A Brief History of Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is an American fashion designer and businessman, best known for his eponymous brand. Born Ralph Lifshitz in the Bronx, New York, on October 14, 1939, he was the youngest of four siblings in a family of Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants from Belarus. His father was a painter, while his mother worked as a housewife.

Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, Lauren was interested in fashion from a young age. He was particularly drawn to the sleek, stylish clothes worn by the characters in movies and television shows. After graduating from high school, he attended Baruch College for a year before dropping out to pursue a career in fashion.

In 1967, Lauren launched his first clothing line under the label Polo, named after the sport he loved. The initial collection featured men’s ties, which were sold at Bloomingdale’s department store in New York City. The ties were an instant hit, and soon Lauren expanded the line to include shirts, jackets, and other menswear.

In 1971, Lauren introduced his first women’s collection, which featured feminine, tailored clothing in a palette of soft, pastel colors. This line, called Polo Women’s Wear, was a success and helped establish Lauren as a leading designer in the fashion industry.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Lauren continued to expand his brand, adding new lines of clothing, accessories, and even home furnishings. He also opened his own retail stores, which featured an upscale, elegant aesthetic that reflected his own personal style. In 1984, he launched the iconic Ralph Lauren fragrance, Polo, which remains a best-seller to this day.

In the 1990s, Lauren faced some challenges as the fashion industry underwent a shift towards more casual, streetwear-inspired styles. However, he remained true to his signature aesthetic and continued to produce clothing and accessories that were timeless and elegant.

Today, Ralph Lauren is considered one of the most successful and influential designers in the fashion industry. His brand has expanded to include a wide range of products, from clothing and accessories to home furnishings and even automobiles. His designs are known for their classic, American-inspired aesthetic, and he remains at the helm of his eponymous company as its chief creative officer.

Despite his success, Lauren has remained humble and down-to-earth and is known for his charitable work and philanthropy. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education and cancer research. He was also awarded the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996.

Overall, Ralph Lauren’s impact on the fashion industry has been significant and enduring. His vision of timeless, elegant design has influenced generations of designers, and his eponymous brand remains a symbol of American luxury and style.