Most people recognize the polo pony, but fewer know the man who put it on the map. Ralph Lauren, born Ralph Lifshitz in 1939, built a global fashion empire starting with a single tie collection. This article sorts out the facts about his life, his marriage, and the real difference between Polo and the luxury lines that bear his name.
Founded: 1967 ·
Spouse: Ricky Loew-Beer (married 1964) ·
Children: 3 ·
Brand lines: Ralph Lauren Collection, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Purple Label
Quick snapshot
- Founded 1967 (Ralph Lauren Corporation)
- Headquarters New York (Ralph Lauren Corporation)
- Multiple sub-brands (VerityRank)
- Annual revenue ~$6 billion (Wikipedia)
- Born Ralph Lifshitz in 1939 (CNN)
- Married to Ricky Loew-Beer (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Three children (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Net worth estimated at $5.5 billion (Forbes)
- Considered accessible luxury (VerityRank)
- High-end lines: Collection, Purple Label (VerityRank)
- Worn by celebrities and wealthy (Vogue UK)
- Mass appeal through Polo line (BBC News)
- Official online store: ralphlauren.ie (Ralph Lauren Ireland)
- Kildare Village outlet (Kildare Village)
- Available at Brown Thomas, Arnotts (Brown Thomas)
- Discounted at Flannels, Zalando (Flannels)
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ralph Lauren (born Ralph Lifshitz) — CNN |
| Born | October 14, 1939 — CNN |
| Spouse | Ricky Loew-Beer — Encyclopaedia Britannica |
| Children | 3 (Andrew, David, Dylan) — CNN |
| Original Name | Ralph Rueben Lifshitz — CNN |
| Brand Founded | 1967 — Wikipedia |
Is Ralph Lauren a luxury?
Ralph Lauren is widely considered a luxury brand, though it sits in the “accessible luxury” segment — a step below heritage houses like Chanel or Hermès but above mainstream mall brands. Under CEO Patrice Louvet, the company has moved away from discounting to reinforce that positioning according to The Business of Fashion.
The brand’s range is broad: from the Ralph Lauren Collection (runway, high-end) to Polo Ralph Lauren (mid-range casual) and Lauren Ralph Lauren (diffusion line).
Do wealthy people wear Ralph Lauren?
- Yes, especially the higher-end lines. Celebrities and affluent consumers favor the Collection and Purple Label for their understated elegance — Vogue UK notes their prevalence among the wealthy.
- The brand’s association with preppy, old-money aesthetics makes it a staple for affluent consumers who want understated elegance.
The implication: the higher the tier, the more convincing the luxury claim. Wealthy shoppers choose Collection and Purple Label, not Polo.
Does anyone wear Ralph Lauren anymore?
- Absolutely. According to CNN, the corporation operates over 450 stores worldwide, and the brand remains popular across age groups. The Polo line, in particular, maintains strong streetwear and university appeal.
The pattern: Ralph Lauren is not a single brand but a tiered system. The higher the tier, the more convincing the luxury claim.
What ethnicity was Ralph Lauren?
Ralph Lauren was born Ralph Lifshitz to Jewish parents of Ashkenazi descent, originally from present-day Belarus. He grew up in the Bronx, New York, in a working-class family. He changed his surname to Lauren as a teenager, according to BBC News.
Was Ralph Lauren poor growing up?
- His family was not impoverished, but they were working-class. His father was a house painter, and Ralph started working at a young age. Biography.com describes his upbringing as modest.
What religion is Ralph Lauren?
- He was raised Jewish but has said in interviews that he is not particularly religious. Encyclopaedia Britannica notes his Jewish heritage without specifying current practice.
The implication: his background is a classic immigrant American story, which contrasts with the patrician, WASP-y image his brand often projects.
Who is Ralph Lauren’s wife?
Ralph Lauren married Ricky Ann Loew-Beer in New York City in 1964. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, they have three children: Andrew, David, and Dylan. Ricky is of German Jewish descent, her family having fled Nazi Germany.
What ethnicity is Ralph Lauren’s wife?
- Ricky Loew-Beer is of German Jewish descent. Encyclopedia.com notes the spelling variation in her surname.
Was Ralph Lauren faithful?
- By all public accounts, yes. The couple has been married for over 50 years, and no credible reports of infidelity exist. Vogue UK describes their partnership as strong and lasting.
What is the age difference between Ralph Lauren and his wife?
- Ralph was born in 1939, Ricky in 1942 — a difference of about three years. Multiple sources, including Encyclopaedia Britannica, confirm these dates.
The takeaway: their marriage is a rare stable partnership in the fashion world, with both involved in philanthropy through the Pink Pony Campaign.
Which is higher end, Polo Ralph Lauren or Ralph Lauren?
The confusion is understandable: the umbrella brand is Ralph Lauren, but Polo is a sub-brand. The highest-end lines are Ralph Lauren Collection (women’s runway) and Purple Label (men’s luxury), while Polo is a more casual, affordable line. According to VerityRank, the brand hierarchy is clear: Collection ≫ Purple Label ≫ Polo ≫ Lauren.
Six key lines, one clear ladder — the higher you go, the more you pay for craftsmanship and exclusivity.
| Line | Positioning | Price Range | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ralph Lauren Collection | Runway luxury | $1,000–$10,000+ | High-income, fashion-forward |
| Purple Label | Men’s luxury tailoring | $800–$5,000+ | Affluent men, investment pieces |
| Polo Ralph Lauren | Premium casual | $50–$500 | Broad, aspirational shoppers |
| Lauren Ralph Lauren | Diffusion women’s | $30–$300 | Price-conscious, classic style |
| Ralph Lauren Home | Home decor | $50–$1,000 | Homeowners, interior design |
| Double RL | Heritage/workwear | $100–$800 | Rugged, vintage enthusiasts |
The pattern: the answer depends entirely on which line you’re talking about. When people ask “Is Polo considered luxury?” the honest answer is: it’s premium, but not the same tier as the runway collection.
What condition does Ralph Lauren have?
Ralph Lauren was diagnosed with a brain tumor (meningioma) in 1987 and underwent successful surgery. He has also had a hip replacement and other age-related health issues. According to Biography.com, he remains active and continues to lead the company as executive chairman.
Confirmed facts
- Ralph Lauren is of Jewish Ashkenazi descent (CNN)
- He married Ricky Loew-Beer in 1964 (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- He had a brain tumor in 1987 (Biography.com)
- He grew up in the Bronx, working-class family (BBC News)
- The brand is considered accessible luxury (VerityRank)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth (varies by source, estimated $5.5 billion)
- Whether he was completely faithful (widely reported as faithful, but no independent confirmation)
- Exact age difference with wife (approximately 3 years, but dates vary slightly)
- His current religious practice (raised Jewish, now reportedly not religious)
“I’ve always believed in a lifestyle, not just clothing.”
Ralph Lauren, in interview with The New York Times
“We have a very strong partnership and respect for each other.”
Ricky Lauren, in a rare joint interview with Vogue UK
Ralph Lauren built a brand that sells a dream of effortless American aristocracy — but the man behind it is a Jewish kid from the Bronx who started with ties. The consequence for Irish shoppers: Polo at Brown Thomas is a solid entry point, but the real luxury experience — the Collection or Purple Label — sits in a different league altogether.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ralph Lauren a luxury brand?
Yes, but it is considered “accessible luxury” — a tier below heritage houses like Chanel or Hermès, but above mainline brands. The higher-end lines (Collection, Purple Label) are solidly luxury.
What is the difference between Ralph Lauren and Polo Ralph Lauren?
Ralph Lauren is the umbrella brand. Polo Ralph Lauren is a sub-brand that focuses on casual, sporty, and more affordable apparel. The runway collection and Purple Label are the true luxury lines.
Is Ralph Lauren expensive?
It depends on the line. Polo shirts can be found for $50–$100, while a Collection gown can cost $10,000+. The brand covers a wide price spectrum.
Why is Ralph Lauren so popular?
Its preppy, aspirational lifestyle branding resonates across generations. The Polo pony logo is one of the most recognized symbols in fashion, and the brand’s quality-to-price ratio in the mid-range is strong.
Do celebrities wear Ralph Lauren?
Yes, many celebrities wear Ralph Lauren, especially the higher-end lines. It’s a staple at red-carpet events and has been worn by figures like Gwyneth Paltrow, Ryan Reynolds, and the British royal family.
Is Ralph Lauren considered high fashion?
Ralph Lauren Collection is shown at New York Fashion Week and is considered high fashion. Polo and other lines are not. The brand’s identity is more about lifestyle than avant-garde fashion.
What is the most expensive Ralph Lauren item?
Custom-made pieces from the Collection or Purple Label can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Bespoke tailored suits and gowns are the most expensive.
George Thompson is Senior Reporter at UrbanMixr.uk, covering breaking culture, lifestyle and general news stories across the UK.