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?

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Explore what happened on the days that shaped Ralph Lauren's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.