Ralph Lauren-"The Drop-Out"

Ralph Lauren was born Ralph Lifshitz on October 14, 1939, in the Bronx, New York. He grew up in a middle class Jewish family. He was never formally trained in fashion design. Instead, he studied business at City College in Manhattan, and dropped out short of receiving his business degree. He was a tie salesman, as well as a glove salesman. He began his entrepreneurial career by designing wide ties displayed in Bloomingdale’s stores. His stubbornness and style prevailed, and the culmination of these traits resulted in his clothing worn today.  According to Infomat Inc, Ralph Lauren was “not only the first fashion designer to have his own store, but he was the first to sell the whole lifestyle image that consumers flock to worldwide. Lauren sells much more than clothes and home furnishings; he sells a lifestyle image of sophistication, class and taste.” (2008).

Vintage Ralph Lauren Knitwear

 1978-1981 (e-bay.com)
"Navajo Blanket/Western Wear Inspiration"

  1978-1981 (e-bay.com)
"Navajo Blanket/Western Wear Inspiration"

  1978-1981 (e-bay.com)
"Navajo Blanket/Western Wear Inspiration"

  1978-1981 (e-bay.com)
"Navajo Blanket/Western Wear Inspiration"

  1978-1981 (e-bay.com)
"Navajo Blanket/Western Wear Inspiration"

Ralph Lauren is best known for his "preppy English-tweed" style. The Polo Brand is a classy illustration of the style he regularly utilized, and made infamous through his innovative mind set and incredible awareness of presentation. However, he is also well versed in his classy depiction of upper end western wear.In the late 70's early 80's, Lauren re-invented the west with his artful depiction of western inspired clothing. He was acknowledged by many as the “the maverick who recaptured America for America”. All of the images above illustrate Lauren's western wear. In 1981, Lauren's "Santa Fe Collection" debuted and he connected Polo Ralph Lauren and the romance of the American West. By making this connection he launched a major fashion look with worldwide influence and appeal.The majority of his knitwear consisted of wool textiles, which mimicked the designs found in Navajo Indian blankets. The silhouette that accompanied this collection was loose and baggy in nature. The knitwear hung off of the wearer in a stylish effortlessness. The long skirts and leather belts, combined with buckskin  fringed boots completed the western inspired look. The casual sophistication that accompanied these garments helps to revolutionize the fashion industry.

I really appreciate Ralph Lauren's story and vision. I love that he developed this monumental brand from the meager beginnings as a tie and glove salesman. The Sante Fe collection, which was inspired by Navajo Indian blankets is truly intriguing. I love that he managed to take two seemingly separate concepts such as: preppy resort wear and western wear, and combine them to create a stylish, classy and expensive look that is both timeless and priceless.

Sources:
e-bay-http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A6%257C72%253A5212&rt=nc&_nkw=ralph%20lauren%20navajo&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1513&_pgn=1

Cheap Replica Polo Ralph Lauren 

http://www.ralphlauren99.com/category/polo-ralph-lauren-t-shirts/

Ralph Lauren Company Profile / Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation

http://www.apparelsearch.com/names/r/ralph_lauren/ralph_lauren_profile.htm

Infomat Inc.

http://www.infomat.com/whoswho/ralphlauren.html