Ralph Lauren Corporation
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fashion, lifestyle |
| Founded | 1967 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | Ralph Lauren |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Clothing, home furnishings, accessories, fragrances |
| Website | ralphlauren |
Ralph Lauren Corporation is an American fashion and lifestyle enterprise publicly listed on the stock market, established in 1967 by Ralph Lauren in New York City. The company’s offerings include clothing, home furnishings, accessories, and fragrances, anchored by its principal brand, Polo Ralph Lauren. Its brand lineup ranges from accessible mid-tier to upscale labels, including the prestigious Ralph Lauren Purple Label.
The corporation licenses its brand to several partners: Luxottica manages eyewear; L'Oréal handles fragrances and cosmetics; Hanesbrands oversees underwear and sleepwear; O5 Apparel produces Chaps; Kohl's and Hollander Sleep Products supply bedding; Designers Guild provides fabric and wallpaper; and Theodore Alexander is responsible for home furniture.
History
Ralph Lauren established The Ralph Lauren Corporation in 1967, initially focusing on men's neckties while employed at Beau Brummell. At age 28, he persuaded the company president to allow him to create his own collection. The following year, 1968, he launched "Polo," a menswear line influenced by sportswear aesthetics, operating from a modest showroom drawer in the Empire State Building and personally delivering merchandise to retailers.
By 1969, Lauren’s men's collection was exclusively retailed by Bloomingdale's in Manhattan, marking the department store’s first dedicated designer boutique. In 1971, the company introduced tailored women’s shirts adorned with the Polo player logo, followed by a comprehensive women's apparel line in 1972.
Also in 1972, Ralph Lauren inaugurated his first standalone boutique on Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive. That year saw the debut of a short-sleeve cotton shirt available in 24 colors featuring the iconic polo player emblem, which became synonymous with the brand. The signature cotton mesh polo shirt with prominently displayed logo was introduced in 1977.
Ralph Lauren provided costumes from his Polo collection for the male cast of The Great Gatsby (1974), including Robert Redford’s distinctive pink suit for the titular character. His designs were also showcased in the Academy Award-winning film Annie Hall (1977).
The company entered the fragrance market in 1978 with simultaneous launches of Lauren for women and Polo for men—marking a pioneering release of designer scents for both genders at once.
International growth commenced in 1981 with a store opening on London’s New Bond Street. The flagship location on Madison Avenue debuted in 1986. The firm went public on the New York Stock Exchange on June 12, 1997.
In 1999, Ralph Lauren opened RL, a restaurant seating 98 guests adjacent to its flagship store in Chicago. This was followed by Ralph's in Paris (2010) and The Polo Bar in New York (2015). Ralph Lauren owned Club Monaco from 1999 until its divestiture in 2021.
The corporate online presence began as polo.com in 2000 through RL Media, a joint venture with NBC. In 2007, Ralph Lauren Corporation acquired NBC’s stake and rebranded the site as ralphlauren.com.
In September 2015, Stefan Larsson succeeded founder Ralph Lauren as CEO while Lauren retained his roles as executive chairman and chief creative officer. Larsson exited the position in May 2017 due to differing strategic visions. Patrice Louvet, formerly group president of Global Beauty at Procter & Gamble, took over as CEO.
In October 2020, Ralph Lauren shifted its Chaps brand to a fully licensed operation to focus more intently on core brands and reduce dependence on North American department stores. That same month, former Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett joined the board of directors.
In May 2021, Club Monaco was sold to private equity firm Regent LP.
In December 2023, Ralph Lauren revealed a strategic alliance with Haworth Lifestyle Design to broaden its Home brand starting April 2024, including standalone Ralph Lauren Home retail locations.
Also during December 2023, Ralph Lauren inaugurated an artist-in-residence initiative aimed at fostering creative partnerships; its first collaboration is with Navajo weaver Naomi Glasses.
Brands
- Chaps: Positioned as an affordable casual sportswear label for both men and women, Chaps is mainly retailed through Belk, Boscov's, Hudson's Bay, and Meijer, with Kohl's carrying it until 2021. It competes with brands like Izod and U.S. Polo Assn and is also available at discount stores such as Ross and Nordstrom Rack. Walmart offers a budget-friendly version of the line. The brand operates under a license held by O5 Apparel.
- Double RL: Established in 1993 and named after Ralph Lauren and his wife Ricky’s ranch, this brand specializes in men's selvage denim, vintage-inspired clothing, sportswear, and accessories drawing from workwear and military aesthetics.
- Fragrance: Introduced in 1978 with Lauren for women and Polo for men, this segment is currently produced by L’Oréal. It features collections such as World of Polo, Ralph Lauren Romance, Midnight Romance, and Big Pony.
- Lauren Ralph Lauren: Debuted in 1996 as a moderately priced line offering women's sportswear, denim, dresses, activewear, along with men's tailored garments including suits and sport coats. It is priced above Chaps but below Polo Ralph Lauren.
- Pink Pony: Created in 2000 to support cancer-related charities by selling women's sportswear and accessories marked by a pink Polo Player emblem.
