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Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is an American fashion designer, businessman, and philanthropist best known for founding the Ralph Lauren brand and Ralph Lauren Corporation.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ralph Lauren is an American fashion designer, businessman, and philanthropist best known for founding the Ralph Lauren brand and Ralph Lauren Corporation. Born in 1939 in the Bronx, New York, he built a global lifestyle empire centered on American-style clothing, home goods, and luxury goods. He stepped down as chief executive in 2015 and remains executive chairman and chief creative officer.

Early life

Ralph Lauren was born Ralph Rueben Lifshitz in the Bronx, New York, in 1939. He later changed his surname to Lauren as a teenager.

Career

Lauren began in fashion with neckties before building a broader clothing and lifestyle brand. His company grew into a major international business covering apparel, home goods, accessories, and fragrances.

Ralph Lauren Corporation

Ralph Lauren Corporation is a publicly traded fashion and lifestyle company founded by Lauren in 1967. The business is known for Polo Ralph Lauren and other premium and luxury labels.

Public image and influence

Lauren is closely associated with a polished American lifestyle aesthetic, often described as preppy or classic American style. His work has made him one of the most recognizable figures in global fashion.

Presence in Canada

Ralph Lauren has a strong presence in Canada through its retail stores, department-store distribution, and fashion-market recognition among Canadian consumers.

Key facts

  • Ralph Lauren was born on October 14, 1939, in the Bronx, New York City.
  • He founded the Ralph Lauren brand and Ralph Lauren Corporation in 1967.
  • He stepped down as CEO in September 2015 but remains executive chairman and chief creative officer.
  • His brand is known for classic American and preppy-inspired fashion.
  • As of June 2026, his estimated net worth was US$15.2 billion.
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Canadian context

Ralph Lauren has a strong presence in Canada through its retail stores, department-store distribution, and fashion-market recognition among Canadian consumers.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ralph Lauren?
Ralph Lauren is an American fashion designer, businessman, and philanthropist who founded the Ralph Lauren brand and Ralph Lauren Corporation.
How old is Ralph Lauren?
He was born on October 14, 1939, which makes him 86 years old as of July 2026.
What is Ralph Lauren's net worth?
As of June 2026, his net worth was estimated at US$15.2 billion.
Is Ralph Lauren still alive?
Yes. Available sources describe him as living, and he was active in his company as of 2026.
What is Ralph Lauren known for?
He is known for founding Polo Ralph Lauren and creating a global fashion and lifestyle brand associated with classic American style.
Who owns Ralph Lauren?
Ralph Lauren founded the company, but Ralph Lauren Corporation is a publicly traded company owned by its shareholders. Lauren remains executive chairman and chief creative officer.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Lauren
    Supports: Birth date, birth name, career summary, CEO departure, current role, and net worth estimate.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ralph-Lauren
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, age, and overview of his fashion career.
  3. Ralph Lauren Corporation — https://corporate.ralphlauren.com/leadership-ralph-lauren-full-bio.html
    Supports: Official biography, birthplace, current titles, and company role.
  4. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/fashion-biographies/ralph-lauren
    Supports: Founding of the brand, early career, and lifestyle-fashion significance.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Lauren_Corporation
    Supports: Publicly traded status and company founding.