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.
Ralph Lauren Early Floral Cottage Core Cotton Prairie Dress, 1980s
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early in Ralph Lauren's historic career, he began to tap into early Americana- as illustrated by this iconic prairie dress. Apron pockets with a tie belt waist. Important piece of fa...
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Spring Summer 2012 pink floral maxi gown
By Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Ralph Lauren
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Ralph Lauren pastel pink silk floral print gown from the Spring Summer 2012 collection. As seen on the runway, accessorised with a baby pink boa collar. Purple Label. Designer ...
Dolce & Gabbana Spring Summer 2008 Silk Floral Chiffon Gown IT 40
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
An exceptional silk chiffon gown from Dolce & Gabbana’s celebrated Spring Summer 2008 collection, a period defined by romantic Sicilian florals and fluid Mediterranean silhouette...
1976 YVES SAINT LAURENT silk floral printed RUNWAY dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Pink, rose floral-printed, silk dress with open neckline designed by Yves Saint Laurent dating to spring of 1976 as seen on the runway. Fits a US size 4-6. Approximate measurements: ...
Diane von Furstenberg Women's Carol Dress Silk Floral Ruffle Size US4
By Diane von Furstenberg
Located in London, GB
Super pretty Diane Von Furstenberg Carol dress - bought for £675 and new with tags. Made from soft silk georgette with a delicately muted floral print, it has ruffle trims, flutter s...
1930s Interesting Draped Floral Print Evening Dress
Located in New York, NY
1930's Couture Quality draped floral printed chiffon evening dress. Bias cut with asymetrical side panel, and looping side drape which catches at the shoulder of the bodice. Floral print of multi color dahlias on a sky blue ground. Side skirt yoke...
Size: FR38 - UK10 - US6
Christian Dior by John Galliano Floral Bias Cut Silk Evening Dress, fw 2002
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Christian Dior Evening Dress ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Fall-Winter 2002 ▪ Elegantly crafted from luxurious black bias-cut silk, adorned with a captivating floral print i...
Size: 0
Zimmerman Silk Floral Dress
By Zimmermann
Located in London, GB
A pretty silk floral dress by Zimmerman. In black silk with a sophisticated floral print, the dress with sleaveless with frill detail on the neckline and arm holes. It has a self fab...
Vintage Floral and Pleats Dress by Capriccio /Rotter of London
Located in London, GB
A great party dress in a wonderful floral print with chic pleating. The dress has a v neckline and backline, with a frill at the hem and over the arm.
1960's Pierre Balmain Haute Couture Floral Printed Silk Gown No.158143
By Pierre Balmain Haute Couture
Located in Studio City, CA
Early 1960's Pierre Balmain No. 158143 haute couture silk organza floral print gown with multi-layered ruffle trim at the neckline and hem. There a double layer of silk lining at the...
Ermanno Scervino Silk Floral Dress, SS 2005
By Ermanno Scervino
Located in Marlborough, GB
Ermanno Scervino silk floral print dress, Spring Summer 2005 Print appeared on runway. Built-in purple bra which forms the straps. Fastens with back zip and bra clasp. Lined. 100% si...
Giorgio Armani Silk Floral Gown, 2005
By Giorgio Armani
Located in Marlborough, GB
Giorgio Armani silk floral gown, 2005 Worn by both Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (to Cannes) and Carmen Electra in 2005 Silk chiffon with a floral watercolour ...
Ralph Lauren Collection Ivory Silk Dress, SS 2002
By Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in Marlborough, GB
Ralph Lauren Collection ivory cream silk satin slip dress, Spring Summer 2002 On runway Beautiful liquid silk 100% silk Purple label Very rare Good vintage condition; there may be so...
Prada Silk Heart Print Dress, SS 2000
By Miuccia Prada, Prada
Located in Marlborough, GB
Prada silk heart print dress, Spring Summer 2000 The most romantic, fun print from the collection that gave us the iconic heart print and lipstick print The heart print featured thro...
BNWT Gucci by Alessandra Facchinetti Gown, FW 2005
By Gucci
Located in Marlborough, GB
Gucci by Alessandra Facchinetti gown, FW 2005 A rare example of the brief chapter of Facchinetti’s creative direction in-between Tom Ford and Frida Giannini, worn on the runway by Ge...
Donna Karan Draped Beaded Gown, SS 2006
By Donna Karan
Located in Marlborough, GB
Donna Karan midnight navy draped beaded gown, Spring Summer 2006 Plunging neckline with wide straps, with asymmetric beaded panels across the bust and torso. Skirt is lined and falls...
