Ralph Lauren

Originally based in New York Ralph Lauren began as a tie designer and in 1967 persuaded his superiors to let him design his own line. Inspired by sports he named the menswear line POLO. 

A women’s line of shirts was launched in 1971 which first included the polo player emblem, a women’s collection soon followed. The short-sleeved polo which became the company’s signature look was released in 1972 and was available in ‘a vivid rainbow of colours’. 

In 1974 Lauren dressed the male actors of the Great Gatsby from his POLO line although he designed Redford’s pink suit especially for the film. In 1977, Diane Keaton and Woody Allen wore Lauren's clothes in the Oscar-winning film, Annie Hall.

Since then Ralph Lauren has become a worldwide corporation and sells a vast range of apparel and accessories, from preppy look fashion to western wear, perfumes, shoes, homeware and more.