Ralph Lauren hosts Ivy members

Ivy Club members were treated to an exclusive fashion event Thursday, at which waiters served sushi and fashion experts discussed the newest Ralph Lauren clothing line. The event, which had all the makings of an A-list New York party, took place not on Fifth Avenue, but on Nassau Street.

During designated hours on Thursday afternoon, the Ralph Lauren store closed its doors to the public and offered Ivy members a 30 percent discount on all merchandise as well as fashion advice from the store's stylists.

"We are pleased to invite members of the Ivy Club to a private shopping event," the email invitation said. "Our stylists will be on hand to assist you with all your wardrobe needs, from casual weekend wear to great looks for a job interview."

The event was part of an effort by Ralph Lauren to foster a relationship with University students.

"What we wanted to do was to introduce the students to the store as they near graduation and have job interviews," said a company spokeswoman, who declined to be named due to Ralph Lauren's press policy.

In addition to the discount and professional fashion advice, Ivy members enjoyed complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks and were serenaded by a live guitarist who played selections from the Beatles, Eliot Smith and Bright Eyes.

"It's a lot of fun, just friends hanging out," Ivy member Michael Dabney '07 said. "It's a great event. They should do it for all the clubs."

Another member had a different perspective. "It's comical, I would say," Ivy member Brandon Parry '06 said. "It's fairly obvious clubs like Ivy have a reputation of, whether it's fair or not, exclusivity and elitism, and we're having an event at Ralph Lauren. To be able to shop here is a sign of privilege. When I got the email about this, I was incredulous. We're really playing into the stereotype."

The stylists, who traveled from New York City for the event, specialize in marketing Ralph Lauren clothing to younger customers. Ralph Lauren has also hosted events for students at the University of Virginia, University of North Carolina, Northeastern, Boston College, Boston University and NYU, among others.

"We're just going try to give the kids an opportunity to see Polo as a lifestyle brand that matches their lifestyle," said a stylist who also declined to give his name. "My job is to take these classic clothes and make them more fun."

Ralph Lauren has not set up any similar events with other clubs, but a spokesperson said that the store had contacted other clubs in addition to Ivy.

Other area retail outlets have also sought to draw students to their stores.

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The J. Crew store in Palmer Square has attempted to create a stronger relationship with students. The store offers a 10 percent discount to all University students and has organized events with sororities in the past.

"We've been trying to partner with the University through several different outlets," Abbie Acker, a J. Crew manager, said.

Acker confirmed an event with an unnamed sorority later this month.