Ralph Lauren created a lifestyle brand that combined the romance of the English countryside with the rugged allure of the American West. Born Ralph Lifshitz to Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants Frieda and Frank Lifshitz, he changed his name to Lauren at the age of sixteen after being taunted as a child.

But it was men's ties that first introduced his name to the world of fashion. After serving time in the military, Lauren worked at Brooks Brothers and as a salesman for a necktie company called Rivetz, before leaving to join the popular tie company, Beau Brummell.

"I didn't know fabric, I didn't know measurements. What did I know? That I was a salesman. That I was honest. And that all I wanted was quality." Ralph Lauren

In 1964, Lauren met Ricky Ann Low-Beer in a doctor’s office where she was working as a receptionist and they were married 6 months later. Lauren has often referred to his wife as his muse and inspiration.

“I didn’t like the girl with all the makeup and high heels. I liked the girl in jeans and a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, wearing her boyfriend’s jacket. That’s the girl I’m attracted to. That’s the girl I married – Ricky.” Ralph Lauren

In 1967, with financial support from his brother and an apparel manufacturer named, Norman Hilton, he opened his own, independent tie shop. His ties were 1" wider than "normal" ties and were considered revolutionary at the time. After becoming familiar with the sport of Polo, he used the name for his first label because it symbolized everything that defined luxury, old money and the upper class. His neckwear was inspired by the glamour of old Hollywood, and each of them were handmade from only the finest fabrics.

The first Ralph Lauren menswear collection was produced in 1968, and his first women's show was presented in 1972. His signature short sleeve shirts with the Polo emblem were made in 24 colors. He famously dressed Robert Redford and the cast of "The Great Gatsby, " and Diane Keaton chose several Ralph Lauren pieces to wear in the movie "Annie Hall."

Ralph Lauren's life is the definition of the American dream. From the son of poor immigrant parents, he created a worldwide lifestyle brand that includes apparel, footwear & accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality.