Ralph Lauren
From the Bronx to Defining American Style
Net Worth
$7B
Born
October 14, 1939 (age 86)
Country
United States
Occupation
Fashion Designer, Founder of Ralph Lauren Corporation
Gender
male
Generation
Silent Generation
Marital Status
married
Children
3
Single Parent Household
No
Education
College Dropout
University
Baruch College
Industries
business, creative
Wealth Category
billionaire
Wealth Origin
self-made
First-Gen Wealth
Yes
Immigrant
Yes
Overcame
- • Born to immigrant parents with limited means
- • Changed name from Lifshitz due to bullying
- • Dropped out of college with no fashion training
- • Early business partners took advantage of him
- • Faced skepticism from fashion establishment
Ralph Lauren is the founder of the Ralph Lauren Corporation, a global fashion empire that defined American preppy style. Born Ralph Lifshitz to immigrant parents in the Bronx, he built a multi-billion dollar brand selling not just clothes but a lifestyle—the world of country clubs, polo matches, and WASPy elegance. His Polo brand became one of the most recognizable fashion labels in history.
Career Timeline
Notable Quotes
"I don't design clothes. I design dreams."
"People ask how I got into fashion. I didn't. I got into lifestyle."
"I've always believed that style was more important than fashion."
"It's the kind of clothes that mothers and daughters can wear, in terms of concept. It's about sharing."
"I want the things around me to be beautiful and to have meaning. I think that's what luxury is."