With his unmistakable preppy chic, Ralph Lauren has been shaping the fashion world for decades, yet few know the story of the tie salesman from the Bronx. GALA takes a behind-the-scenes look at his extraordinary success.
His name is recognized worldwide: Ralph Lauren, 85, is one of the most influential American fashion designers of the 20th and 21st centuries. His fashion signature is subtle, but his sales figures are all the more striking. In an industry often defined by extravagance and rapid change, Ralph Lauren stands out with his consistency and unmistakable style. And he has been successful: Ralph Lauren has managed to build a fashion empire that remains highly relevant in 2025 and reflects the spirit of the times in a unique way. But it all started with a small cart selling ties in the Empire State Building.
A Loan and a Tie Collection Pave Ralph Lauren’s Path into the Fashion World
Even during his school years, Ralph Lauren sold ties to his classmates and invested the earnings in high-quality suits. His interest in fashion emerged early, laying the foundation for his later career in the industry. Although he never pursued formal training or a degree in fashion design, he had a vision: to embody the American lifestyle through fashion. His goal was to create a brand that stood for elegance, tradition, and timeless values.
A loan of 50,000 euros set the then 28-year-old’s career in motion. He acquired the naming rights for “Polo” from his former employer, the menswear retailer Brooks Brothers, and launched his first tie collection. Going against the prevailing trend of slim ties, he designed a collection of handcrafted, wide-cut ties, which he sold from a small cart in the Empire State Building. His designs quickly gained popularity, and in 1968, he presented his first full men’s collection, characterized by colorful dress shirts.
The “Polo Pony” Makes Its Debut – A Symbol of Timeless Style
The legendary Polo Pony logo first appeared in 1971 on the cuff of a women’s blouse designed by Ralph Lauren. Today, it is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. The following year, he took the fashion world by storm with the Polo shirt featuring the rider logo, which quickly became a symbol of classic American style.
Lauren’s designs continue to be defined by traditional cuts and understated prints, unaffected by fleeting trends. Vibrant colors and high-quality materials have ensured lasting popularity among customers. Ralph Lauren embodies a lifestyle that is both casual and luxurious, bringing the preppy style of elite American universities to the world.
For the film production of The Great Gatsby, he dressed all the male actors in his clothing. The film won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, providing Lauren with an international career boost.
Mahogany Wood, Oak Floors, and Marble Fireplaces: How Ralph Lauren Redefined Retail
With his attention to detail and commitment to high quality, Ralph Lauren not only revolutionized fashion but also retail. He developed a new store concept characterized by premium materials and handcrafted furnishings. Mahogany wood, oak floors, and marble fireplaces define the atmosphere of his stores, creating a unique, luxurious environment that immerses customers in a world of style.
He described the opening of his first flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York on his website as follows:
“This store is the essence of everything I have wanted to express since designing my first tie. I want it to be more than just a store. I’m not just selling clothes. I’m selling a world. A world of style.”
Personal Commitment to the Fight Against Cancer
Personal hardships have also shaped the designer’s career. In 1987, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which was successfully treated the same year. However, the loss of his close friend Nina Hyde, who died of breast cancer two years later, deeply affected him. This painful loss marked a turning point: Lauren vowed to support the fight against cancer with all his resources. To this day, the 85-year-old continues to donate his earnings to charitable organizations dedicated to cancer research and support.
A Lasting Influence on the Fashion World
After nearly 50 years, Ralph Lauren stepped down as CEO in 2015, handing the position over to designer Stefan Larsson. However, he remains the Chief Designer and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Ralph Lauren has significantly influenced the fashion world by shaping the classic American preppy look. Under his name, he does not just sell products but an entire lifestyle. His designs are both classic and modern – a style that continues to resonate across generations.
