I managed to get a hold of a copy of Town & Country’s October 07 Special Issue featuring the designer Ralph Lauren. The article talks about his early life as a boy and how he didn’t come from a well-to-do home, but rather a middle class upbringing. He was the youngest of 4, and commented that he always seemed to get the hand me downs, but as he got older he earned his own money and bought what he wanted. In 1971 he started designing clothing for women inspired by his wife Ricky. When the couple started dating, they loved to shop together, as he tells about a time when he ventured into a riding apparel store with Ricky and bought her a boy’s tweed hacking jacket which fit her beautifully. From that moment he was inspired to design clothes for women.
Although he never went to fashion school, he knew he had a sense of self direction, and that confidence brought him to where he is today.
(The mark on his jacket in the picture was from a sticker on the magazine…sorry I tried my best for a good picture.-)
” I worked part time at Brooks Brothers and then went to work for a well respected tie company. My colleagues dressed very traditionally, but I was going to custom tailoring, picking my own fabrics and having special suits made with wide lapels and double side vents. I asked for a chance to put together some of my own tie concepts, and even though they were rejected, I discovered I had something to say. I convinced a well established tie company in Cincinnati, Ohio to bring me on, and in 1967 they gave me a “drawer” to work out of in the Empire State Building. I was alone but on my own. I went out and found fabrics in all kinds of places. They were untraditional, flamboyant and dandified. I loved the look of the wide tie. I had seen it on some stylish character like the duke of Windsor or in a movie or magazine from the thirties. I found a small manufacturer to make them and I remember one Thanksgiving sitting in the warehouse sewing on the labels with Ricky and her mother and father. On the label was the name “Polo” I delivered the ties myself in an old bomber jacket and jeans”
Ralph Lauren is truly a man who is still in love with his bride, and a family man at heart. It is great to read of such success by a whole family pulling together to grow a business. Today that family business is world wide recognized brand. – Interview from the Book Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren Clothing
Ralph Lauren Clothing
Ralph Lauren Clothing
Ralph Lauren Clothing
Ralph Lauren Clothing
Ralph Lauren Clothing
Ralph Lauren Clothing
Ralph Lauren Clothing
Ralph Lauren
Always a favorite. Since children were little dad had to have a “polo” shirt which became their “coverup” when too tired for dad. Still 40 yrs later feel the same.
This is really kind of inspiring and it really shows that every one can achieve their dreams if they will just pursue it. It is really very inspiring. Thank you for sharing his story.