1970

The Polo by Ralph Lauren shop opens in Bloomingdale’s

It’s the legendary store’s first-ever boutique devoted to a single designer, and Ralph oversees every detail, down to the wood paneling.

1971

Ralph opens his first standalone store

By the end of the decade, the Polo by Ralph Lauren store on Beverly Hills’ storied Rodeo Drive will be joined by Polo outposts in Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Chicago, Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.

1971

The iconic Polo Pony debuts on the cuff of a new line of women’s shirts

Ralph debuts his first women’s designs with a line of smartly tailored shirts, featuring details inspired by his men’s line—plus, for the first time ever, the now-iconic embroidered Pony.

1972

Ralph introduces the Polo shirt

Crafted from the finest materials and available in a rainbow of vivid colours, the Polo shirt becomes an icon of American style. “On one level, there’s an aspirational quality to having a polo player on it,” Ralph once said. “On another level, it’s just a great shirt with lots of colours.”

1972

Ralph debuts his first full women’s collection

The new line takes cues from menswear, to the delight of both critics and customers. “When I started to make menswear, women were always asking, ‘Can you make that for me?’” Ralph said. “I think I heard their voices.”

1974

The Great Gatsby makes a statement

The film’s menswear comes from the latest Polo collection—with the exception of a pink suit Ralph designs specifically for Robert Redford as Jay Gatsby.

1976

Ralph wins a Coty award for womenswear and the Coty Hall of Fame award for menswear

Less than a decade after starting Polo, Ralph becomes the first designer to win in the men’s and women’s categories in the same year. Saks Fifth Avenue takes out a celebratory ad in The New York Times, in which Ralph appears in black tie with blue jeans.

1977

Annie Hall makes her mark

Diane Keaton’s trademark look, featuring several Ralph Lauren pieces, anchors the Oscar–winning film. “[The look] suggested a truly new and independent way of dressing,” Joan Juliet Buck later wrote for Vogue. “It was tender, personal, and original.”

1978

Ralph introduces Polo for Men

The scent’s signature green bottle was inspired by a vintage flask, complementing masculine notes of pine, leather, and tobacco. A TV ad in support of the launch features polo players in action.

1979

Ralph embraces the cowboy spirit

With Polo Western, his new line of denim, apparel, and accessories, Ralph draws inspiration from the purpose-built clothes of the American West. The tagline—“made to be worn”—says it all.

READ THE FULL STORY AT RL MAG

1981

The Santa Fe Collection makes its debut

Inspired by the city’s artistry and free spirit, Ralph brought the craftsmanship and natural charm of the Southwest to the forefront of high fashion.

1981

Ralph opens his first store outside the United States

The Polo shop at New Bond Street in London is the first freestanding shop in Europe for an American designer. Located in a former pharmacy, the space exemplifies the timeless gentleman’s club aesthetic that Ralph Lauren stores will become known for.

1983

Ralph Lauren Launches Ralph Lauren Home

Ralph Lauren Home Furnishings, the first complete home collection by a clothing designer, makes its showroom debut on May 23, 1983. With the clear vision of creating a total home environment, this first home launch included more than 2,000 SKUs and took about a year and half to complete. Mr. Lauren, fully involved in all decisions, carefully selected and designed all aspects of the collection.

1984

Ralph presents his Safari Collection

Evoking Ralph’s vision of an African safari, the Spring 1984 Collection, and its subsequent ad campaign, anticipate the award-winning film Out of Africa, which comes out the following year.

1986

Ralph redefines retail with his first flagship

Reimagining New York’s celebrated Rhinelander mansion on Madison Avenue, Ralph extends his vision for living across multiple floors adorned with hand-carved mahogany balustrades, oak floors, and marble fireplaces. As a store, the venue is an instant hit, sparking a revolution of story-driven retail experiences.

READ THE FULL STORY AT RL MAG

1986

Ralph appears on the cover of Time magazine

Inside, the story documents how Ralph built a fashion empire less than 20 years after Polo debuted.

1989

Ralph cofounds the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research

Along with legendary Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham, Ralph honors the memory of late Post fashion correspondent Nina Hyde with a new facility at Georgetown University Hospital, embodying his longtime commitment to supporting the fight against cancer.

READ THE FULL STORY AT RL MAG

1991

The Polo Bear arrives on the scene

The Polo style icon got his start as a limited-edition teddy bear inspired by a stuffed bear Ralph received as a gift from his staff (it was wearing clothes modeled on Mr. Lauren’s own). Soon, the bear was embroidered onto sweaters, formal slippers, and accessories, and is now a playful hallmark for Polo style.

READ THE FULL STORY AT RL MAG

1991

Ralph receives the CFDA Lifetime Achievement award

Legendary actress Audrey Hepburn presents the award at the ceremony. “You have to do what you believe in and stay with it,” Ralph said at the time. “Never give it up.”

1992

Polo Sport debuts with the Stadium collection

With its bold colors and eye-catching graphics, the line of performance-driven activewear would go on to become one of Polo’s most collected.

1993

Double RL makes its debut

Taking its name from Ralph’s Colorado ranch, Double RL embodies the authenticity and purpose-built style of the West. “This is my closet,” Ralph succinctly put it. “It’s not fashion; it’s real stuff.”

1995

Ralph introduces Purple Label

Inspired by the finest European tailoring, the new line embodies unprecedented levels of refinement and style. The launch campaign stars Ralph wearing a double-breasted chalk-stripe suit from the collection.

1997

Ralph takes his company public

After the company reaches $1 billion in sales, Polo Ralph Lauren becomes a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.

1998

Ralph pledges $13 million to preserve the Star-Spangled Banner

With his donation to the Save America’s Treasures campaign, Ralph funds the preservation of the American flag that flew over the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem.

READ THE FULL STORY AT RL MAG

1999

Gwyneth Paltrow wears Ralph Lauren on her big night at the Oscars

Wearing a pink gown that Ralph designed for the occasion, Gwyneth earns an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in 1998’s Shakespeare in Love.

1999

Ralph opens his first restaurant

Located adjacent to his Chicago store—the brand’s biggest in the world—RL Restaurant offers a perfected take on the classics, an approach which would become a culinary signature of later restaurants.

2000

Ralph blazes a new trail with Polo.com

Representing a groundbreaking merger of content and commerce, the site featured the latest Ralph Lauren collections alongside immersive digital experiences, exclusive interviews and style advice, and live presentations of the brand’s runway shows.

2000

Ralph launches Pink Pony

Ralph’s signature initiative in the global fight against cancer launches with his Spring Runway Show in New York City, with models debuting now-iconic Pink Pony T-shirts. Pink Pony has since evolved into a full collection, with 25 percent of the purchase price of each item donated to Ralph Lauren’s efforts in the global fight against cancer.

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2002

Ralph stages his first men’s Runway Shows in Milan

At the company’s palazzo inside the Italian fashion capital, Ralph hosts Runway Shows for the Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 collections of Purple Label.

2003

Ralph Lauren Cancer Center in Harlem

Ralph Lauren, in partnership with the nation’s leading cancer center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, opens the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care in Harlem. It is later officially incorporated into MSK, becoming the Memorial Sloan Kettering Ralph Lauren Center.

2006

Polo Ralph Lauren becomes the official outfitter of Wimbledon

Ralph is the first designer in the tournament’s 120-year history to be chosen to create uniforms for all on-court officials.

2007

Ralph wins his second CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award

Ralph’s second CFDA in 11 years coincides with him taking home the first-ever American Fashion Legend Award, presented by Oprah Winfrey. “Ralph is as much an ambassador for American values as anyone appointed by the White House,” Winfrey said. “He has become an icon, a true American success story.”

2008

Polo Ralph Lauren becomes an official outfitter of Team USA

The brand designs looks for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams as they walk the opening and closing ceremonies, along with an assortment of villagewear, at the Olympic Summer Games Beijing 2008.

2008

40th Anniversary Runway Show & Book

To mark the 40th anniversary of his company, Ralph Lauren celebrates with a stunning spring fashion show and gala event in the Conservatory Garden in New York City’s Central Park. A 480-page book published by Rizzoli, Ralph Lauren, is also released in celebration of Ralph Lauren’s career, featuring a foreword by Audrey Hepburn and documenting key moments from Ralph Lauren’s life, advertising campaigns, and company history.

2010

Ralph receives the key to the city

Mayor Michael Bloomberg presents Ralph with the key to New York City at the opening of his first women’s flagship, at 888 Madison Avenue. Mr. Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive this honor.

2010

Ralph opens a flagship store and restaurant in Paris

Located on Boulevard Saint-Germain, the store is housed in a restored 17th-century hôtel particulier. The 13,000-square-foot townhouse includes crystal chandeliers, wrought-iron balconies, and Versailles-style parquet floors, as well as Ralph’s restaurant, which serves up an elegant mix of American cuisine and French ambiance.