- Polo Golf and RLX Golf: These premium golf apparel lines were introduced in 1990 and 1998 respectively, focusing on high-end performance wear.
- Polo Ralph Lauren: The company’s flagship collection launched in 1967 featuring men's sportswear and tailored attire; the women's Polo line was added in 2014. This remains the leading global brand for the company and played a key role in popularizing the polo shirt worldwide.
- Polo Ralph Lauren Children: Provides apparel for children including polo knit shirts and cashmere sweaters.
- Polo Sport: Launched in 1992 as an activewear collection designed for sports and fitness activities; notable for the 2014 introduction of the PoloTech Shirt incorporating smart fabric technology.
- Ralph by Ralph Lauren: Introduced in 1994 offering men’s suit separates, sport coats, vests, and topcoats.
- Ralph Lauren Home and Paint: Launched in 1983 featuring home furnishings such as furniture, linens, china, lighting, fabrics, and flooring. The Paint line debuted in 1995 with over 400 color options.
- Ralph Lauren Purple Label: Since its inception in 1994, this premium menswear brand focuses on suiting, bespoke tailoring, footwear, accessories, and luggage crafted from luxurious textiles representing the highest quality tier.
- Ralph Lauren Restaurants: Comprises RL Restaurant Chicago (opened 1999), Ralph’s Paris (2010), Ralph’s Coffee NYC (2014), and The Polo Bar NYC (2015), extending the brand’s lifestyle presence near flagship retail locations.
- Ralph Lauren Watches and Fine Jewelry: Created through a partnership with Richemont SA in 2009 to produce luxury watches; jewelry collections were introduced in 2010 to broaden the brand’s footprint in upscale accessories.
- Ralph Lauren Women's Collection: Established in 1971 offering an extensive range from handcrafted evening gowns to sportswear that forms the foundation of the luxury womenswear division.
Discontinued Brands
- American Living: Debuted in 2008 as a mid-tier lifestyle label exclusive to JCPenney, positioned above the Chaps collection. It was discontinued in 2012 due to unsatisfactory sales performance. A women's-only version of American Living was also retailed at Macy's until its discontinuation in 2019.
- Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren: Launched in 2011, this casual apparel line drew inspiration from Brooklyn's artistic communities and music festival culture. The brand was phased out in September 2016.
- Polo Country: Introduced in 1988 with an Americana theme, this brand served as the forerunner to Double RL.
- Polo Jeans: A widely distributed denim collection sold through department stores, discontinued in 2006 to avoid brand dilution and resolve licensing disputes with Jones Apparel Group.
- Polo University Club: An entry-level tailoring line from the 1980s offering affordable formalwear crafted from quality fabrics.
- Polo Western Wear: Established in 1979, this western-themed apparel line included denim, jackets, boots, and hats, produced in collaboration with Gap Inc.
- Ralph Lauren Black Label: Introduced in 2005 as a mid-tier tailoring collection emphasizing slim fits and contemporary fabrics, positioned between Purple Label and Polo Ralph Lauren. It was available exclusively through flagship stores, select department stores, and online channels.
- Rugby Ralph Lauren: A youthful preppy brand launched in 2004, recognized for its vibrant rugby shirts and distinctive motifs such as skull-and-crossbones; discontinued in 2013.
Retail Locations
Ralph Lauren operates a total of 483 company-owned outlets, encompassing both RLS and PFS store formats. In addition, international licensing partners manage 93 Ralph Lauren-branded stores, along with 42 specialty shops and 133 Club Monaco locations as of Fiscal Year 2016.
The flagship stores include menswear operations housed within the historic Rhinelander Mansion on Madison Avenue in New York City, while womenswear and home collections have been showcased across the street since 2010. Other flagship locations supporting the brand’s global footprint are found in Chicago, Manhasset, Greenwich (US), London, Milan, Tokyo, Moscow, Kyiv, and Paris.
USTA
In 2005, Ralph Lauren secured the role of official apparel sponsor for the U.S. Open through a collaboration with the United States Tennis Association. This partnership marked Polo’s initial venture into tennis sponsorships, outfitting on-court ball persons and officials with custom-designed apparel.
Wimbledon
Ralph Lauren was named official outfitter of Wimbledon in 2006, becoming the first external designer to provide uniforms for all on-court officials throughout the tournament’s history. This alliance increased Ralph Lauren’s presence in international sports marketing and reinforced its position within premium sportswear.
Australian Open
In 2020, Ralph Lauren Corporation became the official outfitter for the Australian Open, further expanding its visibility within the global sports arena.
U.S. Olympic Team
Ralph Lauren Corporation holds exclusive rights as Official Parade Outfitter for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams worldwide. The company is authorized to manufacture, distribute, and market parade uniforms and related leisure apparel globally. Athlete collaborations serve as brand ambassadors featured prominently in advertising and public relations initiatives.
Since 2008, Ralph Lauren has provided official attire for multiple Olympic Games including Beijing (2008), Vancouver (2010), London (2012), Sochi (2014), and Rio (2016). The company designs Opening and Closing Ceremony parade outfits as well as village-wear apparel and accessories.
