Early Life
Ralph Lifshitz was born in the Bronx, New York City, on October 14, 1939, to Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants. He later changed his last name to Lauren at age 16 to avoid bullying. Lauren graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1957 and studied business at Baruch College of the City University of New York (CUNY) for two years before dropping out.
Rise to Success
Lauren's career began in 1967 when he launched The Ralph Lauren Corporation with men's ties. He named his first full menswear line "Polo" in 1968. By 1969, the Manhattan department store Bloomingdale's exclusively sold Lauren's men's line. In 1971, the Ralph Lauren Corporation launched a line of tailored shirts for women, introducing the Polo player emblem. The first freestanding store for an American designer was opened in Beverly Hills, California, in 1971. In 1972, Lauren released a short-sleeve cotton shirt in 24 colors, emblazoned with the company's famed polo player logo, which became the brand's signature look. The company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 1997.
Key Business Strategies
Key strategies include building a brand around an aspirational lifestyle and expanding into diverse product categories, including apparel, home furnishings, fragrances, and hospitality. The company has also focused on maintaining a consistent brand image across all its ventures, with a commitment to quality and timeless style. Ralph Lauren expanded its reach globally, establishing a strong presence in international markets, and continuously adapted to evolving consumer preferences by introducing various lines, including mid-range, sub-premium, and premium labels.
Philanthropy
Lauren has been involved in philanthropy, particularly in cancer research. In 1989, he co-founded the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research at Georgetown University Hospital. In 1994, he founded Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, a charitable initiative of the CFDA. In 2003, Lauren supported the establishment of the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in Harlem, Manhattan.
