Ralph Lauren was born in the Bronx, New York City on October 14, 1939, the third of four siblings. His parents Frieda and Frank were Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants. At the age of 16, Ralph and his brother, Jerry, changed their last name to Lauren after being teased consistently at school. Ralph was known for his distinctive fashion knowledge as a teen, finding inspiration while having a taste for both classic preppy wear and vintage looks. He went on to attend Baruch College in Manhattan, where he studied business for two years. After some time in the Army, Lauren took on a sales job at Brooks Brothers. While working for Beau Brummell, Lauren began designing his own men’s neckties with a wider cut, branding them under the name “Polo” and selling them at large department stores. His fashion ideas have been recognized by some for not being particularly innovative while also locked by scores of consumers who prefer more approachable looks.
Ralph Lauren was generous as he is successful because he and his company helped the Smithsonian Institution. They gave the Smithsonian Institution over $13 million to preserve the original American flag. In 2001, he established the “Ralph Lauren Center” for cancer care and prevention in East Harlem, New York. After Lauren’s friend died of breast cancer, he also established Fashion Targets Breast …show more content…
Lauren began designing his own men’s neckties, branding them under the name Polo and selling them at large department stores. Soon, Lauren was able to fully develop his business with a $30,000 loan, eventually expanding his designs to a full menswear line. Then in 1972, Lauren released a short sleeve cotton shirt in 24 colors. His company, Polo, currently produces clothing for men, women and children and has hundreds of placed stores, including factory stores that produce the majority of his sales. He started his company because he wanted to redefine “American