Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren’s journey from the streets of the Bronx to the pinnacles of global fashion epitomizes the American Dream. Born Ralph Lifshitz in 1939 to Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants, Lauren grew up inspired by the silver screen, with icons like Gary Cooper and Cary Grant shaping his vision. Despite challenges, like his modest height making basketball a taller order, his spirit never waned. As a young man, he rebranded himself, adopting the surname Lauren, which echoed a more contemporary American resonance.