Aaron Judge just scored a major beauty partnership.
On March 14, Ralph Lauren Fragrances launched the latest addition to its beloved Polo collection — Polo Est. 67 Eau de Toilette ($108) — and New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge, 31, is the notable face of their global “Design Your Dreams” campaign.
There’s no better example to represent a bold, fresh and powerful new fragrance — and its message, which celebrates “the power of dreams through grit and determination,” according to the label.
Like designer Ralph Lauren, a style icon born in the Bronx, New York, who got his start in 1967 designing his Polo ties from a drawer in an Empire State Building showroom, Judge’s legendary career is another example of the American dream coming true.
The right fielder, who signed with the Bronx Bombers in 2013, made his MLB debut in 2016. Since then, all eyes have been on the 6’7” athlete every time he is on the field.
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An exceptional athlete, Judge has racked up a slew of awards, including the 2022 American League MVP. In the 2022-2023 season, when he set a new AL single-season home run record with 62, everyone from President Joe Biden to a Hall of Famer Derek Jeter’s Yankees congratulated him on his historic achievement.
“In both the world of sports and the world of fragrance, passion is what sets things apart,” Ralph Lauren, executive chairman and chief creative officer, said in a press release. “Aaron Judge’s genuine love for baseball embodies what I believe in most – a commitment to excellence and the art of doing what you love.”
The judge echoed that sentiment in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.
“I’ve always dreamed of working with Ralph Lauren,” says the player. “[So] it’s a great honor to be the face of the campaign because it’s all about following your dreams no matter what, and that’s something I can really relate to through my experiences in life and sports.”
Judge, a native of California, adds that he has always considered the Big Apple his “home,” so “to be a part of the merging of two iconic NYC legacies is the right moment for me,” he says. “I’m really proud and excited about this chapter in my life.”
The professional athlete has always loved wearing cologne (“I feel like it gives me extra confidence when I’m going to the court or a big meeting,” he says.) and this new fragrance — described as fresh and fruity with notes of citrus, vetiver and bergamot, and even and with a touch of sweet pineapple accord — is no exception. “[It’s] is very powerful and bright,” says Judge. “It has a woody and citrusy scent that really draws people in when they smell it.”
And while Judge wears the number 99 on the field, the number 67 that is on the bottle as a tribute to the year the company was founded will also be special to him. “After this campaign, 67 will always remind me of the connection I have with the brand.”
Ahead, Judge talks to PEOPLE about the campaign, the fragrance and her Big Apple essentials.
Aaron Judge is the new face of Ralph Lauren Fragrances Polo Est. 67 Eau de Toilette “Design Your Dreams” campaign.
Courtesy of Ralph Lauren Fragrances
PEOPLE: What is your first scent memory?
Judge: Freshly cut grass. When I was growing up, every time I was taken to baseball practice or a game, the first thing I would smell was freshly cut grass.
PEOPLE: What does self-care mean to you? Take us through your routine.
Judge: Ice baths, meditation, good sleep, reading and staying hydrated are key to my self-care routine. It is very important to maintain a healthy mind and body.
PEOPLE: You have one of the most sought-after hairstyles in men’s grooming. What’s it like for you to have so many men looking for “Judge”, and what’s the secret to the cut?
Judge: It’s funny how people have taken an interest in my hairstyle. Honestly, there’s no secret to this cut. It is a hawk that goes towards the back and is short with clear faded skin on the sides.
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Ralph Lauren fragrances Polo Est. 67 Eau de Toilette.
Courtesy of Ralph Lauren Fragrances
PEOPLE: What is your first memory of Ralph Lauren as a label?
Judge: I’m not sure about the first memory — but one memorable one for me was the first dinner with my family after I got called up to the big leagues at The Polo Bar [Ralph Lauren’s restaurant] in NYC Who would have thought that just seven short years later I would be a part of the iconic brand.
PEOPLE: Did you meet Mr. Lauren during this experience?
Judge: Yes, my wife [Samantha] and I got a chance to share a moment with Mr. Lauren and his son! We talked baseball and the Yankees … plus some fashion and how he built this global brand.
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PEOPLE: Any favorite memories from filming the campaign?
Judge: Samantha, [and dogs] Penny and Gus were on set with me during the shoot, which was great to share with them. And to make this event even more family friendly, the Ralph Lauren team gave Penny and Gus their very own T-shirts so we were all part of the Ralph Lauren family.
PEOPLE: Speaking of Gus and Penny, how old are they now and how do they spend their days?
Judge: Penny is two years old and Gus is now one year old. They both spend most of their days playing with each other, walking around NYC and eating treats. Every now and then I like to take them to Yankee Stadium to run around the field when it’s nice out.
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Aaron Judge is the new face of Ralph Lauren Fragrances Polo Est. 67 Eau de Toilette “Design Your Dreams” campaign.
Courtesy of Ralph Lauren Fragrances
PEOPLE: Global campaign slogan for Polo Est. 67 is “Design Your Dreams.” It has been said: Have you ever dreamed of becoming the face of a fragrance?
Judge: As a child, many of my favorite athletes became the face of a fragrance and I dreamed of one day getting the chance to do the same!
What dreams are you working on now?
Judge: I always strive for greatness and when greatness calls, you answer. From entering the MLB, playing for the Yankees, and becoming a team captain, I hope to help my team become the 2024 World Series Champions this upcoming season!
PEOPLE: We know you love the Yankees and Ralph Lauren. What other iconic New York things can’t you live without?
Judge: Well, I have to go get pizza here. Controversial or not, I’ll have to say Times Square. There’s something about the energy and cult vibe of NYC that you really can’t get anywhere else.
Buy the fragrance here.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education