Ralph Lauren (born October 14, 1939) is an American fashion designer of Belarusian descent, philanthropist, and billionaire businessman. He is best known for founding the Ralph Lauren brand, a global multibillion-dollar enterprise. Lauren is also known for his collection of rare automobiles, some of which have been displayed in museum exhibits.
He stepped down as CEO of the company in September 2015 but remains executive chairman and chief creative officer. As of April 2024, his net worth is estimated at $8.8 billion.
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Ralph Lauren Net Worth
Ralph Lauren has a net worth of $8 billion. He earned his fortune as the founder and primary owner of Ralph Lauren Corp., which generates over $6 billion in annual revenue. Ralph Lauren is a noted automobile enthusiast, with a collection of around 100 cars valued at $350 million.
Important vehicles include the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, multiple 1996 McLaren F1s, Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Mille Miglia, and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. He owns a 17,000-acre cattle ranch in Colorado and a 17,000 sq ft manor in Bedford, New York.
Early life
Ralph Lauren was born on October 14, 1939, in the Bronx, New York City, to Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants Frieda Lishitz (née Cutler) and Frank Lifshitz (né Efraim Lifshitz), an artist and house painter from Pinsk, Second Polish Republic (now Belarus). He is the youngest of four siblings, with two brothers and one sister.
At 16, Lauren and his brother George Poitras Lauren legally changed their last name to Lauren due to bullying. He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School and attended Baruch College but dropped out after two years.
Career
After dropping out of school, Ralph Lauren served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964. He then worked as a sales assistant at Brooks Brothers and as a tie salesman. While working for Beau Brummell, he convinced the company to let him start his own tie line, launching the first Ralph Lauren collection.
In 1968, he launched his menswear line Polo, which was sold exclusively at Bloomingdale’s by 1969. He expanded to women’s clothing, fragrances, and international stores, including the West End of London in 1981. The company went public in 1997 and online in 2000.
Personal life
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 worked as a receptionist and taught dance. Ricky Ann is the author of The Hamptons: Food, Family and History.
The Laurens are members of the Park Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan. They have three children, including David Lauren and Dylan Lauren. David married Lauren Bush, niece of former U.S. President George W. Bush. Ralph Lauren underwent brain tumor surgery in 1987 and fully recovered. He owns a 17,000-acre cattle ranch in Ridgway, Colorado and a 17,000 sq ft manor in Bedford, New York.
What was Ralph Lauren diagnosed with?
In 1986, Ralph Lauren was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery to remove it. Since then, he has approached his work with a renewed fervor and intensity, often driven by his close brush with mortality.
Conclusion
Ralph Lauren’s journey is a compelling story of how vision, creativity, and business acumen can intertwine to create a lasting legacy. His influence extends beyond fashion, touching the realms of philanthropy, car collecting, and beyond, making him a multifaceted icon in both style and substance.
FAQs about Ralph Lauren
- What inspired Ralph Lauren’s signature style? Ralph Lauren’s signature style is inspired by a blend of classic Americana and a timeless, sophisticated aesthetic, drawing from various influences including vintage, preppy, and equestrian themes.
- How has Ralph Lauren influenced the fashion industry? Ralph Lauren revolutionized the fashion industry with his unique blend of classic and contemporary styles, setting trends and establishing a new standard for quality and branding.
- What are some of Ralph Lauren’s philanthropic efforts? Ralph Lauren has made significant contributions to cancer research and treatment, including founding the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention.
- What makes Ralph Lauren’s car collection noteworthy? His car collection is renowned for its rarity and value, featuring vintage and luxury vehicles, reflecting his passion for design and attention to detail.
- How has Ralph Lauren’s brand evolved over the years?The Ralph Lauren brand has evolved by expanding into various segments including women’s wear, children’s clothing, home furnishings, and fragrances, while maintaining its core values of quality and style.
