Everything You Want to Know About Ralph Lauren

Few names in the fashion world carry the iconic weight and timeless elegance of Ralph Lauren. From humble beginnings to a global empire, Ralph Lauren has crafted a brand that is not just about clothes but a complete lifestyle. Whether it's the classic Polo shirt, the refined Purple Label suits, or the rustic Americana of RRL, Ralph Lauren embodies a uniquely American dream—equal parts aspiration, sophistication, and rugged charm.

A Brief History: From Ties to Empire

Ralph Lauren, born Ralph Lifshitz in the Bronx, New York, began his fashion journey not with a full clothing line but with neckties. In 1967, after working briefly for Brooks Brothers, Lauren launched a line of wide, colorful ties under the label “Polo.” His unique vision quickly gained attention, and by 1968, he had a full menswear line sold in Bloomingdale’s—a first for a designer brand.

By the 1970s, Ralph Lauren was expanding rapidly. In 1971, he launched a women’s line and opened his first standalone store in Beverly Hills. That same year, the now-iconic Polo player logo made its debut. Over the years, the brand became synonymous with a lifestyle of elegance, heritage, and effortless cool.

The Brand Philosophy: A Lifestyle, Not Just Fashion

What sets Ralph Lauren apart from other fashion houses is its commitment to storytelling. Lauren didn’t just design clothing; he crafted a narrative—a vision of the American aristocracy, blended with elements of Western grit, Ivy League prep, and European luxury.

The brand's motto could easily be “aspirational yet attainable.” Whether you're buying a $90 Polo shirt or a $5,000 Purple Label tuxedo, you’re stepping into a world carefully constructed around ideals of success, class, tradition, and taste.

Core Collections and Sub-Brands

Ralph Lauren operates through a hierarchy of sub-brands, each serving a distinct demographic and price point. Understanding these collections is key to navigating the Ralph Lauren universe:

1. Polo Ralph Lauren

This is the heart of the brand—classic, preppy, and accessible. Polo Ralph Lauren offers everything from Oxford shirts and chinos to varsity jackets and denim. It's the collection most people associate with Ralph Lauren and features the iconic Polo Player logo.

• Target Audience: Middle to upper-middle class

• Style: Ivy League, prep, classic Americana

• Price Range: $$

2. Ralph Lauren Purple Label

Introduced in 1994, Purple Label is the pinnacle of Ralph Lauren’s luxury offerings. Crafted in Italy with premium fabrics and tailoring, this line includes formalwear, cashmere coats, handmade shoes, and refined suiting.

• Target Audience: Affluent customers, fashion connoisseurs

• Style: Sophisticated, elegant, European-inspired

• Price Range: $$$$

3. Ralph Lauren Collection (Women)

The female counterpart to Purple Label, this line features luxury dresses, coats, and accessories. Worn often on red carpets and runways, it offers timeless elegance for women.

• Target Audience: High-net-worth women

• Style: Glamorous, classic femininity

• Price Range: $$$$

4. RRL (Double RL)

Named after Lauren’s ranch in Colorado, RRL focuses on rugged Americana—think vintage denim, leather jackets, and military-inspired pieces. It has a cult following among collectors and heritage wear enthusiasts.

• Target Audience: Fashion purists, rugged style lovers

• Style: Workwear, vintage Americana

• Price Range: $$$

5. Lauren Ralph Lauren

This is the brand’s more affordable line, often found in department stores like Macy’s. It includes both men’s and women’s wear and caters to a broader, price-conscious audience.

• Target Audience: Budget-conscious consumers

• Style: Classic with a modern twist

• Price Range: $

6. Chaps (formerly a Ralph Lauren brand)

Originally created in 1978 as an entry-level brand, Chaps was later licensed out and separated from the Ralph Lauren Corporation. It remains in circulation but no longer officially part of the Ralph Lauren family.

Expansion into Lifestyle

Ralph Lauren didn’t stop at fashion. He expanded into a complete lifestyle brand, making forays into:

• Fragrances: Best-sellers include Polo Green, Polo Blue, Romance, and Big Pony collections.

• Home Decor: Ralph Lauren Home offers luxury bedding, furniture, lighting, and tableware.

• Restaurants: The brand owns several dining establishments like The Polo Bar in NYC and Ralph’s in Paris, exuding the same charm and sophistication of the clothing lines.

• Sporting Sponsorships: Ralph Lauren has dressed the U.S. Olympic team, Wimbledon staff, and American golf teams—aligning the brand with elite, prestigious events.

Global Reach and Influence

Today, Ralph Lauren is a global fashion powerhouse. Its products are sold in over 80 countries and the brand operates hundreds of retail stores and outlets worldwide. Ralph Lauren has become a household name and a symbol of American fashion excellence.

The brand's campaigns are known for their cinematic quality. Images of handsome families riding horses, couples on sailboats, or cozying up in Aspen chalets evoke emotion and fantasy. Ralph Lauren doesn't just sell clothes; it sells a lifestyle that people want to buy into.

Sustainability and Challenges

Like many fashion giants, Ralph Lauren has faced scrutiny over sustainability. In recent years, the brand has made efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. Initiatives include:

• The Earth Polo, made from recycled plastic bottles.

• Commitments to water reduction and sustainable sourcing.

• Partnerships with environmental organizations.

Still, balancing fast fashion demands with ethical production remains a challenge, and critics argue there's room for improvement.

The Legacy of Ralph Lauren Himself

Ralph Lauren, the man, retired as CEO in 2015 but remains Chief Creative Officer. His personal journey—from a Jewish kid in the Bronx to the head of a global empire—is a quintessential American success story. His vision has always remained consistent: blending heritage with aspiration.

Lauren once said, “I don't design clothes. I design dreams.” This philosophy is what continues to differentiate the brand from its competitors.

Why Ralph Lauren Still Matters

In a world of fast fashion, streetwear dominance, and constantly shifting trends, Ralph Lauren’s consistency is refreshing. It represents a sense of permanence and taste that transcends seasons.

• Timeless Design: A Polo shirt from 1985 still looks stylish today.

• Cross-generational Appeal: Grandparents, parents, and kids all find something to wear in the brand.

• Cultural Cachet: From hip-hop artists to prep school students, Ralph Lauren crosses cultural boundaries like few other brands.

Whether you’re dressing for a Sunday brunch, a job interview, or a countryside wedding, Ralph Lauren has an offering for every occasion.

Tips for Buying Ralph Lauren

1. Know the Labels: Learn the difference between Purple Label, Polo, and Lauren. Not all Ralph Lauren pieces are created equal.

2. Look for Sales: High-quality pieces from Polo and Purple Label often go on sale at end-of-season.

3. Shop Vintage: Some of the best Ralph Lauren designs are from the 80s and 90s. Check out thrift stores or vintage resellers online.

4. Tailoring Matters: Even off-the-rack Polo blazers can look luxurious with proper tailoring.

5. Mix High and Low: Pair a Purple Label jacket with Levi’s jeans for a modern, balanced look.

Conclusion

Ralph Lauren isn’t just a brand—it’s a cultural institution. It has dressed presidents, athletes, actors, and everyday people who aspire to live with style and grace. It’s a masterclass in branding, storytelling, and enduring fashion.

Whether you're new to the brand or a longtime fan, Ralph Lauren offers something more than just clothing. It offers a vision—a way to express who you are or who you hope to become.

Because in the end, wearing Ralph Lauren isn’t just about looking good. It’s about feeling like you belong in a world of timeless taste, elegance, and quiet confidence.