Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren Corporation houses POLO Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, and other Ralph Lauren brands. The Ralph Lauren Corporation was initially launched in 1967. Originally selling ties, a 28-year-old designer named Ralph Lauren worked with tie manufacturer Beau Brummell.
Ralph Lauren’s first men’s line, POLO, launched in 1968. Making deliveries himself, Lauren was picked up by Bloomingdale’s exclusively in 1969. By 1971, the first Ralph Lauren flagship opened on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. In 1977, Ralph Lauren’s popular polo shirt was introduced, and by 1974, Lauren made his big Hollywood debut. Lauren outfitted the male cast of The Great Gatsby in 1920s-inspired numbers.
Ralph Lauren’s clothes also made an impactful statement in 1977’s Oscar-winning film Annie Hall. 1978 saw the launch of Ralph Lauren’s first fragrance under the name POLO. Expanding worldwide by 1981, the rest is history. Becoming a purveyor of American style, Ralph Lauren is known for its classic preppy aesthetic.
