Ralph Lauren (b. 1939)

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Biography

Ralph Lauren is an American fashion designer, philanthropist, and billionaire businessman, best known for founding the brand Ralph Lauren, a global multibillion-dollar enterprise. He stepped down as CEO of the company in September 2015 but remains executive chairman and chief creative officer. As of May 2025, his net worth is estimated at US$11.9 billion.

Timeline

The story of Ralph Lauren, told in moments.

1939 Birth

Born Ralph Lifshitz in the Bronx. His parents were Belarusian Jewish immigrants. He changed his surname to Lauren at 16. He told people it sounded better.

Why did 'Lifshitz' need to change? What did the Bronx teach you about aspiration? Were your immigrant parents proud of the new name?

1967 Event

Started selling wide neckties from a drawer in the Empire State Building. They were twice the standard width. He called the brand Polo. Bloomingdale's gave him a small counter.

What made you think ties twice the normal width would sell? Was selling from a drawer in the Empire State Building glamorous or desperate? When did Polo become more than neckties?

1974 Event

Designed the costumes for The Great Gatsby film starring Robert Redford. It made his name. He opened his first standalone store on Rodeo Drive.

Did dressing Robert Redford for Gatsby change your life overnight? Was Rodeo Drive the dream or just a step? How much of fashion is about clothes versus fantasy?

1986 Life

Opened the flagship Polo store in the restored Rhinelander Mansion on Madison Avenue. He was selling a lifestyle, not just clothes. English country estates. Old money. American cowboys.

Were you selling a lifestyle or a lie? Is the English country estate fantasy honest or escapist? What does old money mean to a kid from the Bronx?

2014 Event

Became the first American fashion designer to have his own museum retrospective, at the Denver Art Museum. His company's annual revenue exceeded $7 billion.

Does $7 billion in revenue feel like success or just scale? Was the museum retrospective emotional for you? What's the gap between who you are and who Polo represents?

Artifacts (15)

Ralph Lauren Deluxe

Limited edition - hardcover with crocodile leather slipcase and engraved silver plate. The interior is the same as the regular edition and includes over 200 fabulour color and black & white photos...

2007

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Ralph Lauren

The landmark volume celebrating the life and work of Ralph Lauren, now available in a smaller, more portable edition. Unlike many designers, Ralph Lauren is not known for a single signature look, but...

2011

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Ralph Lauren: Revised and Expanded Anniversary Edition

The landmark volume celebrating the life and work of Ralph Lauren—the vision of the brand as told and presented by Lauren himself—in a smaller, more portable edition, with additional photographs...

2017

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Untitled Ralph Lauren

Synopsis coming soon.......

2018

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Ralph Lauren A Way of Living: Home, Design, Inspiration

A stunning celebration of Ralph Lauren’s signature home collections—including the designer’s own homes—which have inspired the world of interior design for nearly half a century. The cinematic vision...

2023

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Untitled Autobiography

A candid and enthralling memoir by the legendary founder of the company that brought American style to the world—Ralph Lauren shares the inside story of his rise from a tie designer operating out of a...

2025

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I wouldn't say we're super-religious, but we're very much in touch with the cult...

Samberg, is a photographer. He has two older sisters, Johanna and Darrow. His family is Jewish, and Samberg described his upbringing as "I wouldn't say we're super-religious, but we're very much in...

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were the ones that I put all my effort into... that's what I cared about and tha...

graduated from Berkeley High School in 1996, where he became interested in creative writing and has stated that writing classes "were the ones that I put all my effort into... that's what I cared...

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L'Expansion

1996

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Ralph Lauren Purple Label: Fall 2002

2002

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Ralph Lauren

2007

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Ralph Lauren Collection: Celebrating 40 Years

2007

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Ralph Lauren

2012

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RALPH LAUREN: A Way of Living

2023

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Ralph Lauren Paint Techniques: Denim, Chambray, Linen, Antiqued Leather, Historic Crackle, Aging

1996

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