white in the suite on the day I attended, it was as though this preppy crowd had been plucked from the all-white courts of Wimbledon.
For the third year running, Ralph Lauren was the Official Outfitter of the Australian Open and wardrobed up to 4000 staff, including all on-and off-court officials. This year, the company designed a capsule collection for active play. Created with a range of materials that include functional performance features (including moisture-wicking properties and UV protection), the ball persons’ uniforms were made from recycled polyester and nylon, whilst the umpire’s uniforms feature recycled double knit and jersey.
Take a look at the stylish set inside Polo Ralph Lauren’s suite from the two weeks that were the 2023 Australian Open.
Olivia DeJonge wears Ralph Lauren Collection Spring 2018 Archival Dress, Welington Bag. Credit: Liz SunshineKate Waterhouse wears Polo Ralph Lauren Pleated Georgett Handkerchief Skirt, Striped Merino Wool V-Neck Cardigan, Polo ID Calfskin Envelope Chain Bag. Credit: Liz SunshineBec Harding wears Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton-Silk Gauze Utility Vest, Plaid Linen Pullover Shirt, Straight-Leg Linen Trouser, Nautical-Motif Cotton Sweater. Credit: Liz SunshineAkon Changkou wears Ralph Lauren Collection Archival Blazer and Pant, Welington Bag. Credit: Liz SunshineKaren Gillan wears Ralph Lauren Collection Spring 2023 Cropped Long Sleeve Crewneck Sweater, Maguire Print Cotton Satin Skirt, Mini RL50 Polo Sunglasses, Sling Back shoes. Credit: Liz SunshineMontana Cox wears Ralph Lauren Collection Spring 2023 Cropped Silk Jersey Polo Sweater, Emilien Skirt, Welington Shoulder Bag, Petite Stirrup Steel Watch. Credit: Liz SunshineNicole Warne wears Ralph Lauren Collection Archival Blazer and Pant, Archival Bag, Archival Shoe. Credit: Liz SunshineJess Pecoraro wears Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Striped Cotton Shirt, Sleeveless Pullover, Denim Flare Pant,Polo ID Handbag. Credit: Liz SunshineViolet Atkinson wears Polo Ralph Lauren Bias-cut Double-faced Satin Gown, Green Forest Varsity Jacket, Polo ID Satin Mini Shoulder Bag. Credit: Liz SunshineSisi Stringer wears Polo Ralph Lauren Lamé Wrap Cocktail Midi Dress, Seersucker Blazer. Credit: Liz SunshineCat McNeil wears Ralph Lauren Collection Sawyer Tuxedo Jacket, Seth Pant, Welington Shoulder Bag. Credit: Liz SunshineBella Heathcote wears Ralph Lauren Collection Resort 2023 Roll Neck Sweater Dress, Welington Bag and Archival Wedges. Credit: Liz SunshineBritney Theriot wears Ralph Lauren Collection Spring 2022 Archival Dress, Archival Belt, Mini RL50 Bag Credit: Liz SunshineRozalia Russian wears Polo Ralph Lauren, Polo Bear Cotton Jumper, Sleeveless Oxford Shirt, Belport Cross Body Tote Bag, Hudson Jean, Saddle Leather Belt, Credit: Liz SunshineJoanna Halpin wears Ralph Lauren Archival Collection Archival Dress, Archival Shoes. Credit: Liz SunshineNawal Sari wears Polo Ralph Lauren Logo Cable-Knit, Cotton Crewneck Jumper, Polo ID Calfskin Mini Shoulder Bag. Credit: Liz SunshineCeleste Barber wears Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton Puffed-Sleeve Midi Shirtdress, Polo ID Handbag. Credit: Liz SunshineMaria Thattil wears Polo Ralph Lauren Seersucker Blazer, Fair Isle Sleeveless Jumper Tank Top, Sunglasses, Polo ID Envelope Bag. Credit: Liz Sunshine
