History - Ralph Lauren

The main aspects of the Ralph Lauren history are outlined below. Ever since Ralph Lauren was created it became an American staple. You can now see the Ralph Lauren polo on every fratastic individual. FRAT HARD

1967

Ralph Lauren establishes the Polo label with an instantly successful line of ties. In direct opposition to the narrow ties and conventional styles of the time, Lauren designs wide, handmade ties using unexpected, flamboyant, opulent materials. The ties quickly become a menswear status item.

“A tie was the way a man expressed himself. I believed that men were ready for something new and different. They didn’t want to look as if they worked for IBM. A beautiful tie was an expression of quality, taste, style.”

Already interested in promoting a lifestyle with his ties, Ralph Lauren names his line after a sport that embodies a world of discreet elegance and classic style: Polo


1970

“I’m not a fashion person. I’m anti-fashion. I don’t like to be part of that world. It’s too transient. I have never been influenced by it. I’m interested in longevity, timelessness, style—not fashion.”

1972

Polo’s original mesh shirt with the polo player logo is introduced in 24 colors. No other sport shirt offers the same combination of quality and variety. The shirt instantly becomes an American classic.

Polo Ralph Lauren romances the preppy heritage of American menswear, creating what will be a major touchstone for the company in the years to come. The Polo mesh shirts—along with the oxford button-down shirts, chinos, tweed jackets, denim and chambray shirts—develop iconic status as the embodiment of the Polo lifestyle.

1979

Polo begins advertising and catapults the brand into the American consciousness. Continuing in the spirit of the Polo philosophy that individual clothes are not as important as the lifestyle and the world they reflect, Polo pioneers advertising with little or no text, and, more importantly, a sweeping, cinematic scope.

The original 20-page spreads, all in vivid color, revitalized and energized magazines with a pageant of seamless worlds and fascinating characters that consumers could relate to, follow and admire. Often using non-models in their ads (including Buzzy Kirbox, a surfer, and Tom Moore, an architect) in real settings, Polo establishes an advertising tradition that celebrates the entire spectrum of the American experience.

2008

Polo Ralph Lauren outfits the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams for the 2008 Beijing Summer Games. By providing an elegant and contemporary style that reflects the sporty sophistication and refined sensibility of the brand, the Opening Ceremony Outfits evoke the heritage and legacy of the 1920s and ‘30s and create a chic and uniquely American look for the team. In addition to designing the Official Opening Ceremony Parade Outfits for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams, Polo Ralph Lauren also creates their Closing Ceremony Parade Outfits, as well as an assortment of village-wear pieces.

Reference: www.ralphlauren.com