History of

Ralph Lauren

The Man and the Brand

What comes to mind when you think of Ralph Lauren?

For most of us, it’s the all-American Ralph Lauren Polo shirt synonymous with the 1970s. But Ralph Lauren the fashion mogul is so much more than a simple collared Polo.

Since officially beginning his career in 1967, Ralph Lauren has become a household name. You may be familiar with certain aspects of his fashion history, namely the Polo shirt, but did you know that…?

While the Polo shirt may have put Ralph Lauren on the map, it was just one piece of the puzzle in creating his impressive fashion empire.

  • 1967

    Ralph Lauren started his Polo brand in Bloomingdale’s department stores in 1967.

  • 1970

    In 1970, Ralph Lauren was given the Coty Award for his achievements in menswear designs.

  • 1980

    Ralph Lauren stuck with his simple, sleek designs by popularizing the power suit in the 1980s, while rivaling major luxury fashion labels like Armani.

  • 2013

    Today, the Ralph Lauren brand is worth close to $900 million.

( 1939-1966 )

History

Clearly, Ralph Lauren as a designer and a brand is much more than a Polo shirt, although his ever-popular shirt design is not to be discounted. You’re likely to find a Polo shirt in the majority of men’s closets throughout America.

Without further ado, let’s jump right in to explore the rich and complex history of Ralph Lauren as a man and fashion label. Ralph Lauren was born in 1939. Little did his parents know that he would soon change the face of fashion…

1939

Ralph Lauren was officially born Ralph Lifshitz to Jewish immigrant parents in the Bronx in 1939. Despite such humble beginnings, Ralph became hooked on fashion as early as the tender age of 12. Instead of spending his allowance on toys and candy, Ralph saved his money to buy expensive suits.

1955

By the time Ralph turned 16, he and his brother chose to legally change their last name to Lauren since they were teased frequently at school.

1964

Though focused on his career, Ralph wasn’t one to neglect his personal life. Ralph married a receptionist named Ricky Anne in New York City in 1964. In order to please his parents, Ralph was forced to hide the fact that Ricky was only half Jewish. Together, Ralph and Ricky had three sons: Andrew, David, and Dylan.

Though Ralph came from humble beginnings, he has his early years to thank for his widely popular and relatable fashion aesthetic. According to Ralph, “I have always been inspired by the dream of America—families in the country, weathered trucks and farmhouses; sailing off the coast of Maine; following dirt roads in an old wood-paneled station wagon; a convertible filled with young college kids sporting crew cuts and sweatshirts and frayed sneakers.”

For Ralph, fashion was a dream.

Ralph’s dream of pursuing a career in the fashion industry started before he even hit puberty and continued throughout his life. As Ralph famously said,-

People ask how can a Jewish kid from the Bronx do preppy clothes?

Does it have to do with class and money? It has to do with dreams.

( 1967-1997 )

1967

In addition to being a dreamer, Ralph was also a levelheaded entrepreneur. The Ralph Lauren empire began way back in 1967 when Ralph opened his first tie shop without any prior fashion training.

Why did Ralph feel called to break into the fashion industry with such a simple piece as a necktie? Much of Ralph’s focus on menswear had to do with his early work history.

Ralph worked for a tie manufacturer named Beau Brummell in 1967. Brummell created tailored men’s clothing free from the embellishment and over-design that was so popular in the 1960s.

Ralph took to menswear like a fish to water. It was during his time working at Beau Brummell Ties that he began his own necktie line, simply called Polo. His neckties were handmade from colorful fabrics in a new wide design.

1970

As the demand for Polo neckties grew, so did Ralph’s dream. Ralph took that golden opportunity to expand from simple necktie design into a complete menswear line. Shortly thereafter, Ralph was awarded the Coty Award in 1970 for his menswear innovation.

1971

By the time 1971 rolled around, Ralph was ready to take it to the next level by designing a women’s fashion label.

1968

Polo Fashions was founded in 1968, funded with seed money in the form of a $50,000 loan. Ralph toiled away to create his one-of-a-kind neckties, operating out of a small drawer in an Empire State building showroom.

Within the first year, he sold a whopping $500,000 worth of merchandise, confirming both his talent and commitment to the fashion world. Ralph continued to sell his unique wide necktie designs under the Polo brand at large department stores, such as Bloomingdale’s and Niemen Marcus.

1972

Riding the wave of his early success, Ralph Lauren famously introduced the Polo shirt in 1972.

The Polo shirt design was available as a short-sleeve cotton shirt in a 24 different colors. Since the short-sleeve, collared shirt bore the Ralph Lauren Polo logo on the chest, it was soon called the Polo shirt for short. Years later, the Polo shirt is still known as the signature piece of the Polo brand.

But Ralph didn’t stop there when it came to design and innovation.
Here are a few major highlights in the peak of his career:

  • 1974

    Ralph Lauren designs costumes for The Great Gatsby movie.

  • 1977

    Ralph Lauren’s sleek, sharp clothing designs are seen worn by Diane Keaton and Woody Allen in Annie Hall.

  • 1978

    Ralph Lauren introduces his first Western wear collection; Polo launches the first cologne.

