Who is Ralph Lauren? Ralph Lauren is a name synonymous with timeless fashion and luxury. But did you know he started his career selling ties? Born Ralph Lifshitz in the Bronx, New York, he changed his last name to Lauren at 16. Why? To avoid teasing and to create a more marketable brand. He launched his first full line of menswear, Polo, in 1968. Ever wondered why his brand is called Polo? He believed the sport embodied a world of classic style and sophistication. From designing the iconic American flag sweater to outfitting Olympic teams, Ralph Lauren has left an indelible mark on fashion. Curious to learn more? Here are 34 fascinating facts about Ralph Lauren that will give you a deeper insight into the man behind the brand.
The Early Life of Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren, a name synonymous with luxury and style, has a fascinating backstory. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about his early life.
- 01Ralph Lauren was born Ralph Lifshitz in the Bronx, New York, on October 14, 1939.
- 02His parents were Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants from Belarus.
- 03He changed his last name to Lauren at the age of 16 to avoid the teasing he faced in school.
- 04Lauren attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx.
- 05He showed an early interest in fashion, selling ties to his classmates.
- 06After high school, he briefly studied business at Baruch College but dropped out after two years.
- 07Lauren served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964.
The Birth of a Fashion Empire
Ralph Lauren's journey from a tie salesman to a fashion mogul is nothing short of inspiring. Here are some key moments in the creation of his fashion empire.
- 08In 1967, Lauren started his own line of men's ties under the brand name "Polo."
- 09He designed wide ties, which were a stark contrast to the narrow ones popular at the time.
- 10His first store was a small showroom in the Empire State Building.
- 11By 1969, Bloomingdale's was selling his full line of men's wear.
- 12In 1971, Lauren launched his first women's collection.
- 13The iconic Polo logo, featuring a polo player, was introduced in 1972.
- 14Lauren's brand expanded to include fragrances, home furnishings, and accessories.
Iconic Designs and Cultural Impact
Ralph Lauren's designs have left an indelible mark on fashion and culture. Let's explore some of his most iconic contributions.
- 15The Polo shirt, introduced in 1972, became a timeless classic.
- 16Lauren designed the costumes for the 1974 film "The Great Gatsby."
- 17His designs for the U.S. Olympic team uniforms have been a staple since 2008.
- 18The "Ricky Bag," named after his wife, is one of his most famous handbag designs.
- 19Lauren's "American Western" collection in the 1980s brought cowboy chic to the mainstream.
- 20He was the first designer to create a comprehensive lifestyle brand, encompassing clothing, home decor, and more.
Awards and Recognitions
Ralph Lauren's contributions to fashion have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
- 21In 1970, Lauren won the Coty Award for his menswear designs.
- 22He received the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991.
- 23Lauren was honored with the CFDA's American Fashion Legend Award in 2007.
- 24He was awarded the French Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur in 2010.
- 25In 2018, Lauren received an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II.
- 26He has been inducted into the Fashion Walk of Fame.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Beyond fashion, Ralph Lauren is known for his philanthropic efforts and personal life. Here are some notable aspects.
- 27Lauren married Ricky Anne Low-Beer in 1964, and they have three children.
- 28He is a major supporter of cancer research, founding the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care.
- 29Lauren has donated millions to educational institutions, including his alma mater, DeWitt Clinton High School.
- 30He is an avid car collector, owning over 70 rare and vintage automobiles.
- 31Lauren's philanthropic efforts extend to historic preservation, including the restoration of the Star-Spangled Banner.
- 32He has been a long-time supporter of the arts, funding various cultural institutions and programs.
Legacy and Influence
Ralph Lauren's influence extends far beyond fashion. His legacy is a testament to his vision and creativity.
- 33Lauren's brand is one of the most valuable in the world, with a market value of over $6 billion.
- 34He has inspired countless designers and fashion enthusiasts with his classic American style.
Ralph Lauren's Legacy
Ralph Lauren's journey from a tie designer to a global fashion icon is nothing short of remarkable. His brand, synonymous with luxury and timeless style, has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. From outfitting Olympic teams to creating iconic fragrances, Ralph Lauren's influence extends beyond clothing. His philanthropic efforts, particularly in cancer research and education, showcase his commitment to giving back. The Polo logo, instantly recognizable, symbolizes quality and elegance. Ralph Lauren's ability to blend classic American style with modern trends keeps his brand relevant across generations. Whether it's the runway or the red carpet, his designs continue to captivate. As we reflect on these 34 facts, it's clear Ralph Lauren's legacy is built on innovation, dedication, and an unwavering passion for fashion. His story inspires aspiring designers and fashion enthusiasts alike, proving that with vision and hard work, anything is possible.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.