After facing criticism for sourcing the 2012 Olympic apparel from China, Ralph Lauren committed to producing all uniforms for the 2014 Olympics domestically within the United States. This effort involved partnerships with approximately 40 American suppliers such as Kraemer Textiles Inc., which processed Merino wool yarn sourced from Oregon’s Imperial Stock Ranch; Longview Yarns in North Carolina responsible for dyeing; and Ball of Cotton in California handling assembly—highlighting Ralph Lauren’s strategic focus on domestic manufacturing to enhance brand authenticity and market influence.
Leadership
- Executive chairman and chief creative officer: Ralph Lauren (serving since 1967)
- President and chief executive officer: Patrice Louvet (appointed in 2017)
Previous chief executives
- Ralph Lauren (1967–2015)
- Stefan Larsson (2015–2017)
Philanthropy
Since 1989, Ralph Lauren Corporation has been deeply involved in supporting cancer research and community programs. It played a key role in founding the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research at Georgetown University Hospital and introduced the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer initiative in 1994, using its fashion platform to generate global awareness and funding.
The company launched its Volunteer Program in 2000 to encourage employee participation in community outreach, alongside the Pink Pony Campaign aimed at tackling disparities in cancer treatment. After the events of September 11, 2001, the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation created the American Heroes Fund to aid recovery efforts.
In 2003, Ralph Lauren opened the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in Harlem, partnering with Memorial Sloan-Kettering and North General Hospital. The Polo Fashion School, established in 2004, provides inner-city youth with opportunities to learn about the fashion industry, while the Polo Jeans G.I.V.E. campaign initiated in 2006 promotes volunteer engagement.
A $10 million donation from Ralph Lauren helped conserve the Star-Spangled Banner at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. In 2013, the company committed resources to restore Paris’s École des Beaux-Arts, broadening its cultural philanthropic efforts.
Collaborations extended into healthcare with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in Europe, resulting in the 2016 inauguration of the Royal Marsden Ralph Lauren Center for Breast Cancer Research. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ralph Lauren contributed $10 million and manufactured protective gowns and masks for medical use.
In May 2022, the Ralph Lauren Foundation pledged $25 million to support five National Cancer Institute-designated centers, including Georgetown Lombardi and Memorial Sloan Kettering. By September 2023, it backed the launch of the Ralph Lauren Cancer Prevention Center at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, focusing on underserved populations in Los Angeles.
Racial discrimination case in the UK
In 2023, a former employee at Ralph Lauren’s Sloane Square store in London prevailed in an employment tribunal concerning racial discrimination. The store manager had made racially inappropriate comments about her mixed ethnicity, referring to her as "the United Nations" and "the United Colors of Benetton." The tribunal found these remarks offensive and awarded damages accordingly.
Criticism regarding sustainability and labor standards
Ralph Lauren has encountered scrutiny over its environmental impact and labor conditions. The brand was rated “Not Good Enough” by Good On You due to a lack of transparent evidence supporting fair wages, use of sustainable materials, or labor certifications. In the 2023 Fashion Transparency Index, it achieved a score between 51–60%, reflecting moderate but limited disclosure about supply chain transparency and ecological footprint.
"Horse Shirt" legal dispute
Towards the end of 1983, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ltd. initiated legal action against Mad Dog Productions concerning its "Horse Shirt," a satirical take on the Polo shirt illustrating a rider being pulled behind a horse. The matter was resolved through an out-of-court agreement in 1984, with Mad Dog Productions consenting to halt sales by the conclusion of that year. Nevertheless, Mad Dog managed to sell 20,000 units at $14.45 apiece, accumulating roughly $289,000 in total revenue.
Levi Strauss litigation
In July 2007, Levi Strauss & Co. pursued legal proceedings against Abercrombie & Fitch and RL Corporation, accusing them of trademark infringement due to the unauthorized replication of Levi's signature pocket design characterized by interlinked arches.
Polo trademark situation in South Africa
The Polo brand available in South Africa functions independently from the Ralph Lauren brand, as a distinct South African entity owns the trademark rights for the Polo name and emblem within that territory.
Filippa Hamilton image alteration controversy
In 2009, Ralph Lauren encountered criticism after digitally modifying a photograph of model Filippa Hamilton to make her appear slimmer. Hamilton later asserted that she was terminated by the company shortly following this event.
Allegations of intellectual property misuse by Cowichan Tribes
Ralph Lauren came under scrutiny for promoting sweaters online labeled as "Cowichan," leading the Cowichan Tribes to seek legal protection for their traditional product and name. As a result, Ralph Lauren discontinued use of the Cowichan designation on its merchandise.
Howard Smith departure
In March 2022, Howard Smith, serving as chief commercial officer at Ralph Lauren Corp., resigned after a board-led investigation concluded that his behavior breached the company's ethical guidelines. An independent inquiry conducted by the audit committee led to his exit.
Forced labor inquiry
In August 2023, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise commenced an investigation into Ralph Lauren regarding accusations of forced labor involving Uyghurs. Studies conducted by the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Sheffield Hallam University, and other organizations revealed that Ralph Lauren's supply chain included forced labor camps managed by Sunrise Manufacture Group Co..