  • 1981

    The first international Polo Ralph Lauren store opens in London.

  • 1985

    Ralph Lauren revolutionizes denim with a new line of dungarees.

  • 1989

    The Polo flag sweater hits the shelves.

  • 1990

    Ralph Lauren launches Polo Golf.

  • 1993

    Ralph Lauren launches Polo Sport and Double RL casual wear lines.

  • 1994

    Ralph Lauren launches the Purple Label, a luxury clothing line.

  • 1996

    Ralph Lauren launches Polo Jeans.

1980

Amidst his career achievements, Ralph was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor that was successfully removed in the 1980s.

Throughout the trajectory course of Ralph’s career, his design sensibility became known as iconic American fashion. Ralph even went so far as to try his hand at home furnishings in the Ralph Lauren Home collection.

Ralph Lauren Polo boomed throughout the 1980s and 1990s with boutiques opening throughout the US and internationally. As Ralph grew famous as a top fashion designer, he attributed much of his success to his realism and authenticity. According to Ralph, “I’ve never wanted to be in fashion. Because if you’re in fashion, you’re going to be out of fashion.”

But as the saying goes: The more things change, the more they stay the same. Ralph was inarguably a level-headed, successful business entrepreneur. Yet he continued to stay true to his ultimate vision by focusing on his dream in each new line he created:

The way I do collections and what inspires me is a story or theme that gets to me… that says I know how to build this. I don’t build a collection from the sleeve or from a specific fabric. I build it out of a dream.

1992

Ralph’s dreams certainly did come true. In 1992, he was awarded the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award. Ralph Lauren has been the only designer to receive the four highest honors presented by the CFDA, including: The Lifetime Achievement Award, The Womenswear Designer of the Year Award, The Menswear Designer of the Year Award, and Retailer of the Year.

1997

Just a short decade later, Polo Ralph Lauren went public on the US stock market in 1997. The complete brand included Polo Ralph Lauren, Polo Sport, and the Ralph Lauren Collection.

( 1998-Present )

With the dawn of the new millennium, Ralph Lauren Media joined the digital age and launched Polo.com.

2002

In 2002, the Ralph Lauren brand celebrated its 35th anniversary with an impressive $10 billion global empire that now sold men’s, women’s, and children’s fashions.

2003

In 2003, Ralph took his international expansion even further by introducing individual websites for different countries at Global.Polo.com.

1998

Even as the 1990s rolled around, Ralph’s long-lasting career success didn’t wane. Ralph remained productive throughout the 90s as the Ralph Lauren Corporation collaborated with Vogue and the Washington Post to sponsor the Super Sale. This annual designer sale took place in Washington DC and was used to raise more than $3.5 million for research until 1998.

1999

Among Ralph Lauren’s major
achievements, we can’t overlook Ralph
Lauren Restaurants, established in
1999.
Yes, you heard that right. In addition
to being a fashion innovator, Ralph Lauren
is also a restaurateur. Ralph Lauren
Restaurants are located in Chicago and Paris; the Chicago restaurant is designed complementary to the Ralph Lauren palette with white tablecloths, leather seats, and mahogany panels, serving traditional American dishes.

2001

In 2001, after more than three decades of ground-breaking career success, Ralph began to focus his efforts on charitable work, including relief efforts provided by the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation after the tragedy of 9/11. Polo Ralph Lauren matched employee contributions to the dollar and donated 10% of all sales in the month of October following the attacks.

2007

In 2007, Ralph was again recognized by the
CFDA when he was presented the first-ever
American Fashion Legend Award; results
were tallied from a public online vote.

Today

Today, Ralph remains focused on his charitable work as the Polo brand is still going strong. Charitable efforts include the introduction of the Polo Volunteer Program, as well as a $5 million contribution to create the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention and Care located at the North General Hospital in Harlem.

The Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation continues to fund
developments in education, service, and cancer care. Currently,
the Foundation focuses on causes like:

  • Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention

    Provides cancer treatment and screening services for underserved communities.

  • Pinky Pony Campaign

    Supports global cancer awareness and research.

  • American Heroes Fund

    Raises funds for scholarships for children of 9/11 victims.

  • Reusable Organic Tote

    Proceeds go to the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation.

  • Habitat for Humanity

    Provides affordable housing for families in need.

  • Polo Fashion School

    Offers educational opportunities through grants and volunteerism.

  • Ralph Lauren Volunteers

    Encourages employee participation in non-profit volunteer programs in local communities.

  • The Star Spangled Banner

    Funds preservation and restoration of the American flag.

Ralph’s dream started out small and humble with a single line of original neckties. Decade after decade, Ralph’s fashion innovation grew and paved the way for new designs to support his revolutionary brand.

A perfect example of the American dream, Ralph saw success by never losing sight of his vision:

What I do is about living. It’s about living the best life you can and enjoying the fullness of the life around you- from what your wear, to the way you live, to the way you love.

Iconic American Style:

How to Get the Look

This celebration of Ralph Lauren’s fashion history wouldn’t be complete without taking the time to master his style. By now, we know that a signature Ralph Lauren look is classic, smart, sharp, and, ultimately, all-American.

