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.
A Danish Oak Cabinet / Sideboard, C. 1950.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An outstanding example of Scandinavian Modern design attributed to Danish designer Kurt Østervig (1912–1986). The sideboard offers substantial storage with a sophisticated, minimali...
Oak
Three Piece French Oak Cabinet in the Manner of Charles Dudouyt C 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A three piece French oak cabinet in the manner of Charles Dudouyt C 1940. Brutalist styling in the relief design to the front cabinet doors. Plenty of storage space.
Oak
Open Cerused Oak Bookcase with Adjustable Shelves, C. 1945
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome open bookcase crafted in cerused oak, showcasing the understated elegance and textural appeal characteristic of mid-century French design. The case features a clean archit...
Oak
French Brutalist Oak Cabinet, C. 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Striking French Brutalist oak cabinet dating to circa 1960, featuring a clean architectural form and robust construction. The case is fitted with three paneled doors composed of vert...
Iron
Belgian Oak Two-Piece Breakfront Cabinet, C. 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome Belgian two-piece breakfront cabinet crafted in solid oak, dating to circa 1940. This substantial case piece features a molded cornice above an upper section with four glazed paneled doors opening to fixed shelving, ideal for displaying books, porcelain, or decorative objects. The lower section is fitted with two pull-out slides, providing convenient serving or work surfaces, above four paneled doors that conceal generous storage for linens, serving pieces, or household items. The warm oak displays a rich natural grain and mellow patina, while the clean paneled construction and restrained molding exemplify the understated craftsmanship characteristic of Belgian furniture from the period. With its balanced proportions and timeless design, this versatile cabinet functions equally well as a bookcase, a china cabinet, a large dry bar, or dining room breakfront...
Iron
French Oak Brutalist-Style Cabinet, C. 1960.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This cabinet having a single paneled door richly decorated with a grid of 25 deeply recessed, geometric square panels, each with concentric stepped detailing. The door opens to a she...
Oak
Giuseppe Rivadossi Bookcase in Oak
By Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi, bookcase, oak, glass, Italy, 1975. An exceptional library by the Italian sculptor and designer Giuseppe Rivadossi, featuring a high level of craftsmanship in woo...
Glass, Oak
Danish Modern Oak Modular Wall Unit, Mid Century Bookcase Display Cabinet
By Hansen & