Ralph Lauren Fragrances x SHARP
Marking a partnership between two timeless cultural icons, Ralph Lauren Fragrances has announced a collaboration and partnership with eight-time Grammy winner, Usher. Marking Usher’s first-ever fragrance and the first time Ralph Lauren Fragrances has worked alongside a musical icon, Ralph’s Club New York signals a bold new chapter for two of America’s most enduring icons.
While Ralph Lauren Fragrances’ longstanding connection to New York is well-established as the birthplace of the Ralph Lauren dream, the campaign also celebrates Usher’s unique history with the city. While born and raised in the American South, New York represents a pivotal chapter for the R&B star, as it was the city where he recorded his first album in 1997, setting the foundation for his legendary career. For this debut, Usher and Ralph Lauren Fragrances are proud to unveil new original music and a game-changing campaign to help complement the fragrance.
“Every time I’m away from New York, I think about it,” says Usher. “I have a relationship with New York City that was established when I was recording my first album, and now, more than 30 years later, I have a world of experience to offer back to this city. I started my career there, and now I’m bringing it all the way back with Ralph Lauren. They say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. Let my story be an indication of what that looks like.”
That first introduction to New York proved the springboard to one of the music industry’s most decorated and culturally resonant careers. Since his debut album, Usher has become an eight-time Grammy winner, and globally revered as one of the greatest singers, dancers, and composers for over three decades. His electrifying talent and transcendent stage presence continue to break boundaries — from his record-setting Las Vegas residency to his iconic 2024 Super Bowl halftime performance. With over 80 million records sold, Usher has become the embodiment of the charisma, boldness, and unbridled ambition so often attributed to both New York and the Ralph Lauren brand.
The campaign itself reflects this very ethos. Directed by Jacob Sutton, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, and choreographed by Tyrik Patterson, the multi-platinum artist guides viewers on an ambitious and ascending journey to success through the city. As for the music, for both Usher and the brand, it felt only right to pay homage to Frank Sinatra’s iconic anthem, “New York, New York.” Recorded exclusively for the campaign, Usher reimagines the song by infusing the classic song with his signature style, charisma, and unmistakable voice.
“‘New York, New York’ felt like a perfect alignment based on how I feel, how I dress, and where I am in my life now,” explains Usher. “This is my opportunity to not only tip my cap to New York but also to Frank Sinatra and what New York meant to him. It’s my opportunity to show that I’m a part of that legacy of artistry.”
Speaking to the timelessness of both the brand and the R&B superstar, Ralph’s Club New York was made to leave a lasting impression. Crafted by Senior Perfumers Nadège Le Garlantezec and Shyamala Maisondieu, the scent conjures several elements resonant to New York, creating a sensory love letter to the city. Crafted for the true maverick of style, the spirit of Ralph’s Club New York captures the timeless glamour of Manhattan’s golden age, celebrating the city’s modern energy, authenticity, and enduring excellence.
“Ralph’s Club New York EDP smells intoxicating and enticing. With an aroma that captures a modern, irreverent masculinity, it opens with an incisive blackcurrant that introduces an addictive bitterness,” explains Le Garlantezec and Maisondieu. “The aromatic notes of vibrant cypress add a fresh sparkle. At its core, lavender and geranium create a fruity insolence. The fragrance deepens into a leathery woody base, where creamy sandalwood and vanilla blend with the raw intensity of fir balsam. It’s a bold scent that balances vertigo and magnetic attraction.”
In designing the bottle, Ralph’s Club New York took inspiration from a classic gentleman’s flask. The distinctive “R” diamond monogram on the front of the bottle is framed by architectural lines inspired by New York’s Art Deco landmarks, reflecting a golden era of design in the city.
Just as Ralph’s Club New York offers a fragrance that breathes new life into New York, the announcement of Usher as its new face signals a truly iconic union between the brand, the artist, and the city itself.
Ralph’s Club New York releases on September 1 across Canada and launches in the US as of August 1.
Feature image by Mert Atlas and Marcus Piggott.
