Ralph Lauren, Pair of armchairs, France, circa 1990

Born to Jewish immigrants, Ralph Lauren grew up in the Bronx, New York. Raised with his three older brothers, Lauren’s fashion sense started at an early age. Buying expensive suits, with money he earned from his after school job, he wanted to look stylish from the age of 12.

In 1970 Lauren received his first Coty Award for Menswear and the following year a womenswear collection was introduced. The women’s line also started the polo player emblem which was originally on the cuff of women’s tailored shirts. In 1974, Ralph Lauren designed the costumes for the film ‘The Great Gatsby’. Lauren dressed the entire male cast in 1920’s styled suits and sweaters. The following year Lauren won the American Fashion Award and in 1976, Lauren won the Coty Award for womenswear as well as entering the Coty Hall of Fame for Menswear. The following year he did the same for womenswear.

In 1983 Lauren released a home collection and in 1986, Polo Ralph Lauren opened a flagship store on Madison Avenue 72nd Street in Rhinelander mansion, raising the bar for the retail experience.