Lauren, << LAWR uhn, >> Ralph (1939-…), is an American fashion designer who created a vast retailing network and successful marketing program to sell his designs. Lauren markets his products under the Polo/Ralph Lauren label. Clothing and home furnishings carrying this label convey an image of timeless elegance, tradition, and wealth combined with the active, rough-and-ready image of the American West. Lauren focuses on quality, simplicity, and durability in his designs. He is famous for his attention to detail, demanding the realization of his ideas down to the smallest particulars.
Lauren was born on Oct. 14, 1939, in New York City. His family name originally was Lifschitz, but his father changed it to Lauren when Ralph was 15 years old. He began his career designing and marketing men’s neckties. In 1968, he founded Polo Fashions, Inc., an upscale (expensive) menswear company. He expanded his product line to include women’s wear, children’s clothes, footwear, leather goods and other accessories, cosmetics, and home furnishings. He markets his products through an international network of retail stores and license agreements.
In 2015, Lauren stepped down from his position as chief executive officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation. However, he planned to remain active in the company in the role of executive chairman and chief creative officer.
