We seriously want to befriend Ralph Lauren (we’re still perfecting our plan), and, as we’re his biggest fans, here’s everything you need to know about his life, brand, clothes and, of course, fragrance…
1939
Ralph Lifshitz is born in New York to an artist and painter from Belarus.
1955
Ralph and his brother get teased about their surname, so decide to change it to Lauren. As a teen, Ralph is known for his classic and preppy fashion sense, inspired by icons Fred Astaire and Cary Grant.
1962
Ralph serves in the US army for two years and leaves to work as a sales assistant at Brooks Brothers in New York.
1964
Marries teacher and part-time receptionist Ricky Anne Low-Beer.
1967
Starts working for tie manufacturer Beau Brummell, where he persuades the company’s president to let him start his own range. He calls his ties ‘Polo’ and sells them at big retailers like Bloomingdale’s. The range is so popular that he decides to expand into menswear… and Ralph Lauren Corporation is formed.
1971
Ralph Lauren launches a range of tailored shirts for women with the Polo-player logo on the cuff.
1974
The Great Gatsby, starring Robert Redford, uses Ralph Lauren as a costume designer. He designs 1920s-style suits and sweaters. Luxury and upper-class are what you think of when you see Ralph Lauren’s masterpieces.
1986
Ralph opens his company’s flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York.
1992
Ralph Lauren Safari hits the shelves – a spicy fragrance for men, with refreshing notes of lavender, neroli, sandalwood and jasmine. Mmmm!
1988
Ralph Lauren Romance fragrance launches, and women everywhere fall in love with it. It smells like the perfect romance, with juicy guava, water lily, fresh lilies and rose. Lush!
2013
The Ralph Lauren SS14 catwalk is full of sexy schoolgirl looks – ties, striped blazers, knee-high socks and glasses.
2015
Ralph steps aside as Chief Executive and appoints Stefan Larsson. He is still the Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation.
2016
The AW16 catwalk sees Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner strut their stuff in checked shirts, leather jackets, frilly dresses and dark, edgy cowgirl looks. We’re big fans!
2017
New year, new perfume? Yes, please! Ralph Lauren Polo Supreme Leather for him launches, with its top notes of nutmeg, a heart of rose and base notes of honey and tonka bean. It smells smoky and rich – perfect for the evening. Obsessed.
