Polo Ralph Lauren: A Legacy of Classic American Style

When it comes to iconic American fashion brands, few can compare to Polo Ralph Lauren. Founded in 1967 by designer Ralph Lauren, the brand has become synonymous with classic, preppy style and timeless elegance. From its humble beginnings as a line of ties and men’s shirts, Polo Ralph Lauren has grown into a global empire with an extensive collection of clothing, accessories, and home decor.

Ralph Lauren was born Ralph Lifshitz in the Bronx, New York in 1939. Growing up, he was always interested in fashion and design, and after high school, he attended Baruch College in New York City where he studied business. After college, he worked for a few different companies before landing a job as a sales representative for a tie manufacturer. It was during this time that he began to develop his own line of ties under the name Polo.

In 1967, Ralph Lauren opened his first store in Beverly Hills, California. The store was called Polo Ralph Lauren, and it featured a collection of men’s ties, shirts, and sportswear. The brand quickly gained popularity among the Hollywood elite, and by the early 1970s, Ralph Lauren had opened several more stores across the United States.

Ralph Lauren’s design aesthetic is heavily influenced by the classic, preppy style of the East Coast. He is known for his use of traditional fabrics like tweed, corduroy, and flannel, and for his attention to detail. He is also known for his use of bold colors and patterns, which he often combines in unexpected ways.

One of the most iconic elements of Ralph Lauren’s design is his use of the polo player logo. The logo, which features a polo player on horseback, was first introduced in 1971 and has become synonymous with the brand. The logo is often embroidered on clothing and accessories, and it is a nod to Ralph Lauren’s love of the sport of polo.

Today, Polo Ralph Lauren offers a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, and home decor. The brand’s clothing line includes men’s and women’s sportswear, denim, and outerwear. The accessories line includes handbags, shoes, and jewelry. The home decor line includes bedding, bath linens, and furniture.

One of the most popular collections from Polo Ralph Lauren is the Purple Label. This collection, which was first introduced in 1994, is a luxury line of men’s clothing and accessories. The Purple Label is known for its high-quality fabrics, fine craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

Ralph Lauren is not just a designer but also a businessman who has built a global empire. He has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to fashion, including the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. He has also been inducted into the Fashion Walk of Fame in New York City.

In addition to his work in fashion, Ralph Lauren is also a philanthropist. He and his wife, Ricky, established the Ralph Lauren Corporation Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in Harlem in 1991. The center provides cancer care and support services to under-served communities.

In 2019, Ralph Lauren was awarded an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) for his contributions to the fashion industry. The ceremony was held in Buckingham Palace, where His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, now King of the United Kingdom, personally presented Mr. Lauren with the knighthood insignia in a private ceremony.

Polo Ralph Lauren is a brand that represents timeless American style and quality. From its early days of selling ties, to the current luxury fashion house, Ralph Lauren’s vision of easy, elegant and classic clothing has been a constant. The brand’s clothing and accessories are a perfect blend of sophistication and effortlessness, appealing to a wide range of consumers. This, coupled with the man behind the brand, Ralph Lauren’s story, makes Polo Ralph Lauren a true American classic.