Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is an American fashion designer and the founder of the business that became Ralph Lauren Corporation. He is known for building the Polo-branded fashion enterprise and, as of August 22, 2026, serves as the corporation's Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer.

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About Ralph Lauren

Profile information current to 2026-08-22.

United States · Fashion designer · 1 affiliation

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Known for: Fashion design; Fashion retail and brand building; Breast-cancer research philanthropy
Country: United States

Fashion designer

At a glance

Lauren founded his fashion business in 1967 with a Polo-branded neckwear line.
As of August 22, 2026, he is Executive Chairman, Chief Creative Officer and a board member of Ralph Lauren Corporation.
In 1989, Lauren and Katharine Graham founded Georgetown's Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research.
Lauren received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden on January 4, 2025.

Background and entry into fashion

Born in the Bronx, New York, in 1939, Lauren attended Baruch College and studied business before enlisting in the U.S. Army without graduating. He served for two years and later pursued a career in fashion.

Building the Ralph Lauren business

Lauren founded his business in 1967, starting with a Polo-branded neckwear line. The enterprise developed into Ralph Lauren Corporation, with his work spanning fashion design, retail and brand building. He began serving as Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer in November 2015 and remained in those roles, as well as on the board, as of August 22, 2026.

Industry recognition and public honors

The Council of Fashion Designers of America credits Lauren with its Lifetime Achievement, Womenswear Designer of the Year, Menswear Designer of the Year and Retailer of the Year honors, along with humanitarian and fashion-legend awards. In January 2025, President Joe Biden awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Breast-cancer research philanthropy

In 1989, Lauren and Katharine Graham founded the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research at Georgetown in tribute to Washington Post fashion editor Nina Hyde. The initiative forms a documented part of Lauren's philanthropic involvement in breast-cancer research.

Affiliations

Ralph Lauren Corporation Founder; Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer; member of the Board of Directors 2015-11–present

Timeline

1967 Founded the Ralph Lauren business, beginning with a Polo-branded neckwear line.
1989 Co-founded the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research at Georgetown with Katharine Graham.
2015-11 Began serving as Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation.
2025-01-04 Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden.

Additional verified details

Current context

Ralph Lauren is Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation and a member of its Board of Directors. Role status is supported by Ralph Lauren Corporation leadership, governance and May 2026 corporate-results materials.
Patrice Louvet is President and Chief Executive Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation. This distinguishes Lauren's executive-chairman and creative-leadership responsibilities from the chief executive officer position.

Biographical facts

Ralph Lauren was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1939.
Lauren attended Baruch College and studied business; Ralph Lauren Corporation's biography states that he enlisted in the U.S. Army before graduating.
Lauren served for two years in the U.S. Army before pursuing his fashion career.
The Council of Fashion Designers of America states that Lauren is the only designer to have received its Lifetime Achievement, Womenswear Designer of the Year, Menswear Designer of the Year and Retailer of the Year honors; it also lists his Humanitarian Leadership Award, American Fashion Legend Award and inaugural CFDA Popular Vote Award.