To suggest that Ralph Lauren has come a long way is an understatement. From his humble beginnings as a tie salesman working out of a drawer at New York’s Empire State Building, he grew one of the world’s largest and most successful fashion empires from scratch.
For decades, Ralph Lauren’s clothing brand has blended classic, preppy Americana East Coast-style with the look of upper-crust English aristocracy. This style is the hallmark of Ralph Lauren’s design and can be seen in all facets of his brand, from its vintage apparel, accessories and jewelry to furniture and décor.
The iconic fashion designer was born Ralph Rueben Lifshitz in New York City and grew up in the Bronx. When he and his brother were in their teens, they changed their surname from Lifshitz to Lauren after being teased about it at school. Later on, Lauren took business classes at night, worked at various menswear retailers and did a stint in the U.S. Army. While working at tie manufacturer Beau Brummel, he was inspired to create his own line of ties.
In 1967, Lauren launched “Polo,” ties handmade from high-quality fabrics featuring a wide design. They were a success. Lauren sold $500,000 worth to retail giants Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Paul Stuart in his first year.
Lauren expanded his designs into clothing, with his first menswear line of classic tweed suits in 1968 and, in 1971, his first line of womenswear featuring classic feminine tailoring. Lauren’s nostalgic fashion soon captured the eye of Hollywood. He created costumes for the 1974 adaptation of The Great Gatsby and was responsible for Diane Keaton’s distinctive feminine menswear look in 1977’s Annie Hall. Ralph Lauren’s designs have since garnered national and international acclaim and recognition — from Gwyneth Paltrow’s iconic pink 1999 Oscars dress to becoming the official outfitter of Team USA for the Olympics since 2008.
In 2018, Ralph Lauren celebrated his 50th anniversary with a star-studded fashion show and, in 2019, was awarded an honorary knighthood — the highest British honor — for services to fashion.
On 1stDibs, discover a wide range of vintage Ralph Lauren shirts, sweaters and other clothing.
EMILIO PUCCI black light teal floral lace overlay cocktail dress IT42 M
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Hong Kong, NT
EMILIO PUCCI black light teal floral lace overlay cocktail dress IT42 M Reference: CC/A00482 Brand: Emilio Pucci Material: Viscose, Blend Color: Green, Black Pattern: Lace Closure: Z...
MSGM black tiger stripe neoprene asymmetric flounce mini dress IT42 M
Located in Hong Kong, NT
MSGM black tiger stripe neoprene asymmetric flounce mini dress IT42 M Reference: CC/A00467 Brand: MSGM Material: Polyester Color: Black Pattern: Animal Print Closure: Zip Lining: Bla...
Christian Lacroix Black Silk Velvet Dress with Puffed Sleeves and Purple Sequins
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Christian Lacroix - (Made in Italy) Black silk velvet dress with puffed sleeves and purple sequins. No size indicated, it fits a 40 FR. Additional information: Dimensions: Shoulder ...
1940's Black Crepe Evening Dress with Gold Sequin Trim
Located in New Hope, PA
This sleek 1940's black crepe evening dress has a striking design worked in gold sequins from the right shoulder to the left hip. The diagonal lines terminate in a curve at the shoul...
Size: 38
ACNE Stapless Tube dress
Located in COLLINGWOOD, AU
Amazing ACNE Strapless Tube dress from 2000s. Sexy and minimalist style, features panels that create a perfect fit and zipper and toggle fastening with leather thonging pull. Size 38
Elizabeth Mason Couture Silk & Lace Cocktail Dress size 2 (or made to measure)
By Elizabeth Mason Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This dress is composed of the fine doupioni silk and French lace. There is a center back zipper closure and lace cap sleeves with a tiered lace skirt. Elizabeth Mason Couture is ava...
Black asymmetrical silk cocktail dress with beads and sequin on shoulder Gucci
By Gucci
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black asymmetrical silk cocktail dress with beads and sequin on shoulder. Invisible zip on the right side. Raglan sleeve. SIZE 40
Issey Miyake Black Pleated Gown With Spiral Tendrils 2000-2001
By Issey Miyake
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Issey Miyake black evening gown. This dress features Fortuny-style pleats, a satin finish, a V-neckline, long pleated spiral tendri...
Galanos Metallic Stripe Dress with Sheer Panels Circa 1980's
By Galanos
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The sleek, elegant, minimal look of this 1980's haute couture Galanos cocktail dress is hard to deny. Finding a dress that is perfect for evening is a challenge. Silver, gold and bla...
Size: none; comparable to size XS
Paul-Louis Orrier Haute Couture Black Red Leg-o-Mutton Gown - XS, 1980s
By Paul-Louis Orrier
Located in Tucson, AZ
Like his contemporaries Thierry Mugler, Claude Montana and Azzedine Alaïa, Paul-Louis Orrier pushed trends to their furthest interpretation by using exaggerated shapes and angles in ...
Geoffrey Beene Openwork Blouse and Pleated Skirt
By Geoffrey Beene, Beene Bazaar
Located in New York, NY
Geoffrey Beene's Early Openwork Blouse and Pleated Skirt from the 1970's. Synthetic knit with grosgrain ribbons stitched into a open work "fabric" for the sleeve details. Simple tail...
Karl Lagerfeld for Chloe Silk Crepe Print Gown
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chloe, Chloé
Located in New York, NY
Karl Lagerfeld for Chloe Silk Crepe Print Gown from the 1970's. Charming faux wrap one piece design with attached peplum detail. Floral silk damask crepe print which closes with a series of hooks and zipper on back. From the period where Lagerfeld heralded the design team of the Maison Chloe and produced some of the prettiest, feminine dresses...
Mignon 1950's Silk Taffeta and Lace Cocktail Dress
By Mignon
Located in New York, NY
Mignon Silk Taffeta and Lace Cocktail Dress from the 1950's. Silk taffeta is tucked through the waist which opens into a full bouffant bubble skirt supported inside with tulle. Dress...
Genny by Gianni Versace Draped Lurex Velvet Dress
By Gianni Versace for Genny
Located in New York, NY
Genny by Versace Draped Lurex Velvet Cocktail Dress from the 1980's. Oversized shoulders and deep plunge accented with a gold lame textile rose. Dress...
Stretch Silk Cloque Wiggle Dress, Studio VL
By Leslie Chin x Studio VL
Located in New York, NY
Black Stretch Silk Cloque Wiggle Dress, Studio VL from the 1980's. Off the shoulder banded neckline with deep cut outs on front and back. Silk blend stre...
Geoffrey Beene Lace and Wool Ensemble
By Geoffrey Beene
Located in New York, NY
Geoffrey Beene was an American modernist who championed the concept of casual dressing in his evening wear looks. Silk lace, satin and wool are used for this outfit. Easy separates include a silk satin T shirt with lace inserts, a dirndl and a bolero in quilted mohair and satin. The skirt is cut as a super full gathered wool challis dirndl with deep lavender lace...
