Ralph Lauren

The Label

Since its inception in 1968, Ralph Lauren has become a powerful brand that’s put its stamp on everything from tuxedos to tennis uniforms. It all started with the famous Polo shirt, which Lauren created to embody the spirit of American aristocracy (something the middle-class boy from the Bronx only imagined while growing up). After launching his collection with a wide tie that became a must-have among New York's young and stylish, the designer expanded his repertoire to include the famous polos, then women's wear, formalwear and a bigger selection of sports clothes. After a brief setback in the late-1980s, when casual preppy attire was replaced by slick business suits by Armani and Dolce & Gabbana, Lauren struck back with licensing deals for fragrances and home lines, plus the Ralph Lauren blue label, which quickly became an empire on its own for classic, elegant eveningwear. Purple and Black Labels followed, and Ralph Lauren's sporty Polo brand was soon balanced by fancier, more expensive lines offering silk ball gowns and six-ply cashmere cardigans. Today, Lauren's formula for creating effortlessly chic style is a hot commodity—and often imitated.

The Look

Sweater-tied prep school style for the Gatsby in all of us.

The Designer

Born in the Bronx, the young Ralph Lauren would work weekends to earn money for new clothes. After receiving a business degree from the City College of New York, Lauren worked as a glove salesman, and used his company's factory (and a $5000 loan) to produce his first line of wide ties, sold under the label Polo Fashion. When the ties took off, he invested his profits back into the company and began the larger collection of sportswear that eventually spawned his empire. Lauren has made his business a family affair, with wife Ricky and son David both intimately involved in the brand's day-to-day operations. Worth an estimated $1 billion, the designer remains the creative director of his entire brand, which now includes linens, cosmetics and even a line of house paint.

Official Website

polo.com