Something about Ralph…
My deep love for Ralph Lauren.
I get asked all the time: “Eisley, who’s your favorite designer?” That’s always a haunting question, as it feels like picking a favorite child, and choosing one, feels like killing another. I adore all things Chloé, Yves Saint Laurent, Anna Sui, Jacquemus, and so many others.
But Ralph Lauren has a deep and permanent spot in my heart. I first discovered him as a kid when I saw one of those classic knit sweaters at the mall and thought, “Ugh, how preppy.” At eight years old, I was far too cool and sporty for that vibe.
Over time, though, I came to understand his brilliance. I’d catch runway clips, see my favorite actresses wearing Ralph Lauren, and hear my mom talk about how special his work was. And of course, it’s not exactly revolutionary to say Ralph Lauren is one of the greats, he’s long been recognized as one of the greatest American designers of all time.
Born Ralph Lifshitz in 1939, he grew up in the Bronx, New York, the son of Jewish immigrant parents. He didn’t come from wealth, but from grit and determination. Yet his empire didn’t appear overnight, it started with something as simple as a tie drawer in the Empire State Building. From there, he sold his first collection to Bloomingdale’s, earning $500,000 in his first year alone.
The brand only expanded from there. Over the decades, Ralph Lauren has launched lines that range from the ultra-luxurious Purple Label to the iconic Polo Ralph Lauren, plus Black Label, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Sport, Chaps, Denim & Supply, and Double RL, among others. His company eventually went public, cementing his place in fashion history.
Now 83, Ralph Lauren remains the Chief Creative Officer of his company, and continues to embody an effortless blend of chic sophistication and American heritage.
Of course, it’s important to also mention his appropriations of past styles and cultures, as well as the initiatives his company has pursued more recently. These complexities add to the ongoing conversation about legacy, fashion, and responsibility in design.
Ralph Lauren’s legacy isn’t without controversies. One of the biggest critiques has been around cultural appropriation in his designs. Throughout his career, he has borrowed heavily from Indigenous Mexican and American designs as well as other cultural aesthetics. His collections have featured Native American inspired prints, beadwork, and patterns that were often stripped of their original cultural significance and sold for the masses. This sparked conversations about how much of “classic American style” has been built on the traditions of marginalized communities without proper credit or collaboration.
It’s important to note that Ralph Lauren has also launched several initiatives aimed at responsibility and progress. In terms of sustainability, the company has committed to using more recycled materials, improving supply chain transparency, and working toward reducing water usage and carbon emissions. The brand has also started an artist in residence program called Design With Intent where they focus on inclusivity and storytelling that have featured indigenous designer Naomi Glasses and most recently continued their storytelling with their Oak Bluffs/HBCU campaign.
This is all to say I truly love Ralph Lauren's eye for design and think his collections year after year are timeless and feel like something I’d wear at every point in my life. From his controversies to his success, Ralph Lauren is one of the most iconic American designers of all time.
Here are my favorite Ralph Lauren Looks over the years.
