Ralph Lauren
ESTABLISHED
1967
HEADQUARTERS
New York City, USA
FOUNDER
Ralph Lauren
INFO
Polo Ralph Lauren is the namesake brand of Bronx-born American fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Lauren started the brand in 1967 making ties and embarked on his first full menswear collection in 1968. Since then, the brand has grown to encapsulate apparel for men, women, and children, homeware, accessories, and fragrances.
HOW TO PRONOUNCE RALPH LAUREN?
Ralph Lauren is pronounced "Ralf LAW-Ren", you can find the correct way to pronounce Ralph Lauren here.
IS RALPH LAUREN A LUXURY BRAND?
Yes, from its iconic polo shirts to high-end home decor, Ralph Lauren has established itself as a household name with luxury, style, and sophistication as the brand identity.
IS RALPH LAUREN STILL ALIVE?
Yes, Ralph Lauren is still alive, being 84 years old (2023). He has retired and stepped down as CEO of the company in September 2015
IS CHAPS BY RALPH LAUREN?
The brand Chaps is owned by Ralph Lauren Corporation. Ralph Lauren mentioned that the company is shifting the Chaps brand to a fully licensed business model, aligning with its overarching strategy for long-term brand enhancement.
1939
On October 14, 1939, Ralph Lauren was born in the Bronx, New York City, USA. He was born Ralph Lifshitz, but at age 16 he changed his last name to Lauren due to bullying at school.
1960s-1970s
The Ralph Lauren Corporation was founded, with headquarters being in New York City, USA. The designer started with men's ties.
In 1968, he named his first line of menswear "Polo."
In 1969, the Manhattan department store Bloomingdale's began selling Lauren's men line exclusively.
In 1971, Ralph Lauren Corporation launched a line of tailored shirts for women. A year later, the first full women's collection was launched.
1972, the first freestanding Ralph Lauren store opened on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California.
The first Ralph Lauren fragrances were launched in 1978, the first time that a designer introduced two at the same time, one for men and one for women.
2015
In September 2015, it was announced that Stefan Larsson would replace the company's founder, Ralph Lauren, as CEO in November. However, Lauren stayed on as executive chairman and chief creative officer.
2017
Stefan Larsson left his position as CEO, and Patrice Louvet was named the new President and CEO.