2011

L’Art de L’Automobile opens in Paris

The exhibition of 17 selections from Ralph’s renowned car collection pairs Mr. Lauren’s twin passions of speed and style in a landmark event in Paris. A 160-page book celebrating the history and beauty of these vehicles is published to coincide with the opening.

2014

Official Partner & Outfitter of the PGA & Ryder Cup

Ralph Lauren is named an Official Partner and Outfitter of the PGA of America. The agreement also designates that Ralph Lauren is the Official Partner and Official Outfitter of the PGA Championship, the Official Outfitter of Ryder Cups conducted in the United States, and the Official Outfitter of every U.S. Ryder Cup Team.

2014

First Polo Flagship Store and Ralph’s Coffee Open at 711 Fifth Avenue

Ralph Lauren opens its first Polo flagship store at 711 Fifth Ave. on September 8, 2014, in a historic building at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street. Spanning nearly 38,000 square feet over three floors, the new Polo flagship is the first store to unveil the complete new world of Polo for women.On the second floor of the flagship, Ralph Lauren debuts Ralph’s Coffee, his first-ever coffee shop offering private coffee blends, teas, pastries, and more.

2014

Polo for Women makes a splash in Central Park

Ralph debuts his new women’s Polo line with a groundbreaking 4D water projection fashion show, featuring models holographically projected onto a wall of water shooting nearly 60 feet into the air above The Lake in Central Park.

2015

The Polo Bar creates a scene

With his first restaurant in his native New York City, Ralph conjures a warm, inviting world on East 55th Street, drawing inspiration from the city’s most classic dining establishments and Ralph’s longtime love of gathering around the table with family and friends.

READ THE FULL STORY AT RL MAG

2016

The Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research opens in London

Located at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, one of the world’s preeminent research institutions, this 2,000-square-foot space hosts world-class facilities that allow for more rapid and in-depth analysis of the disease.

READ THE FULL STORY AT RL MAG

2017

Ralph welcomes the fashion world to his private garage for his Fall 2017 Runway Show

For the first time ever, Ralph invites guests to the immaculate, and private, garage that houses his world-class car collection for an unforgettable viewing of the Collection that was inspired by his cars’ dynamism and beauty.

2017

The Polo shirt is featured in the landmark MoMA exhibition Items: Is Fashion Modern?

Ralph Lauren’s iconic shirt is highlighted as one of the most important items of clothing released in the past several decades, and is added to the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.

2017

50th Anniversary Edition Book

To celebrate his 50th anniversary, Rizzoli releases an expanded and revised edition of Ralph Lauren, which was originally published in 2007. The visually captivating book, totaling 528 pages, includes 32 additional pages and approximately 65 new images showcasing iconic imagery from the world of Ralph Lauren.

2018

Ralph brings the heat at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018

Ralph writes a new chapter in wearable technology with a cutting-edge parka, designed exclusively for Team USA, that provides up to 11 hours of electronically controlled warmth via an exclusive on-board heating system.

2018

Ralph celebrates 50 years with a star-studded celebration in Central Park

To mark a half-century of timeless American style, Ralph welcomes more than 600 celebrities and friends—including Oprah Winfrey, Bruce Springsteen, and Hillary Clinton—for a landmark fashion show in the heart of New York, accompanied by an immersive digital installation showcasing 50 years of groundbreaking advertising and a seated dinner set against the backdrop of Central Park’s iconic Bethesda Terrace.

READ THE FULL STORY AT RL MAG

2018

Yankees Ceremonial First Pitch

On September 20, Bronx native Ralph Lauren returns home to be honoured by the New York Yankees in recognition of the company’s 50th anniversary. Mr. Lauren is celebrated with a special pregame home plate ceremony and throws out the ceremonial first pitch at the Yankees–Red Sox game, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.

2020

Ralph Lauren’s COVID-19 Response & Philanthropic Efforts

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ralph Lauren implements a complex global rollout of temporary closures at its offices, stores, distribution centres, and hospitality venues. In addition, the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation commits $10 million to help employees, partners, and communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and partners with the CFDA Foundation to donate 250,000 masks and 25,000 isolation gowns that meet FDA-required standards.

2021

Australian Open Official Outfitter

Ralph Lauren is named the Official Outfitter of the Australian Open and outfits all on-court officials, including the AO ballkids and chair umpires, beginning with AO 2021. The partnership marks the third Grand Slam tournament in the Ralph Lauren portfolio, alongside Wimbledon and the US Open.

