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.
Erin Lane Estate is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and its team of furniture restorers, art curators, professional appraisers and Asia specialists sources prime vintage and antique furniture from the finest estates in Northern and Southern California. Erin Lane Estate specializes in Hollywood Regency, McGuire, Chinese and Japanese pieces.
Ralph Lauren 'Florence' Storage Ottoman in Damask Blue Linen
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A classic Ralph Lauren Home 'Florence' storage ottoman upholstered in a rich damask blue Italian Linen tailored with generous proportions and crisp upholstery. The waisted, sculpted ...
Brass
Ralph Lauren English Brierly Leather Writer's Ottoman 4 Ft
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A beautifully crafted country English rectangular tufted leather "Brierly" writer's chair storage ottoman on casters designed by Ralph Lauren. The large late 20th century ottoman mea...
Brass
California King Size Blue and White Fabric Upholstered Headboard
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish Cal king newly padded headboard redux featuring a soft striped blue and white linen style upholstery. The striped design is decorated with ind...
Fabric, Wood
Italian Glazed Ceramic Garden Stool or Drinks Table with Seashells
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical 20th century Italian glazed ceramic garden stool or drinks table featuring a trompe l'oeil seashell veneered form. The top has a harlequin diamond pattern painted in citron...
Ceramic
Ralph Lauren English New Bohemian Artist’s Chair in Blue Velvet
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant labeled English "New Bohemian Artist’s Chair", designed by Ralph Lauren. The large shelter wing chair is upholstered in a striking Italian riding velvet in a dramatic deep...
Nickel
Ralph Lauren Italian Upholstered Brook Street Club Chair
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand Italian upholstered club chair or lounge chair designed by Ralph Lauren. The Brook Street club chair features an oversized beech frame with massive flat arms measuring 24 inche...
Nickel
Nautical Striped Tufted Storage Ottoman Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
Blending coastal charm with function. The plush, deep-tufted ivory cushion contrasts elegantly with the striped upholstered base, detailed with a refined cord trim. Handcrafted in th...
Fabric, Wood
Blue Striped Upholstered Oak Ottoman Danish Mid-Century Modern 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Featuring a cushioned rectangular top with brass nailhead trim, this ottoman rests on a turned wooden frame. Its traditional profile offers classic Scandinavian appeal and functional...
Oak
George Smith Striped Ottoman
By George Smith
Located in New York, NY
A vintage George Smith ottoman, hand-crafted with a pale yellow striped linen upholstery, brass studs, and turned mahogany legs. Beautifully tailored with a flat back and rounded, pl...
Brass
GEMMA Striped Organic Modern Pouf Ottoman in Blue and Brown Velvet
Located in Viseu, PT
Like a talisman for the home, GEMMA velvet ottoman embodies elegance and modern sophistication. Its bold yet refined striped design is meticulously stitched by portuguese artisans, s...
Cotton, Velvet
Kreiss foot stool or ottoman with Rose Tarlow striped velvet fabric
By Kreiss
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Kreiss ottoman, upholstered exclusively for THE TASTEMAKER SHOPPE, with Rose Tarlow green-and-gold striped cut-velvet fabric and cord trim. A tailored pleated skirt with contrasting gold-bronze trim adds understated luxury, a polished sophisticated finish. The velvet fabric is no longer being made making it more specialty and found. There's not one other like it. Whether used as a footrest or extra seating, this ottoman embodies casual Spanish Santa Barbara-style elegance. Rose Tarlow is an Interior Designer, tastemaker, antiquarian, and author, with an exclusive line of furniture and textiles; her Melrose House showrooms are based LA and NY. She's known for mixing traditional and modern aesthetics with casual elements like reclaimed wood, French oak beams...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Modern Striped Rectangle Ottoman, Footstool Green, Baby Blue Fabric
Located in Miami, FL
Modern Stripe ottoman in fabric. Recently reupholstered. F-592-335
Textile, Wood
