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Ralph Lauren Corporation

American fashion company founded by Ralph Lauren.

Ralph Lauren Corporation, founded in 1967, is a publicly traded fashion company known for its mid-range to luxury products in apparel, home, accessories, and fragrances. The company's brands range from mid-range to luxury, with its flagship brand being Polo Ralph Lauren. Ralph Lauren also licenses its name to various companies for eyewear, fragrances, cosmetics, underwear, sleepwear, bedding, fabric, wallpaper, and home furniture.

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Timeline

1939-10-14
Birth of Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren, born as Ralph Lifshitz on October 14, 1939 in the Bronx, New York City, is an American fashion designer, philanthropist, and billionaire businessman. He is best known for founding the brand Ralph Lauren, which has become a global multibillion-dollar enterprise.
1962
Ralph Lauren acquires 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
Ralph Lauren is well known as a collector of automobiles and owns a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, among other rare cars.
1964-12-20
Ralph Lauren marries Ricky Ann Loew-Beer
On December 20, 1964, Ralph Lauren married Ricky Ann Loew-Beer in New York City. They met six months earlier in a doctor's office where she was working as a receptionist. She is the author of The Hamptons: Food, Family and History.
1967
Men's Polo Ralph Lauren
In 1967, Ralph Lauren launched Men's Polo, his first complete line of sportswear and tailored clothing. It later became one of the top-selling clothing lines globally.
1968
Debut of first full men's collection
In 1968, Ralph Lauren debuted his first full men's collection, featuring standout pieces like a white flannel suit and dress shirts made from unexpected sport shirt fabrics. His inspiration was to bring more romance and excitement to men's fashion.
1969
Exclusive Deal with Bloomingdale's
By 1969, Bloomingdale's sold Ralph Lauren's men line exclusively, marking a significant milestone in the brand's history. It was the first time the department store gave a designer his own in-store shop.
1970
Ralph Lauren's Brand Found Space in Bloomingdale's Boutique
In 1970, Ralph Lauren quickly secured a physical space in a Bloomingdale's boutique, showcasing his dedication to the brand.
1971
Introduction of Polo Ralph Lauren Logo
In 1971, Ralph Lauren changed the name of his company from 'Polo Fashion' to 'Polo Ralph Lauren' and introduced the iconic logo of a jockey on horseback. This rebranding significantly increased brand awareness and popularity.
1972
Introduction of Ralph Lauren's Iconic Polo Shirt
In 1972, Ralph Lauren introduced the iconic Polo Shirt, a garment crafted from premium materials and available in various colors, which became a lasting symbol of American style.
1977
Ralph Lauren wins Coty award for womenswear and Coty Hall of Fame award for menswear
Ralph Lauren becomes the first designer to win in both men's and women's categories in the same year. Saks Fifth Avenue celebrates by placing an ad in The New York Times featuring Ralph in black tie and blue jeans.
1979
Ralph embraces the cowboy spirit
In 1979, Ralph Lauren introduced Polo Western, a new line of denim, apparel, and accessories inspired by the purpose-built clothes of the American West, embodying the cowboy spirit. The tagline 'made to be worn' encapsulates the essence of the collection.
1981
Ralph opens his first store outside the United States
In 1981, Ralph Lauren expanded his brand globally by opening his first store outside the United States. This marked a significant milestone in the international growth and presence of the Ralph Lauren Corporation.
1983
Ralph Lauren Home
Ralph Lauren Home, introduced in 1983, offers a complete collection of home furnishings and accessories. It was the first home collection by an American clothing designer.
1984
Ralph presents his Safari Collection
In 1984, Ralph Lauren introduces his Safari Collection, inspired by the vision of an African safari. The collection, along with its advertising campaign, anticipates the release of the award-winning film 'Out of Africa' the following year.
1986
Ralph redefines retail with his first flagship
In 1986, Ralph Lauren revolutionizes retail with the opening of his first flagship store. This move marks a significant milestone in the brand's history, setting new standards in the retail industry.
1987-04
Ralph Lauren undergoes surgery for brain tumor
In April 1987, Ralph Lauren underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor and made a full recovery.
1990
1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic wins Best of Show at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
In 1990, Ralph Lauren's 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic won the prestigious 'Best of Show' award at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
1993
1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK 'Count Trossi' roadster wins Best of Show at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
In 1993, Ralph Lauren's 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK 'Count Trossi' roadster won the coveted 'Best of Show' title at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
1994
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Launch
Ralph Lauren Purple Label, the flagship brand offering suiting, custom tailored made-to-measure suits, sportswear, footwear, and accessories for men, was launched in 1994. It focuses on using fine textiles and manufacturing methods to represent the highest level of Ralph Lauren offerings.
