Page 91 - Annual Magazine 2018

R

FASHION | ICONIC PERSONALITY
Ralph Lauren was born Ralph Rueben
Lifshitz in 1930s New York, changing his
last name to Lauren when he was just a
teenager.

A hard worker with a vision, he took
business classes at night school, and worked
in sales by day, designing his own necktie
collection at the age of 28.
These were sold under the name Polo, and
were followed soon after by a menswear
collection, and a store in New York City’s
Bloomingdale’s department store.

Since its inception, the Polo brand has been
characterized by a unique blend of English
aristocracy and sporty American East Coast
elite.
Ralph Lauren Omotesando shop in Shibuya ward in Tokyo / Shutterstock.com

“WE DON’T ONLY SELL CLOTHES,
WE ARE SELLING A DREAM AND A VISION.”
Over the last 47 years, the chic, preppy look of acumen, has turned Ralph Lauren into a multi- Designers of America (CFDA) award for
Ralph Lauren’s designer clothing collection has billion-dollar global lifestyle brand. Lifetime Achievement in 1991, Womenswear
expanded to include sportswear, casual wear, Designer of the Year in 1995 and Menswear
and home furnishings under the brands Ralph The designer has earned a number of accolades Designer of the Year in both 1996 and 2007,
Lauren Home, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Polo throughout his glittering career, including the as well as the Fashion Legend Award in 2007.
Sport. Lauren also diversified the appeal of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (French
his label by creating clothing and accessories Legion of Honor) and the Key to the City In 2015, Ralph Lauren announced that he
at varying price points targeting a wide range of New York in 2010, honors which are was stepping down as CEO of the Ralph
of demographics, including children’s clothing bestowed upon distinguished persons for Lauren Corporation, though he has remained
and denim wear. The innovative designer’s their outstanding civic contributions. He involved as Executive Chairman and Chief
fashion flair, as well as his keen business has also received the Council of Fashion Creative Officer.
RALPH LAUREN SIGNATURE STYLE
CULTURAL ICON “I’m interested in longevity, timelessness,

style—not fashion.”

Ralph Lauren, never seen without
his signature faded denim jeans and
Fashion designer, philanthropist, and now Official Partner and Outfitter immaculately distressed cowboy boots, is
of the PGA of America, Ralph Lauren has become one of the most iconic the epitome of all-American charm and
figures in the world of fashion and beyond. good taste.

His first menswear line in 1968 featured
classic tweed suits, a style which he repeated
Story by Rachel Chrysostom in his womenswear line in 1971, adding a
feminine twist to the classic tailoring for
which he has become famous. In 1972,
Lauren debuted what would become his
most iconic piece: the mesh sport shirt in an
array of colors, and featuring the trademark
emblem of what he considered to be the
most aristocratic of athletes, the polo player.

Throughout the following decades, Ralph
Lauren’s work reflected his belief in
longevity and timelessness and even as he
explored new ideas – from Southwestern
themed bandana prints and utility jackets in
zigzagging motifs, to the more rugged and
rustic Safari looks, he remained grounded in
his central focus: that of the all-American
/ Shutterstock.com classic style.
90 A model walks the runway at Ralph Lauren during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at 91
Skylight Clarkson Sq in New York City / Shutterstock.com

Aphrodite Hills Resort “European Golf Resort of the Year 2018”