Who Is Ralph Lauren and Why His Brand Became a Legend

Some fashion fades, but certain names become timeless classics. Ralph Lauren is one of them. It’s not just a label — it’s a symbol of style, legacy, and determination. His name proves that a boy from a poor Jewish neighborhood can transform an entire country’s fashion industry and stand shoulder to shoulder with Europe’s design legends.

Here’s why the Ralph Lauren label is worth every penny — and why the man behind the brand is not just a fashion icon, but a life role model.

Where It All Began

Ralph Lauren — originally Ralph Lifshitz — was born to Jewish immigrants from the Russian Empire. The family of six lived in a cramped one-room apartment in the Bronx, surrounded by tradition, discipline, and modest means. Creativity wasn't exactly encouraged — but talent, as it often does, found a way to shine. Ironically, young Ralph’s neighbor would one day also become a fashion legend — none other than Calvin Klein.

From an early age, Ralph was drawn to the world of elegance and refinement. He dreamed of living with style, dressing impeccably, and earning respect. At just 12 years old, he saved money for months to buy a classic English suit — the first step in shaping the refined taste that would later conquer the fashion world. By 16, he was sure of his path: the fashion industry. Around that time, he also changed his last name to something more “expensive-sounding” — Lauren. In hindsight, it was a prophetic decision: the Ralph Lauren brand would come to symbolize prestige, never cheapness.

The road to the top wasn’t instant. Ralph began as a regular salesman at a necktie manufacturer. He pitched ideas, sketched designs, and poured passion into every suggestion — but his creativity was largely ignored. Eventually, his persistent enthusiasm even began to irritate his bosses. Everything changed when one of the clients turned out to be an investor — someone who recognized the brilliance in Ralph’s unconventional vision. That’s how the Polo brand was born in 1967. Soon, the logo and name were joined by his own — Ralph Lauren — and the fashion world took notice fast.

By the 1970s, it became clear: Lauren wasn’t just a designer — he was a cultural phenomenon. He was called “the man who introduced America to itself.” His style struck a chord with an audience tired of the flashy chaos of the ‘60s — clean, elegant, but never overdone. His eponymous fashion house earned numerous prestigious awards, and Ralph Lauren himself became a symbol of a new kind of American identity.

The Style of Ralph Lauren

The Ralph Lauren brand embodies the philosophy of respectable casual — a refined, everyday style rooted in American character. At its core lies the aesthetic of country culture, reimagined through the lens of aristocratic restraint. Lauren drew inspiration from the wardrobe of East Coast elites, stripped away the pretense, and added the comfort and simplicity more typical of working-class America — resulting in a distinctive style marked by both romance and tradition.

Today, Ralph Lauren produces not only men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, but also home textiles, accessories, and luxury lifestyle items. The brand is involved in high-profile collaborations and international projects — from designing official uniforms for Wimbledon to dressing Team USA at the 2008 and 2014 Olympic Games. In 2015, Ralph Lauren even partnered with Mercedes-Benz for a premium capsule collection.

Stars Who Choose Ralph Lauren

The Ralph Lauren fashion house has long been adored by celebrities and public figures who appreciate understated luxury and timeless American style. Among the brand’s many admirers are:

• Melania Trump;
• Emma Watson;
• Cate Blanchett;
• David Beckham, along with many other icons from the worlds of fashion, film, and sports.

What Ralph Lauren Is Doing Today

Ralph Lauren’s journey wasn’t all glamour and triumph. Behind the dazzling career were serious challenges — he underwent brain tumor surgery, faced several failed collections, and weathered major financial setbacks. But true to his character, he always got back up and moved forward.

Now in his 80s, Lauren officially stepped down as the creative director of his namesake brand in 2015, passing the torch to invited designers. These days, he focuses primarily on philanthropy — supporting art schools and young talents across the globe. He pays special attention to institutions of high prestige, such as the legendary École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

Yet Ralph remains a man of passion — for style, for life, and for speed. He has a deep love for sports and collector cars. His personal garage is valued at over $1 billion and includes rare gems like the Bentley Blower as well as top-tier models from Porsche and Lamborghini.

But cars aren’t his only collectible passion. Lauren also adores everything beautiful and timeless: luxury homes and real estate, rare watches, fine jewelry. His later years are a shining example of a life lived with purpose, elegance, and an enduring devotion to aesthetics.