And it is this timeless design that makes it easy to wear year after year for casual outings or special occasions. Here are a few tips to get the ball rolling before you shop Ralph Lauren:

Ralph Lauren fashion is
truly timeless.

  • Go for rich fabrics and colors, like dark espresso leather or velvet.

  • Mix classic with modern in a trendy blazer with worn jeans.

  • Dress with a lifestyle in mind, whether it be sporty, equestrian, or business chic.

  • Use luxurious pieces wisely by adding one signature item to each outfit.

Ralph Lauren Classic from Head to Toe

What does it take to dress the part of a Ralph Lauren icon?
Here are 5 time-honored must-haves from the Ralph Lauren brand:

  • Repp Tie

    This classic necktie has iconic stripes that slope down from left to right. The name comes from the ribbed, tightly woven silk fabric used to make the piece. A repp tie is synonymous with a preppy, collegiate look; the repp tie was worn as early as the 1800s in England in academic settings. To get the look, think Ivy League chic – wear a repp tie with a navy blazer and Oxford shirt.

  • Polo Shirt

    The traditional Polo shirt has been an institution in the preppy lifestyle since 1972. Decades later, the Polo shirt has come a long way, yet it maintains the same form and fit. After 40 years, Ralph Lauren now manufactures the Polo shirt in a wider range of colors with limited edition styles available for men, women, and children. The Polo shirt is an all-time favorite since it can be worn with almost any article of clothing, including skirts, jeans, and khakis.

  • Navy Blazer

    Where would prep school style be without the navy blazer? The navy blazer is a traditional menswear piece that has also crossed the line into women’s fashion. A classic Ralph Lauren navy blazer is single-breasted with three brass buttons and notched lapels. Ever since the first Ralph Lauren menswear collection was introduced in the 1970s, the navy blazer has been a go-to piece that can be worn in a casual or professional setting.

  • Oxford Shirt

    The Oxford shirt is non-negotiable in the Ralph Lauren style catalog. The Oxford shirt originally came about in the 19th Century, created as a fabric by Scottish fabric mills. Eventually, the textile was named after Oxford University and celebrated for its clean, sharp appearance. A traditional Oxford shirt will have an Oxford basket-weave pattern to make it distinct and easy to recognize. Most Oxford shirts have button-down collars and can be worn casually with a cardigan and jeans or luxuriously to a black-tie affair.

  • Holiday Sweater

    Another staple in the American wardrobe is the holiday sweater, popularized in the 1920s. In a classic holiday sweater, you’ll find bright, seasonal colors and celebratory patterns, like reindeer, snowflakes, and snowmen. Ralph Lauren continues to design modern holiday sweaters in nostalgic styles to bring together the best of both worlds. Contemporary holiday sweaters can be worn in a number of different combinations: with jeans, a pencil skirt, or a shirt and tie.

One of the most common questions asked about Ralph Lauren style is

How do I dress up a Polo shirt?

To date, a Polo shirt remains one of the most popular and versatile pieces within the Ralph Lauren brand. Most people are likely to wear a Polo shirt with jeans, shorts, or a skirt to a casual outing; in the workplace, Polo shirts are a favorite on Casual Fridays.

But on the other side of the coin, it’s easier than it seems to dress up a traditional piece like a Polo shirt. Ralph Lauren recommends wearing a darker colored Polo shirt for a special occasion since it tends to come across as sharper and more formal. A dark polo shirt can be paired with dress pants and a blazer to complete the look. A dark Polo shirt can also be worn with tailored jeans and penny loafers for a dress casual event, like an early evening cocktail party.

To dig a little deeper, we can take well-seasoned advice from none other than Ralph Lauren’s son and senior vice president of advertising, marketing, and corporate communication – a man that is no stranger to international best dressed lists.

David Lauren underscores the fact that the best way to dress for success on any occasion is to “stand up straight!”

Just a few decades ago, Ralph Lauren was the first person to dare to wear black-tie clothing with casual pieces like jeans and cowboy boots. If you want to go bold and wear denim with a tux, by all means, do it.

Just do it with confidence to show that you mean business.

And while Ralph Lauren fashions may be timeless, David Lauren confirms that not all preppy style can be worn through the ages. Ralph Lauren clothing lines are inspired by “preppy sensibility.” Yet with each coming year, new Ralph Lauren designs are introduced to provide better options than ever before without compromising classic pieces.

In a nutshell, if you’ve worn some of the signature pieces in your closet to death, it may be time to go shopping for a new classic garment to spice up your wardrobe.

Last but not least, don’t be a stranger to color – regardless of your gender. While women have been historically more likely to wear colorful, flamboyant pieces, Ralph Lauren has always focused on color in his clothing lines for both men and women. Color goes hand-in-hand with the Ralph Lauren brand. The next time you get dressed for a special occasion, add a pop of color in your pants, shirt, or necktie. You won’t regret it.

As Ralph Lauren himself endorses, “I know I have a signature. I know there’s a New England sensibility. I know there’s a cowboy sensibility. I think there’s a sports sensibility. They’re all mixed. But they all come from non-fashion. They all have an origin of being natural, timeless, real—comfortable sensibilities.”

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