2021

Milan Via della Spiga Flagship & The Bar at Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren unveils its newest flagship store on Via della Spiga, in the heart of Milan’s “Quadrilatero della Moda.” Reimagining a grand Milanese residence with an intimate scale, the World of Ralph Lauren store features Ralph Lauren’s men’s, women’s, and Double RL brands, as well as the brand’s first hospitality experience in Italy, The Bar at Ralph Lauren.

2021

Olympic & Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020

Following a year-long delay due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ralph Lauren serves as the official outfitter of Team USA at the Olympic & Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. For these Games, Ralph Lauren works to use more sustainable materials and manufacturing practices across the Team USA collection. RL Cooling, state-of-the-art wearable cooling technology, also debuts at the Tokyo Games.

2021

The Ralph Lauren App Launch

The Ralph Lauren App debuts in iPhone and Google Play app stores. The app is a key piece of the company’s strategy to lead with digital and offers an immersive experience, including a full product offering, personalisation, augmented reality virtual try-on technology, and engaging storytelling.

2022

Double RL Store & Ralph’s Bar Opens in Chengdu

Ralph Lauren opens its first dedicated Double RL brand store for the Chinese market in Taikoo Li, the heart of Chengdu’s fashion and dining scene. Located on the third floor of the store is Ralph’s Bar, Ralph Lauren’s first restaurant and cocktail bar in Asia, offering distinctly American hospitality and cuisine with signature dishes and cocktails.

2022

Salone del Mobile: Ralph’s Milan

For the Milan design fair, Salone del Mobile, Palazzo Ralph Lauren transforms into Ralph’s Milan – a charming destination celebrating American lifestyle and timeless design. Guests are transported into the immersive World of Ralph Lauren, from glamorous entertaining moments to engaging design conversations hosted by industry experts. In honour of Milan Design Week, Ralph Lauren previews the Fall 2022 Home collection, fittingly titled the Palazzo collection.

2022

Polo x Fortnite Partnership

Ralph Lauren partners with Epic Games, the creator and publisher of Fortnite, a global ecosystem of experiences where players can play, create, and connect with friends. The partnership includes a digital apparel and accessories collection launching in the Fortnite Item Shop, as well as a physical apparel capsule inspired by the digital collection. In August 2023, Ralph Lauren launches an immersive branded world in Fortnite, titled “Race to Greatness.”

2022

Olympic & Paralympic Games Beijing 2022

Ralph Lauren serves as an Official Outfitter of Team USA for the Olympic & Paralympic Games Beijing 2022. For these Olympics, Ralph Lauren unveils groundbreaking apparel with Intelligent Insulation – a first-to-market, sustainably minded temperature- responsive fabric that adapts to cooler temperatures by expanding and constricting, creating a unique layer of insulation.

2022

Polo Ralph Lauren Exclusively for Morehouse and Spelman Colleges Collection

Ralph Lauren expands its partnership with Morehouse and Spelman Colleges, unveiling a limited-edition collection inspired by the schools’ rich heritage and esteemed traditions. Conceptualized and designed by Morehouse and Spelman alumni at Ralph Lauren, the collection also marks the first time the brand has produced a campaign with an all-Black cast.

2022

Ralph Lauren’s Polo Shirt Book

Ralph Lauren’s Polo Shirt book debuts on April 26, 2022. Published by Rizzoli International, the 544-page book is a fascinating look back at the history of the enduring wardrobe classic, showcasing various individuals who have made the Polo their own. To further amplify the conversation, the brand invites everyone to explore a 3D version of the book in their Snapchat app world view and style their favourite shirt across social platforms using the hashtag #MyPoloShirtStory.

2022

The Fall/Winter 2022 Runway Show at The Museum of Modern Art

Ralph Lauren hosts his first runway show since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, debuting the Fall/Winter 2022 Collection at The Museum of Modern Art. Featuring both women’s Collection and men’s Purple Label, the collection explores the bold yet refined colour palette of black, white, and red with a sleek atmosphere inspired by Ralph Lauren’s Fifth Avenue duplex.

2023

Goodwood Revival

Ralph Lauren celebrates its second Polo Originals campaign with an immersive experience at Goodwood Revival, a three-day motorsport festival. The Fall 2023 Polo Originals collection is inspired by cars and the world of car racing, and the campaign is photographed at the Goodwood Motor Circuit.

