Ralph Lauren is an American brand, with a very specific style that combines elegance with sportswear. The iconic garment is identified with the polo shirts, a sport whose symbol is also the logo of the fashion maison. The brand produces a Ralph Lauren women's clothing line consisting of logo t-shirts and polo shirts, cotton or georgette shirts, patterned or denim skirts, pants and jeans, sweatshirts and knitwear with logo or with embroidered or printed teddy bear, tops, coats and the selection of the iconic shearling. For women, there are also dresses, suits, blazers and jackets in tweed, or more chic in metallic linen. The fashion maison also produces the Ralph Lauren women's accessories collection, including belts, scarves and obviously bags such as shoulder bags, clutches or bucket bags, up to the line of women's shoes with sneakers, sandals or heeled shoes. The brand also produces a more sporty and casual Ralph Lauren men’s clothing collection with cashmere or wool knitwear, pants, jeans, polo shirts and logo t-shirts, velvet or suede check shirts and swimwear, or more formal with suits, cardigans, blazers and a line of men's accessories including ties, leather belts, hats and bags. The collection is completed by men's shoes, more formal with loafers or lace-up shoes, or more casual with sneakers or slippers.
Ralph Lauren's ability lies precisely in designing garments that synthesize the idea of a typically American style, as sporty and casual as it is sophisticated and elegant, and at the same time capable of conquering ever-larger slices of users, through the use of traditional techniques tailoring and the interpretation of the past in a romantic key, thus enjoying transgenerational success. From navy blue hues to the cut of jackets, Ralph Lauren pioneered the art of transforming function-specific garments into modern garments, such as military uniforms, fusing the traditions of English aristocracy with Old Hollywood stars and inspired primarily by Ricky, his wife and muse, for the creation of the patterns, or by the glamorous style of Marlene Dietrich, such as for smoking and blazers, or even referring to the expeditions of the 30s for the safari dress. Even the designer's childhood memories are influential for the garments created, such as for the American flag, which later became a decoration on knitwear, up to the imagery of American Westerns, an influence that will give life to the fringed jacket, produced for over 50 years.
The story of Ralph Lauren begins in New York, more precisely in the Bronx, where the designer learns the trade from self-taught by juggling various tasks in the sector. It was then with the 1967 tie collection that his talent was recognized, leading him in 1968 to the foundation of the Polo by Ralph Lauren brand and making his debut with a collection of tailored menswear. In 1971 he launched the first collection of women's shirts with the polo player's logo, later opening boutiques in Beverly Hills, London, New York and Tokyo, and producing lines of accessories, perfumes and furnishings. Thanks to its timeless style and dreamy tones, the brand dresses Robert Radford in "The Great Gatsby" and launches, thanks to Diane Keaton in "Annie Hall", a real trend. Extremely attentive to social issues, in 2001 he founded the Ralph Lauren Foundation, creating the Pink Pony line characterized by the large pink logo. In 2015 Ralph Lauren resigned from the role of CEO of the company, over time appointing several directors of the brand including Stefan Larsson, Keving Carrigan and from 2021 Jack Becht.
