Wtfoffers I’ve been maintaining this blog for a few years now, and it’s always hard to tell when I’ve truly “succeeded”. I’ve interviewed amazing people over the years, but today I had the chance to speak with a truly living legend and personal idol of mine. This guy has been around for years and has been on camera longer than I’ve been alive, but he’s never been interviewed before.
We were at his home in Westchester on a crisp fall night, clear and bright with a crescent moon shining. He looked just as comfortable in his fine gown, shirt, tie, pants, and slippers as he did in his own furs.
Without further ado, I would like to present an interview with Andrew Hammond Steiff, also known as Polo Bear.
Polo Bear: in its own fashion
It kind of happened at the same time
Daniel Hakimi: Well then, Mr. Steiff. Andrew. I don’t think you need an introduction, but let’s assume some of your readers don’t know who you are. who are you?
andrew hammond steiff (below”P.B.“): Well, my name is Andrew Hammond Steiff. My paternal grandfather was the famous toy manufacturer Richard Steiff. I’ve been a model since 1963, and from a very young age I started working with Ralph. I’ve worked with a lot of big brands, including Lauren, and I’ve been really successful for a while, but now, of course, most people know me as Polo Bear.
DH: Please tell me how you came to be in that role.
P.B.: Well, Ralph Lauren used a lot of models throughout the ’80s. Of course we all know that we use them to build worlds, but…sometime in the early 90’s I wore a Jerry Lauren dress…even at a Halloween party. Purim party or whatever. So one thing led to another and we decided to launch this new campaign. They started putting me in more and more ads and sold 200 “Preppy Bear” stuffed animals in my likeness. just Like me, they launched a sweater knitted to resemble a classic photo of me… It kind of happened out of the blue, so I basically became the brand’s exclusive model, And I have to tell you, I’ve never seen it go back.
I love clothes.
DH: oh. May I ask why you made the transition? I mean, you did really well in the ’70s, hanging out with Tui—
P.B.: Hey, let’s talk about that later. But yeah, I was… around 34 years old at the time, and I thought that modeling was a job for young bears, and that most bears don’t live past the age of 20. So even though I was thinking about retiring, I still loved it. So it was a bit of a coincidence. I found a role where I could spend most of my time in New York and not have to worry about where my next job would come from. And, well… they cut me in on sales, so you know…
DH: Yes, I can imagine it. Now let’s talk about modeling. What do you like?
P.B.: Well, obviously I enjoyed the lifestyle. I loved meeting new people. I don’t know, but it’s always hard to compare it to anything else because that’s how I grew up. But I love clothes. I love tartan, I love sportswear, I love navy blazers, I love ties, I love loafers, and really, always. love Good evening wear shoot.
DH: of course! Some of my favorite old school evening wear looks include people wearing tuxedos, people wearing tartan pants, you name it, tell me about a shoot that really stuck with you. Was there one?
P.B.: Well, I’ve always liked those crested velvet slippers. Well, actually, these I’m wearing crested velvet slippers right now, haha. Ralph put me in a tuxedo, slippers, a balanced bow tie, and a red carnation on my lapel—
DH:Oh, I know that. You have a martini.
P.B.: Yes, that’s right…
Polo Bear resumes fantasy
DH:I drink a lot. Do you have a favorite recipe?
P.B.: Well, I was drinking Vesper Martinis for a while. But they stopped making Cina Lilette in the 80s, so they didn’t know what else to do. I also tried some other variations. I tried Lilette Blanc, the (Polo) bar still uses it…I was drinking Gibson at one point, it was a strange time. But nothing was set in stone until I met him in person, which was Tyson Beckford.
DH: oh?
P.B.: Yeah, so one day he brought sarsaparilla to the shoot, and I don’t know what it was, but… loved that. I started buying more. And at some point another friend mentioned making Sarsaparilla Raviters. So, after a little experimentation, I came up with a very classic recipe. 4 parts gin, 1 part dry vermouth, 2 dashes sarsaparilla bitters. I was upset because I’m not a lightweight. And of course olives.
DH: Sigh. Sarsaparilla Bitters. I would love to try it at least once.
P.B.: Actually, I have some on hand, so I can make some for you.
DH: Really?Oh, sure, let’s do that.
Andrew and I paused the recording while he made me a martini…and then another.
That feeling of Polo Bear
DH: What was it like when it first exploded in the ’70s? He must have gone crazy, right?
P.B.: Oh, I don’t really want to talk about it, but—
DH: Oh, come on, let me tell you a quick story.
P.B.: Okay, okay, yeah… So you know I gave Fozzie (Bear) the start, right?
DH:Actually, I didn’t know that.
P.B.: Yeah, yeah, hometown boy, we played ball in the same park. In fact, I think his mother Emily was babysitting me. So, anyway, he called me and said he was trying to make it in Hollywood, the poor kid had no real talent at the time, but I introduced him to some and he was on The Muppet Show. I was able to get a job. And he wants to pay me back, so he takes me to Hollywood. And do you know who lives a little north of there? Smokey.
DH: Smokey Robinson, or—
P.B.: Bear.
DH: Gotcha.
P.B.: Yes, that’s why we’re all at this party. And, you know, Smokey doesn’t smoke. It’s in his contract. Actually, he doesn’t drink much either. However, he is not a straight man at all and has some bad habits. So one thing led to another and we had a lively good time… You know, it was Hollywood in the ’70s.
DH: Are you saying…?
P.B.: That’s the night Fozzie coined the term “vodka vodka.”
DH: Wow, that line is actually kind of funny, now I understand where it comes from…
P.B.: Yeah.
Polo Bear knows everyone wants to be a Polo Bear
Actually, there’s not much to say.
DH: Okay, so I said we can talk about this later. Dame Leslie Lawson. I heard you went on a few dates…
P.B.: Oh, I hate to talk about this, but gentlemen don’t kiss, and—
DH:People are die just to listen a bit a bit.
P.B.:Actually, there’s not much to talk about. Yeah, okay, Twiggy and I dated a little bit. I don’t know if you can call it that, but at the time we were both traveling a lot and shooting constantly. If we were in the same city, I would call her hotel and find time to try a new restaurant. But we never spent too much time in the same city, and it was just… you know, nothing came of it. she is a lovely woman. We still keep in touch. Actually, I met her the last time I wore white tie. It was a good night. That’s all I can say about her.
DH: That’s enough, thank you.
Now, one last question: What’s next for Polo Bear?
P.B.:I’m an old bear. I keep showing up here and there, but I’ve been through a lot…Everyone wants to be me, and I know that, and having ambition at that point is That’s strange. After semi-retiring, I am happy to be able to spend time at home with my family and relax.
DH: I won!
I must say this is an honor. I hope that readers will enjoy this work as much as I do and get to know the other side of the bear. Thank you so much!
P.B.:I was happy. Thank you for having me.
