PROVISIONS: 22
RL Americana in Milan, Shultz Hour, Books in rotation & more.
Welcome to another Provisions. This week I have some items I’m loving at the moment, Ralph Lauren in Milan, Books, music, and more. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. - RH
STYLE
Drakes Desert Boot // Fortela Canvas Tote // Ralph Lauren Crew Neck // Flamingo Estate Tuscan Rosemary Candle // Splendido X Assouline Book // Paige Herringbone Coat ( use code RILEY15 ) // Velasca Cingoli Pant // Buck Mason Glasses // Belt
Ralph Lauren Brings Americana to Milan
The internet had some extra class and style this weekend…
As time goes on, I have a growing appreciation for Ralph Lauren. I had one polo shirt as a kid, and I cherished it. It was saved for only birthday dinners or nice family outings, but RL is much more than a polo as we all know. I’m not a menswear writer of any kind, I’ll leave that to the professionals, but having worked with Ralph Lauren a few times this last year, I can’t help but appreciate what they are doing.
RL hosted its first dedicated mens fashion show in over a decade. Their Fall 2026 Milan show blended ’90s nostalgia with timeless tradition, featuring both Polo and Purple Label.
In December, I was on a layover in Hong Kong for the day. I came across the Ralph store in central Hong Kong, and I couldn't walk past an RL store without just having a walk through. Every time I notice a new piece of art on the wall or a new article of clothing that sticks with me.
“Ralph has such an affinity for so many different diverse lifestyles and sensibilities. Whether Ralph's in Colorado and sees an 18-year-old lift operator wearing these funky glasses, or he sees kids down in SoHo buying vintage polo and wearing it in a very eclectic way, or kids who are wearing vintage tailoring…he's so attuned to understanding, look at how creatively that young girl or guy is putting those things together.”
- John Wrazej, Senior Brand Creative Director.
Maybe it’s being American and having some extra pride in how far Ralph Lauren has come as a global brand, or maybe I’ve just watched “Very Ralph” one too many times on the seatback of a Delta flight. Probably a combination of both.
STYLE
A Few Books I’m reading.
The Anthony Bourdain Reader is a collection of his standout writing from throughout his life and career, published after his death. It includes famous pieces alongside more personal and previously unseen material, giving a compact portrait of his voice as a cook, traveler, and writer.
Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality by Anthony de Mello is a short book about waking up to the present moment and seeing life more clearly. It blends Christian spirituality, Eastern philosophy, and psychology in a very direct, conversational style, using stories and anecdotes to challenge automatic habits, emotional dependency, and self-deception.
Travels with Epicurus by Daniel Klein is a witty memoir where a 70-year-old philosopher skips pricey dental implants to vacation on the Greek island of Hydra, suitcase stuffed with philosophy books. He observes local elders savoring simple pleasures like wine, friends, and sunsets and channels Epicurus to argue old age is life’s peak for quiet joys, not frantic bucket lists or anti-aging fights.
Something to try: Shultz Hour
A Shultz Hour is something I want to start trying for a hard reset when needed. It’s basically a weekly ritual of one hour of uninterrupted quiet reflection, inspired by George Shultz. Shultz was U.S. Secretary of State, and he reserved this time with just a notepad to ponder big-picture strategy away from daily urgencies.
He’d tell his secretary to hold all calls except from his wife or the president, using the slot to process deeper insights and avoid getting lost in tactics.
Weekly Dozen
For all of my non-spotify people, here is a list of the songs.
If you’re new here, have a look back at some past PROVISIONS.
This Shultz Hour is inspiring, I will give it a go. I have a notebook for processing thoughts but it barely gets filled out because sitting down with it feels like more work / more deliberate than the more mindless yet feeling accomplished day to day errands or tasks. Just made a calendar block!