2023

Artist in Residence: Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses

Ralph Lauren launches Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses, the inaugural collection of the brand’s Artist in Residence programme. Intentionally focused on the celebration and preservation of heritage craft, the Artist in Residence programme invites skilled artisans to participate in an immersive collaboration with Ralph Lauren’s creative teams. The collaboration with Glasses, a seventh-generation Diné (Navajo) textile artist and weaver, is the first of more to come.

2023

Ralph Lauren: A Way of Living Book

Ralph Lauren: A Way of Living, the first comprehensive volume dedicated to the signature style of Ralph Lauren and his pioneering lifestyle approach to home design, is published by Rizzoli New York. The 544-page book offers an in-depth look at all the places Lauren calls home, and presents a visual timeline of Ralph Lauren’s remarkable history as a lifestyle innovator.

2023

Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

Established by The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, the Center offers patient navigation services, community outreach, and educational programming in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region.

2023

Spring 2024 Collection Runway Show

Ralph Lauren showcases his Spring 2024 women’s Collection with an immersive fashion experience at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, featuring the rustic backdrop of a reimagined artist’s loft. A classic spring palette of blue and white is presented in eclectic combinations, followed by striking metallic weavings and daring pairings of textures, foulard prints, and bold jewel tones.

2024

Fall/Holiday 2024 Collection Runway Show

Ralph Lauren presents his Fall/Holiday 2024 women’s Collection with an intimate fashion experience at the brand’s 650 Madison Ave. headquarters, featuring a sleek backdrop inspired by the sophistication of a Manhattan gallery. Captured in a soft palette of neutrals and metallics, the Collection elicits the luxurious yet subtle style of a woman who is natural, confident, and timeless.

2024

Olympic & Paralympic Games Paris 2024

Ralph Lauren returns as the Official Outfitter of Team USA at the Olympic & Paralympic Games 2024 Paris. Drawing inspiration from the dynamic and vibrant host city as well as the rich heritage of Olympic and Paralympic sport, the collection embraces a patriotic spirit reflected in a signature palette of red, white, and blue.

2024

Ralph Lauren in the Hamptons: Spring 2025 Runway Show

Ralph Lauren presents his Spring 2025 Collection, Purple Label, and Polo Ralph Lauren lines for men, women, and children, set against the coastal backdrop of Bridgehampton in a special runway show experience. Rendered in a beautiful palette of blue and white, the presentation is inspired by the natural beauty and sophisticated ease of Ralph Lauren’s beloved seaside retreat.

2024

Spring 2025 Shanghai Resee Runway Show

Ralph Lauren stages its Spring 2025 Resee Fashion Experience at the ROJO Art Space in Shanghai, blending coastal natural poetry with metropolitan modernity to reinterpret the Hamptons-inspired narrative. This milestone show – the brand’s first resee experience in Asia – showcases Ralph Lauren Collection and Ralph Lauren Purple Label, along with Polo Ralph Lauren women’s, men’s and children’s. Timeless designs were reimagined with a contemporary edge, complemented by an immersive “live shopping” experience, making Ralph Lauren’s sophistication and elegance effortlessly accessible.,;

2024

Very Ralph Premiere in China

Five years after its initial release, Very Ralph, Susan Lacy’s critically acclaimed documentary of Ralph Lauren, debuts in China with a showstopping drone show and star-studded event at the Shanghai Concert Hall. One thousand synchronised drones display 10 artful images, showcasing iconic imagery from the world and career of Ralph Lauren.

2024

Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention at USC Norris

The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation establishes Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention within USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. The new center aims to improve access to high-quality cancer screening services and timely treatment for communities across Los Angeles County.

2025

Ralph Lauren Is Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Ralph Lauren receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Biden in a prestigious ceremony held in Washington, D.C. on January 4. The award – the nation’s highest civilian honour – recognises Lauren’s extraordinary contributions as a visionary fashion designer, trailblazing entrepreneur, innovative business leader, and dedicated philanthropist.;

2025

Fall/Holiday 2025 Collection Runway Show

Ralph Lauren debuts his Fall 2025 women’s Collection at the Jack Shainman Gallery in New York City. The collection celebrates beautiful tensions – plays of the masculine-and-feminine and rugged-and-refined dichotomies that elevate both chic classics and statement pieces to heirloom level. A dark, moody palette imposes unity on precise tailoring and soft dressing, while pristine white lace, painterly florals, and corded velvet reveal an underlying sensuality.