In a memorable two-part episode from 1981, a handful of famous fashion designers — Gloria Vanderbilt, Halston, Geoffrey Beene and Bob Mackie — board the ship for a fashion festival in Mexico. However, some major names first turned down the gig. According to producer Doug Cramer, Ralph Lauren refused to appear, claiming that The Love Boat would damage his image. Cramer fumed, “We use more Polo clothes on the show than anything else, and I personally wear only Polo.” Giorgio Armani blamed a schedule conflict for skipping out, while Calvin Klein wouldn’t come if Halston did.