Lauren founded fashion company Ralph Lauren Corporation, known for its Polo brand, in 1967.

Born Ralph Lifshitz in the Bronx to Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants, he changed his surname as a teenager.

• He stepped down as CEO in 2015 and continues to serve as the company's executive chairman and chief creative officer.

• In 2025, he became the first fashion designer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

• He has an estimated net worth exceeding $15 billion.