“Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.” — Ralph Lauren
Introduction
Ralph Lauren, born Ralph Lifshitz on October 14, 1939, in the Bronx, New York, is an American fashion designer, philanthropist, and billionaire businessman. Best known as the founder of the Ralph Lauren Corporation, his brand has become synonymous with luxury, sophistication, and timeless American elegance.
As of May 2025, Lauren’s net worth is estimated at $11.9 billion, solidifying his legacy as one of the most successful and influential designers in history.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Ralph Lauren was born to Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants, Frieda and Frank Lifshitz, who moved from Pinsk (now Belarus) seeking a better life. Growing up in the Bronx, Lauren was the youngest of four siblings and faced adversity early on — including bullying over his last name. At 16, he and his brother changed their surname to Lauren, a decision that would later become part of an iconic global brand.
Lauren attended DeWitt Clinton High School, where his creativity and ambition began to flourish. Though he enrolled in Baruch College to study business, he dropped out after two years to pursue his own vision — a decision that would eventually change the face of fashion.
“A lot of hard work is hidden behind nice things.” — Ralph Lauren
The Birth of the Polo Empire
In the late 1960s, Ralph Lauren began designing neckties under the Polo label — a move that launched his career. His ties were wider and bolder than the norm, reflecting his belief that style was about individuality, not conformity.
By 1967, the Polo Ralph Lauren brand was born, and by the 1970s, it became the symbol of classic American lifestyle fashion. His designs captured a mix of preppy sophistication and rugged masculinity — epitomized by the Polo shirt, a garment that became a global icon.
Lauren’s influence extended beyond clothing. In 1977, his designs appeared in Hollywood classics like Annie Hall and The Great Gatsby, dressing stars like Robert Redford and Diane Keaton, further cementing his reputation as a master of modern elegance.
A Fragrance Revolution and Global Expansion
In 1978, Ralph Lauren made history by simultaneously launching two fragrances — Lauren for women and Polo for men — a first in the fashion world. This bold move expanded the brand’s influence and introduced Ralph Lauren to the luxury fragrance industry.
By 1981, he opened his first freestanding store in London, marking his brand’s entry into the European market. Over the following decades, the company introduced new lines such as Polo Sport (1992), Purple Label (1995), and Lauren Ralph Lauren (1996), appealing to diverse audiences worldwide.
A Lifestyle Brand Beyond Fashion
Ralph Lauren’s vision extended beyond apparel. In 1986, he opened his first flagship store in the Rhinelander Mansion on Madison Avenue, a lavish space that embodied his dream of merging fashion, design, and lifestyle.
He later expanded into restaurants, opening RL in Chicago (1999), Ralph’s in Paris (2010), and The Polo Bar in New York (2015) — all designed with his signature aesthetic of luxury and comfort.
“I don’t design clothes, I design dreams.” — Ralph Lauren
Digital Leadership and Modern Success
In 2000, Ralph Lauren launched polo.com, pioneering e-commerce in the fashion industry. The site evolved into ralphlauren.com in 2007, expanding the brand’s reach to millions of online customers.
After stepping down as CEO in 2015, Lauren remained the Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, continuing to shape the company’s creative direction while mentoring the next generation of designers.
Awards, Honors, and Philanthropy
Ralph Lauren’s influence extends far beyond fashion. A lifelong philanthropist, he has supported cancer research, education, and cultural preservation through initiatives like the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation.
Some of his most prestigious honors include:
- Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) (2017)
- John B. Fairchild Honor from WWD (2016)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2025) — the first ever awarded to a fashion designer
His legacy is not just about style but also integrity, innovation, and generosity.
Legacy and Inspiration
For over five decades, Ralph Lauren has represented the American Dream — a self-made man who turned creativity into an empire. His journey from a Bronx-born boy to a billionaire designer is a testament to perseverance and passion.
“You have to create your life. You have to be the architect of your own existence.” — Ralph Lauren
From the iconic Polo logo to elegant runway shows in Central Park, Ralph Lauren’s vision continues to define global luxury and timeless style.
