Designer Spotlight: Ralph Lauren

The Designer Has Been Making a Fashion Splash in 2024

Ralph Lauren was once a clerk at Brooks Brothers dreaming of men’s ties. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Ralph Lauren is an American fashion icon. From humble beginnings, he built a multimillion dollar fashion empire. This empire includes men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories. Lauren is well-established in the fashion hierarchy and his shows are attended by the likes of Anna Wintour and Glenn Close, among other celebrities.

Here is a brief look at Ralph Lauren’s beginnings:

Ralph Lifshitz, later known as Ralph Lauren, was born on October 14, 1939, in the Bronx, New York. Raised in a working-class Jewish family, Lauren’s upbringing laid the foundation for his future sartorial sensibilities. His early exposure to the glamour of Hollywood movies and the refined elegance of the Upper East Side sparked a fascination with style and sophistication.

After studying business at Baruch College, Lauren briefly served in the United States Army before delving into the world of fashion. His career commenced in the late 1960s when he began designing ties under the label “Polo.” Lauren’s initial foray into fashion demonstrated his innate ability to blend classic elegance with a contemporary twist, setting the stage for his…