1995
Introduction of Purple Label
In 1995, Ralph Lauren introduced Purple Label, a new line inspired by the finest European tailoring, showcasing unprecedented levels of refinement and style. The launch campaign featured Ralph himself wearing a double-breasted chalk-stripe suit from the collection.
1997-06-12
Ralph Lauren Corporation Goes Public
On June 12, 1997, Ralph Lauren Corporation became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone in its corporate history.
1998
Preservation of Star-Spangled Banner
Polo Ralph Lauren contributed $10 million to Save America's Treasures in 1998 to preserve the original 1813 flag that inspired the US National Anthem. The flag was unveiled in 2008 at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
1999-03
Opening of 'RL' Restaurant in Chicago
In March 1999, the 98-seat restaurant 'RL' opened in Chicago, complementing the Ralph Lauren store in the area.
2001-09-11
Establishment of American Heroes Fund
The Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation created the American Heroes Fund after the September 11th attacks to allow employees and customers to contribute to the relief efforts.
2002
Ralph Lauren hosts Runway Shows for Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 collections of Purple Label
Ralph Lauren hosts Runway Shows for the Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 collections of Purple Label at the company’s palazzo in the Italian fashion capital.
2003
Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care opens in New York
The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care opens in New York, a partnership between Ralph Lauren, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and North General Hospital to provide cancer screening and treatment services to Harlem and surrounding communities.
2005
Introduction of Ralph Lauren Black Label
Ralph Lauren Black Label, a mid-level tailoring brand, debuted in 2005 with a focus on slim cuts, modern fabrics, and minimal aesthetics. It positioned itself between Ralph Lauren Purple Label and Polo Ralph Lauren.
2006
Polo Ralph Lauren becomes official outfitter of Wimbledon
Polo Ralph Lauren becomes the official outfitter of Wimbledon, making Ralph the first designer in the tournament’s history to create uniforms for all on-court officials.
2008-11-19
Preservation of the Star-Spangled Banner
The original 1813 Star-Spangled Banner, which inspired the National Anthem, was preserved in 2008 with a $10 million contribution from Polo Ralph Lauren. The flag was unveiled at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.
2009
Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry Co. Launch
In 2009, Ralph Lauren, in collaboration with luxury group Compagnie Financière Richemont SA, launched the Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry Co. offering a collection of timepieces and jewelry.
2010
Ralph Lauren Receives Keys to the City
In 2010, designer Ralph Lauren received the keys to the city from the New York City Mayor, becoming the first fashion designer to receive this prestigious honor, recognizing his contributions to the fashion industry and the city.
2013-07
Commitment to restore École des Beaux-Arts in Paris
In July 2013, Ralph Lauren Corporation announced its commitment to restore the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, a renowned art school in France.
2015-09-29
Appointment of Stefan Larsson as CEO
On September 29, 2015, it was announced that Stefan Larsson would replace Ralph Lauren as CEO of the company, while Lauren would continue as executive chairman and chief creative officer.
2016
Opening of The Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research in London
The Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research opens in London at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, providing world-class facilities for rapid and in-depth analysis of breast cancer.
2017-05-17
Patrice Louvet becomes CEO
On May 17, 2017, Patrice Louvet was appointed as the President and CEO of Ralph Lauren Corporation.
2018-09-08
50th Anniversary Fashion Show at Central Park
Ralph Lauren celebrated the 50th anniversary of his brand with a fashion show at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park on September 8, 2018, attended by notable figures from various industries.
2020-03
Donation and production for COVID-19 support
In March 2020, Ralph Lauren Corporation donated $10 million and initiated the production of isolation gowns and medical masks to aid in the fight against COVID-19.
2021-05
Sale of Club Monaco brand
In May 2021, Ralph Lauren Corporation announced the sale of its Club Monaco brand to private equity firm Regent LP.
2022-03
Resignation of Howard Smith from Ralph Lauren Corp.
In March 2022, Howard Smith, the chief commercial officer of Ralph Lauren Corp., resigned after an investigation revealed that his actions had violated the company's code of conduct. The board found that Smith's behavior necessitated his resignation.
2022-05
Ralph Lauren Foundation's $25 million commitment
In May 2022, The Ralph Lauren Foundation announced a $25 million commitment to fund and establish five Ralph Lauren cancer centers, benefiting institutions with a National Cancer Institute designation.
2023-09-26
Ralph Lauren History, Style Evolution and Influence on Vintage Fashion
The event discusses the history of Ralph Lauren, his style evolution over the years, and his significant influence on vintage fashion trends.
End of the Timeline
Ralph Lauren Corporation

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