American designer and founder of the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, Ralph Lauren, is the definition of a self-made man. Born into a poor Jewish family, he built a billion-dollar fortune, earned a spot on the Forbes list, and was honored with the title “Fashion Legend.” Discover more about how Ralph Lauren brought the American dream to life at newyorka.
Family and Early Life
Ralph Lifshitz was born in New York City on October 14, 1939. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Belarus. His father, Frank, was from Pinsk, and his mother, Frieda, was born in Grodno. The couple had four children, and the entire family lived in a one-room apartment. Frank worked as a house painter, and his earnings were barely enough to get by. Interestingly, another future designer, Calvin Klein, grew up in the same neighborhood.
As a boy, Ralph loved sports and dreamed of becoming a famous basketball player. Fashion wasn’t on his mind back then; he wore his older brother’s hand-me-downs, and the family’s clothes were all stored in a single closet. However, everything changed when he visited a wealthy classmate’s home. Witnessing true luxury, Ralph resolved that he, too, would become rich and successful.
He started saving money and bought his first three-piece suit at age 12. At 16, the young man changed his surname to Lauren, following the lead of his relatives in California. After graduating from DeWitt Clinton High School, Ralph studied at a Talmudical academy for a couple of years. He later enrolled in business studies at Baruch College in Manhattan and was drafted into the army in 1962.
Ralph Lauren and the World of Fashion
After his military service, Lauren began to carve his path in the fashion world. He first worked at Brooks Brothers and then at Rivetz & Co., a tie manufacturer. Inspired by the novel “The Great Gatsby,” Ralph proposed creating a line of wider ties, but the brand’s designers rejected the idea.
Following their refusal, the ambitious young man decided to start his own venture called “Polo Fashion.” The department stores Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus agreed to sell his first batch of men’s accessories. Lauren managed to persuade their owners to take a risk on him, as the young designer was completely unknown at the time. By 1967, he had found an investor, Norman Hilton, who put $50,000 into the business. This financial backing allowed Lauren to expand production and open his own store. A year later, he had his own section within the flagship Bloomingdale’s boutique.
In 1969, the world saw the first menswear collection from Polo Ralph Lauren. The designer chose a polo player as the logo, which, along with the name, created an aspirational association with the world of aristocrats. His collection blended British restraint with sporty elements—a novel concept at the time. The designer offered men relaxed-fit trousers, polo shirts, blazers, and sport coats. The brand’s clothing appealed to men of all ages and professions.
The year after his first collection debuted, Ralph Lauren won his first Coty Award from fashion critics. His brand gained recognition and continued to grow:
- In the 1970s, Peter Smith became the company’s president and suggested creating a line of fragrances and accessories.
- The company opened new stores in various New York City neighborhoods.
- In 1971, the first women’s collection was unveiled, with its true breakthrough being a men’s-style cotton shirt.
- A sportswear line, “CHAPS by Ralph,” and a collection of sunglasses were launched.
- In 1978, the men’s cologne “Polo” and the women’s perfumes “Tuxedo” and “Lauren” were introduced.
Lauren later created a collection of sport shirts in 24 different colors, a unique move in the fashion world. He also designed the iconic polo shirts featuring the brand’s logo. Thanks to his influence, sportswear became stylish and gained a new perception in the fashion industry.
In 1974, the filmmakers of “The Great Gatsby” approached the renowned designer to create the costumes for the movie. For their work, Lauren’s team received an Academy Award. That same year, he unveiled the revolutionary “Westernwear” collection, which combined American Western and English country styles. This collection popularized fringed leather and suede items, as well as tall boots.
In 1981, the “Home Collection” line was launched, featuring home textiles, tableware, and interior decor. The bedding was made from shirting fabric, and Lauren was the first to decorate pillowcases with buttons. Throughout the 1980s, the brand expanded into lingerie, leather goods, and even furniture.
The Ralph Lauren Corporation grew steadily, leading him to open stores in Europe, where his products were already well-known. In 1986, the designer was featured on the cover of the influential Time magazine, which published his biography and an interview.
Tradition and Innovation
Ralph Lauren’s career in fashion is notable for his ability to not only keep up with the times but often stay ahead of them. The designer has always been a proponent of modern technology. For instance, in 1997, he took his company public on the stock exchange, acquired the Club Monaco brand, and launched the official website, Polo.com. Lauren was one of the first to create an online store with prices lower than those in his physical retail locations. Moreover, the site later added a feature allowing customers to design their own polo shirts, choosing their desired size, length, and color.
Since 2006, the renowned designer has refused to use real fur in his clothing. He is also a philanthropist and supports a foundation dedicated to fighting breast cancer.
In 2007, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) honored Ralph Lauren with the title of “Fashion Legend.” By this time, his company had opened over 300 stores worldwide. Since 2008, the brand has been designing the uniforms, caps, and pins for the U.S. Olympic team in the colors of the national flag.
The Famous Designer’s Personal Life
Ralph Lauren has been just as successful in his personal life. In 1964, he married Ricky Ann Low-Beer. They met during his college years and have been together ever since. His wife became his muse. For example, she often bought men’s shirts in small sizes, which inspired Lauren to develop his iconic women’s shirt.
The couple has three children: two sons and a daughter. Their eldest son, Andrew, became an actor and producer. David joined his father’s company, taking on the role of vice president. Their daughter, Dylan, became an entrepreneur and opened “Dylan’s Candy Bar” in Manhattan, which has become one of the largest candy stores in the world.
The Lauren family owns a spacious apartment on Fifth Avenue in New York City, as well as an estate in Colorado, a home in Bedford, and properties in Jamaica and Long Island.
In 2015, at the age of 75, the designer decided to step down from his role at the company. Stefan Larsson, a former top executive at Old Navy, became the brand’s creative director. The Ralph Lauren Corporation continues to operate and grow. In 2017, it celebrated its 50th anniversary and continues to create new, unique collections every year. As for Ralph Lauren, he remains its soul and guiding spirit.