Ralph Lauren brings mascot to life in animated debut

Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bear, a cult icon since 1990, is stepping into motion for the first time.

The brand unveiled "The Polo Bear chronicles: Operation black tie", its inaugural animated short film, on YouTube last week.

"Operation black tie" takes the bear through a six-minute tale of elegant intrigue. When a newspaper clipping reports that a long-missing masterpiece is rumored to be hidden in a grand Hamptons estate, Polo Bear in a smoking jacket and his fine-feathered pigeon accomplice hatch a clever plan to slip into a private party, quietly remove the stolen painting, and return it to its rightful owner before sunrise.

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The James Bond-like story unfolds against moonlit galleries, secret invitations, and a spirited polo match, blending adventure with Ralph Lauren’s signature sophistication.

According to the brand, the animated short aims to expand Ralph Lauren’s storytelling, connecting with younger audiences through entertainment while reinforcing the Polo Bear’s role as the brand’s most versatile ambassador.

Originally a birthday gift to Ralph Lauren, the Polo Bear has evolved into more than a brand emblem. Over the decades, he has appeared on everything from sweater collections and skateboard decks to timepieces and sport partnerships, earning a global following among style enthusiasts across generations.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for more information. 

Ralph Lauren is not alone in spotlighting animated mascots. Malaysian utilities provider Tenaga Nasional (TNB) teased the return of its festive mascot Jero June, asking on Instagram, “Adakah anda merindui Jero?” ('Did you miss Jero?').

Shortly after, the company revealed a new animated version of the cat, now dressed in TNB-branded gear and equipped with special electrical powers, complete with a full mascot “swag suit”.

Other brands are taking its animated films further with AI. Last December, Agoda unveiled "Leo’s magical travel adventures", a generative AI short film highlighting global exploration and cultural diversity.

Following its popular book Maya and the secret world of Agoda, the film sees Leo, cousin of Maya, journey through cultural hotspots including Guangzhou in China, Rotorua in New Zealand, Thailand’s Ayutthaya floating markets, and Udaipur in India, immersing in local customs such as the Lion Dance and Holi Festival.

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