Ralph Lauren, created in 1967, has endured over the years and written its history in the world of fashion. A look back at the history of this flagship brand.
The Beginning of Ralph Lauren
A slightly wide fabric tie, sewn by hand. This is the beginning of the famous American brand Ralph Lauren . Ralph, a young man passionate about sports, wants to make his passion his job. He then launches a collection of men's clothing , inspired by the fabrics usually used for sports shirts. This is followed by the opening of the first Polo by Ralph Lauren boutique at Bloomingdale's.
The beginning of the famous embroidered rider
It was only when he launched his first women's shirts that the pony embroidered on the chest appeared for the first time. The teddy bear was also used as a symbol of the brand. Reminiscent of a gift given by Ralph's staff, it now symbolises a more fun side of the brand. In addition, the polo shirt became an emblem of American style. Coming from a casual style, this piece can be worn daily. Light and less formal than the shirt, it goes perfectly with jeans and a pair of sneakers. The right compromise, for a touch of style more pronounced than with a t-shirt. With the counterculture of the 1960s, more casual clothing saw its popularity rise. It was then that Ralph Lauren launched a range of short-sleeved polo shirts available in 24 colours. Subsequently, the man created a collection entirely dedicated to women, then saw his clothes worn by film stars such as Robert Redford and Diane Keaton. Recognition knocked on his door, when he won awards for his collections. Notably the Coty Awards, called “American Fashion Critics Awards”, aimed at promoting American design and fashion. In 1978, the designer expanded his collections by offering a range of men’s perfumes called “Polo for Men”. Then, five years later, a collection dedicated to the home, in which we find bedding as well as decorative accessories.
A turning point in the history of the brand
In 1981, Ralph Lauren launched his first boutique in Europe. This first store outside the United States was located in London and represented the elegance of the gentleman. Over time, successes followed one after the other, the man was then at the head of Time magazine and his company went public in 1997. Ralph Lauren became an empire that continued to evolve and grow. In 2000, committed to the fight against cancer, the man launched a collection of pieces from which part of the profits were donated to the fight against the disease. This series of clothing is characterized by the pink rider, symbol of his commitment.
Images by Ralph Lauren
Timeless pieces
Today, from iconic pieces to luxury clothing, the brand has become a partner of the American Olympic and Paralympic teams. It will celebrate its 54th anniversary in 2022. It has established itself as a fashion empire and now has around a hundred boutiques in many countries. In the ready-to-wear , perfume, home and even catering sectors, Ralph Lauren is a true luxury and quality signature. Today, the brand attracts both a chic and streetwear clientele. The embroidered rider is a benchmark in ready-to-wear and will continue to be talked about!
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