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 Collection S/S 1998 Embellished Runway Gown
By Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in Norwich, GB
Ralph Lauren Collection hand beaded slip gown, in cream knit with a nude silk lining. Low cut front neckline, and deep V shaped back. Semi sheer. Very rare piece from the Spring/Summ...
Ralph Lauren S/S 2012 Purple Label Bias Cut Silver & Floral Print Dress
By Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Whether you are a bride-to-be, or looking for that unique bias cut dress to add to your wardrobe for a special occasion, this Ralph Lauren Purple Label dress covers all basis.Origina...
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Gold Chain Evening Dress, SS 2008
By Ralph Lauren
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Ralph Lauren ▪ Creative Director: Ralph Lauren ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 2008 ▪ Fabric: Metal, Silk, Tulle ▪ Size: US4 - UK8 - FR36 ▪ Made in: United States ▪ Condition: E...
Ralph Lauren purple label S/S 2012 vintage black silk plunging bow gown dress
By Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE From Ralph Lauren Collection Purple label look number 31. This silk gown featured on the runway in a pale greyish blue, this is the black version that's only diffe...
Ralph Lauren Collection Black Silk Strapless Gown and Chiffon Drape Overlay 4
By Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Ralph Lauren Collection, black silk satin back crepe strapless gown with an attached one shoulder sheer silk chiffon drape. Dramatic boned strapless sheath gown. The one shoulder she...
1998 Fall/Winter Ralph Lauren Purple Label Cream Cashmere Strapless Gown
By Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in Toronto, Ontario
1998 Fall Winter Ralph Lauren purple label collection cream 100% cashmere strapless gown. Worn on the runway in 1998 by super model Shalom Harlow, this classic minimalist piece speak...
Valentino Rare Runway Jeweled Hand Beaded Silk Chiffon Dress Gown Hard to find
By Chanel, Valentino Garavani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From the 20th - 21st century the exquisite fashion of Valentino Garavani was embraced by society and fashionistas over the world. When he retired in 2008 his brand of elegance, exqu...
S/S 2000 Ralph Lauren Runway Faux Pearl Beaded Backless Silk Gown US2
By Ralph Lauren
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Ralph Lauren Collection gown from the Spring/Summer 2000 collection is cut in a fitted, floor-length silhouette with a softly flared hem. It is crafted in black silk chiffon wit...
$438Sale Price|30% Off
1990s/Y2K Backless Beaded Gown
By Saks Fifth Avenue
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1990s Saks Fifth Avenue Label Beaded Backless Gown: This dress is a seriously jaw-dropping moment: equal parts sexy and elegant. Made of 100% silk, it is intricately beaded a...
$3,500
Size: Fits like a Medium
RANDOLPH DUKE 2000 Vintage Runway Beaded Evening Gown Maxi Dress Front Slit
By Randolph Duke
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Randolph Duke Vintage FW00 Runway Grey Size USA 8 but fits smaller like a USA 6 Excellent Condition, only 1 flaw is a tonal pen mark that gets covered in the folds of the front slit...
Spring 2013 Ralph Lauren Runway Hand Beaded Evening Gown
By Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Ralph Lauren
Located in Kingston, NY
An exquisite and unworn piece from the Ralph Lauren Purple Label Spring 2013 Spanish Collection, this gown embodies sophisticated elegance. Crafted from luxurious 100% silk with a de...
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Silver Hand-Beaded Bustier Gown, Fall 2005, Met Gala
By Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in Kingston, NY
A true showstopper from Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label, this silver hand-beaded bustier gown from the Fall 2005 runway is pure red-carpet fantasy. Worn on the runway by supermodel Anna ...
Ralph Lauren Collection Ivory Bias-Cut Mesh-Inset Gown - 2000s / Bridal
By Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in Kingston, NY
An ethereal Ralph Lauren Collection gown crafted in Italy, embodying the understated elegance and precision tailoring that define the desi...
2009 Ralph Lauren Collection Purple Label Gold Hand-beaded Silk Gown
By Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in Kingston, NY
Runway Collection $20,000 Original Retail Made in Italy An extraordinary couture creation from the 2009 Ralph Lauren Purple Label Collection, this gold gown is a masterclass in even...
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Gold Beaded Tulle Strapless Gown Finale Look, F/W 2006
By Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in Kingston, NY
A masterpiece from Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2006 Purple Label Collection, this gold strapless gown is a true showstopper and a rare archival treasure. Originally retailing for $22,000, cu...
Spring 2008 Ralph Lauren Collection Purple Label Beaded Bustier Runway No. 17
By Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Located in Kingston, NY
This vintage Ralph Lauren Collection strapless bustier is couture-level artistry, new without tags and unworn. Likely a one-of-a-kind runway worn piece, it is entirely hand-beaded an...
