Early Life and Background
Ralph Lauren, originally born as Ralph Lifshitz, was born on October 14, 1939, in the Bronx, New York City. He was the youngest of four children in a working-class Jewish family of Ashkenazi heritage. His parents, Frieda (Cutler) and Frank Lifshitz, were immigrants from Belarus who had come to the United States seeking a better life. Growing up in the Bronx, Ralph was exposed to a melting pot of cultures and experiences, but it was his flair for fashion and his innate sense of style that set him apart from his peers.
As a child, Ralph was interested in fashion and admired the classic elegance of Hollywood icons like Cary Grant and Fred Astaire. He was also known for saving his money to buy expensive suits, and by the age of 12, he was already developing a distinct personal style. However, his family struggled financially, and the idea of pursuing a career in fashion seemed far-fetched at the time.
Education and Early Career
Ralph attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, where he was known for his unique style and passion for clothing. Despite his interest in fashion, he was not academically inclined. After high school, he enrolled at Baruch College, part of the City University of New York, to study business. However, he dropped out after two years, feeling that the academic environment was not the right fit for him.
Following his departure from college, Ralph served briefly in the United States Army, a requirement at the time. After completing his service, he took on various jobs, including working as a sales assistant at Brooks Brothers, an experience that would later influence his understanding of classic American menswear.
The Birth of the Ralph Lauren Brand
Ralph’s first major break came when he worked for Rivetz, a tie manufacturer in New York. Dissatisfied with the conventional tie designs at the time, he began creating his own versions—wider and with bolder patterns. He convinced Beau Brummell, a prominent tie manufacturer, to let him design a line of neckties under his own label. This was a significant moment, as it marked the birth of the Ralph Lauren brand.
In 1967, using a $50,000 loan from Norman Hilton, a clothier in Manhattan, Ralph established his own company, Polo Ralph Lauren. The name "Polo" was chosen to reflect a lifestyle of sophistication and timeless elegance, traits associated with the elite sport. Ralph was determined to create a brand that symbolized not just clothing but a whole way of life—a blend of traditional English style with a modern American twist.
Rise to Fame: Expansion and Success in Fashion
Ralph Lauren’s big break came in 1969 when his ties were featured in a full-page spread in The New York Times. This exposure brought him to the attention of Bloomingdale’s, a prestigious department store, which began carrying his line exclusively. It was the first time Bloomingdale’s had offered a designer their own in-store boutique.
In 1970, Ralph won the Coty Award for menswear, and he continued to expand his offerings. He launched his first full line of men’s clothing in 1971 and introduced the now-iconic Polo player logo. The same year, he ventured into women’s wear, creating a range that echoed the tailored, sophisticated aesthetic of his men’s collections.
In 1972, Ralph Lauren released a groundbreaking line of short-sleeve cotton shirts in a range of colors, all bearing the distinctive embroidered Polo logo on the chest. These shirts became known as the Polo shirt, an item that would become a signature piece and an international fashion staple. By the late 1970s, Ralph Lauren was synonymous with classic American style, characterized by luxury, attention to detail, and a certain aspirational quality.
The Polo Empire: Diversification and Iconic Moments
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Ralph Lauren diversified his brand extensively. He launched collections that spanned menswear, womenswear, accessories, fragrances, and even home furnishings. Each new venture was meticulously crafted to reflect the Ralph Lauren lifestyle, one that married casual elegance with a touch of opulence.
One of Ralph Lauren’s most iconic moments came in 1981 when he became the first American designer to open a store in Europe. His flagship store on New Bond Street in London signaled the brand’s arrival on the global stage. This was followed by the opening of the Rhinelander Mansion on Madison Avenue in New York City in 1986, which served as a grand, multi-story flagship store and further solidified his presence in the world of luxury fashion.
The 1990s saw the launch of several sub-brands, including Polo Sport, a line focused on activewear, and the Ralph Lauren Purple Label, an ultra-luxurious line of tailored clothing. Ralph’s vision extended beyond just clothing; he developed a complete brand universe that included home furnishings, paint, and even a restaurant, the Polo Bar, in Manhattan.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Ralph Lauren’s success has also translated into philanthropy. He has been an active supporter of cancer research and has contributed millions to the fight against breast cancer. In 1989, he co-founded the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., in memory of his friend and The Washington Post fashion editor Nina Hyde, who died of the disease.
In 2000, the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation created the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in Harlem, New York, to provide high-quality healthcare services to underserved communities. He has also been a major supporter of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and has used his platform to advocate for the preservation of fashion history.
Ralph Lauren married Ricky Ann Low-Beer in 1964. Ricky, a social worker and author, has been an influential figure in his life, and the couple has three children: Andrew, David, and Dylan. David Lauren, who serves as the Chief Innovation Officer at Ralph Lauren Corporation, has played an active role in continuing his father’s legacy. Dylan Lauren is the founder and owner of Dylan’s Candy Bar, while Andrew is a filmmaker and producer.
Legacy and Impact on Fashion
Ralph Lauren’s influence on fashion cannot be overstated. He has been credited with defining the concept of American luxury and has set the standard for what it means to create a lifestyle brand. His designs have dressed everyone from Hollywood celebrities to U.S. presidents. In 1997, the Ralph Lauren Corporation became publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, further cementing his status as a powerhouse in the fashion industry.
His contributions to the world of fashion have been recognized with numerous awards, including the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 and the CFDA’s inaugural American Fashion Legend Award in 2007. In 2010, Ralph was honored with the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur by French President Nicolas Sarkozy for his contributions to fashion and philanthropy.
Later Years and Continued Influence
Despite stepping down as CEO of the Ralph Lauren Corporation in 2015, Ralph remains actively involved in the company as Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer. He continues to guide the brand’s vision and creative direction, ensuring that it stays true to its roots while evolving with the times.
Ralph Lauren’s story is one of relentless ambition, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the power of fashion to inspire and transform. He has built an empire that goes far beyond clothing, crafting a timeless image of elegance, luxury, and the quintessential American dream.
Photo: Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca
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