Ralph Lauren & Family

Ralph Lauren & Family: Career Highlights

Ralph Lauren's career in the fashion industry began when he worked as a sales assistant at Brooks Brothers and a salesman for Rivetz, a necktie company. In 1967, he launched The Ralph Lauren Corporation with men's ties. The company quickly gained recognition, and in 1968, Lauren introduced the iconic 'Polo' line, featuring the Polo player emblem. In 1971, he opened the first freestanding store for an American designer in Beverly Hills, California. The following year, he introduced the signature cotton mesh Polo shirt, which became a timeless classic.

Lauren's designs gained further prominence when he outfitted the male cast of the film "The Great Gatsby" in 1974 and Diane Keaton and Woody Allen in "Annie Hall" in 1977. In 1978, he launched the first Ralph Lauren fragrances. The 1980s saw the opening of the first flagship store in New York City in 1986 and the introduction of the Polo Sport line in 1992.

Lauren also acquired several brands during this time, including Ralph Lauren Purple Label and Lauren Ralph Lauren.

In 1997, the company became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. Lauren continued to expand his empire by launching the website and online shop polo.com in 2000. In 2007, he acquired the NBC share of RL Media and relaunched the website as ralphlauren.com. In 2008, he launched the brand American Living exclusively for JCPenney.