Woodbury Common Outlet Ralph Lauren: The Quintessential American Style

One of the most respected names in fashion celebrated his 76 birthday by stepping down from the CEO position at the iconic label and company he founded nearly 50 years ago. Ralph Lauren ceded his executive position to Stefan Larsson, a veteran of the retail fashion industry who is credited with helping brands such as H&M and Old Navy achieve their full sales potential.

The Ralph Lauren label represents a timeless, All-American style that has reached iconic status around the world; this is a fashion brand that has managed to achieve the perfect balance between haute couture (high fashion) and pret-a-porter (ready-to-wear). In an industry dominated by European fashion labels, Ralph Lauren stands out as an American brand that evokes a look and feel that is almost patriotic.

How Ralph Lauren Achieved the American Look

Ralph Lauren started his fashion career at Brooks Brothers at a very young age. He sold neckties, but his passion went beyond retail sales; what he really wanted was to create his own designs. Contrary to popular belief, Mr. Lauren did not start his fashion label with the sharp and sporty Polo shirts that are perfect in just about any occasion. The Polo imprint was first embroidered onto neckties, but Mr. Lauren’s inspiration and the classic American ethos was a clear goal of Mr. Lauren from the start.

The Polo collection is inspired by the apparel worn at Ivy League universities in the United States; Mr. Lauren was attracted by the timeless look of Ivy League uniforms, which featured details such as custom-fitted blazers, casual slacks, flannel, etc. This style originated in British boarding and prep schools but would later be modified and augmented when it crossed the Atlantic.

Though Mr. Lauren enjoyed considerable success with his initial collection of neckties, menswear, tailored suits for women and Polo shirts, the American iconography that skyrocketed his brand did not arrive until the late 1980s. Inspired by the design of the Stars and Stripes, Mr. Lauren designed a stylish knit sweater featuring the flag of the United States; that sweater signaled the start of a new Ralph Lauren collection that has become an American classic.

Expanding the Ralph Lauren American Brand

Mr. Lauren has designed the uniforms worn by the U.S. Olympic team and the staff of the Wimbledon tennis tournament. His strategic friendship with Kanye West has helped him to reach the hip-hop community. Modern Ralph Lauren stores are decorated with American iconography, and they can be found around the world.

In the late 20th century, Mr. Lauren proved his commitment to American iconography with a $13 million donation to the Smithsonian Museum for the purpose of funding the preservation of the original U.S. flag and to increase awareness of American history.

Ralph Lauren Woodbury Common Outlet Suite 383 Telephone (845) 928-4637