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Who Is Ralph Lauren?
Ralph Lauren, an iconic designer, began his career in the fashion industry with a retail position at Brooks Brothers before launching his own line of neckties. He established the Polo brand, which has since evolved into a global empire encompassing fragrances, home furnishings, luxury clothing, and dining experiences, all inspired by an aspirational aesthetic of upper-crust life. In addition to his fashion endeavors, Lauren is a notable philanthropist, having funded cancer research initiatives. He has also utilized his personal wealth to curate a collection of rare and classic cars and owns an expansive ranch in Colorado.
Background and Early Life
Born Ralph Lifshitz in the Bronx, New York City, on October 14, 1939, Lauren was the third of four siblings in a family of Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants from Belarus. The family settled in the Mosholu Parkway area of the Bronx. At 16, Ralph and his brother Jerry adopted the surname “Lauren” to avoid the teasing they faced at school, while their brother Lenny retained the family name. As a teenager, Ralph developed a distinctive fashion sense, drawing inspiration from film icons such as Fred Astaire and Cary Grant, and showcasing a penchant for both classic preppy attire and vintage styles. He attended Baruch College in Manhattan for two years, where he studied business, and later served briefly in the Army before taking a sales position at Brooks Brothers.
Developing an International Brand
In 1967, while employed at Beau Brummell, Lauren began designing his own line of men’s neckties, characterized by a wider cut and branded as “Polo.” These neckties were sold at major department stores, including Bloomingdale’s. With a $30,000 loan, Lauren expanded his business, ultimately developing a comprehensive menswear line. His efforts earned him the Coty Award for men’s designs in 1970, which paved the way for the launch of a women’s suit line tailored in a classic men’s style. In 1972, Lauren introduced a short-sleeve cotton shirt available in 24 colors, featuring the iconic logo of a polo player, originally created by tennis legend René Lacoste; this design became a hallmark of the brand.
Lauren’s work is characterized by an aspirational style and key insignia that evoke the British gentry while referencing the aesthetics of American upper-class life. Although some critics have noted that his fashion concepts lack innovation, many consumers appreciate the approachable looks he offers. Over time, Lauren expanded his brand to include the luxury clothing line Ralph Lauren Purple, a rugged apparel collection named RRL, Ralph Lauren Home for home furnishings, and a range of fragrances. Today, Polo produces clothing for men, women, and children and operates hundreds of stores worldwide, including factory outlets that contribute significantly to domestic sales.
Additionally, Lauren has designed Olympic uniforms for Team USA; however, controversy arose during the 2012 Summer Games when it was revealed that the athletes’ attire was manufactured in China.
Screen Work: ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘Annie Hall’
In the 1970s, Ralph Lauren expanded his influence beyond fashion into the film industry, further solidifying his reputation as a quintessential American designer. He outfitted the cast of the 1974 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby, featuring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, showcasing his ability to blend fashion with cinematic storytelling. Lauren’s contributions extended to the 1975 film The Wild Party, which starred James Coco and Raquel Welch. He also gained notable acclaim for his designs worn by Diane Keaton in the 1977 comedy Annie Hall, where her distinctive style became emblematic of the film.
Years later, Lauren’s affinity for storytelling through fashion led him to the PBS series Downton Abbey, which resonated with his artistic vision. In 2016, he launched a fall collection inspired by the show and sponsored its final season, demonstrating his continued relevance in the fashion landscape.
Stepping Aside as CEO
Polo Ralph Lauren experienced significant growth throughout the 1980s and 1990s, establishing boutiques across the United States and internationally. A landmark moment came in 1986 with the opening of the flagship store in New York’s Rhinelander Mansion on Madison Avenue, which subsequently became surrounded by several other Lauren boutiques. Following Goldman Sachs’ acquisition of over 25% of the company in the mid-1990s, Polo Ralph Lauren went public on June 11, 1997, trading under the symbol RL. By October 2015, Lauren’s success had culminated in a personal fortune exceeding $6 billion, positioning him among the world’s wealthiest individuals. However, after a year marked by declining shares, Lauren transitioned from his role as chief executive of Ralph Lauren Corp. in September 2015, appointing Stefan Larsson, the global president of The Gap’s Old Navy division, as his successor. Lauren subsequently assumed the position of executive chairman and chief creative officer of the company he founded.
Personal Life and Pursuits
Ralph Lauren married Ricky Anne Low-Beer, a teacher and part-time receptionist, in New York City in 1964. Together, they have three children: Andrew, David, and Dylan. Among them, David Lauren has chosen to pursue a career at Polo Ralph Lauren. In 2011, he married Lauren Bush, the niece of former President George W. Bush and granddaughter of President George H.W. Bush. Andrew has made a name for himself as a film producer, while Dylan owns the well-known New York City candy store, Dylan’s Candy Bar.
In the mid-1980s, Lauren faced a significant health challenge when he underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. Since then, he has supported numerous initiatives focused on cancer research and care and co-founded the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research at Georgetown University in 1989.
Utilizing his substantial wealth, Lauren has built an impressive collection of rare automobiles, including the 1930 Mercedes-Benz Count Trossi SSK, famously known as “The Black Prince.” In 2005, he allowed his collection to be showcased at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and in 2011, select pieces from his collection were exhibited in Paris, further solidifying his status as a connoisseur of fine automobiles.