The brand was launched in 1967 when Ralph Lauren, born Ralph Lifschitz, got a $50,000 loan.
Prior to starting Ralph Lauren, he worked for Brooks Brothers. In 1968 he started a line of men's
ties. By 1969 he had a boutique store within the Manhattan department store Bloomingdale's.
2. The brand now produces clothing, accessories, fragrances, furniture, operates the restaurant
RL in Chicago, and sponsors a Harlem cancer center in association with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Center.
3. As of 2009, Ralph Lauren or their licensing partners operated 163 full-price and 163
outlet/factory stores around the world (including Club Monaco and Rugby stores). The company's
flagship store is located in the former Rhinelander Mansion on Madison Avenue in New York City.
4. One of the most famous pieces in the Polo line is the classic polo short-sleeved knit shirt
featuring the Polo player on the left breast of the shirt. This shirt in particular became a fashion
must-have in the 1980s with the preppy set. Other Polo classics include the cashmere cableknit
sweater, chinos and the oxford cloth button-down shirt.
5. Other flagship stores are located in Chicago (largest RL store in the U.S.), East Hampton,
London (largest RL store in the world),ED Hardy clothing, Miami, Milan, Palm Beach, and Tokyo. Ralph Lauren is one of
the largest retailers in the United States with revenues reaching $4.2 billion in 2007
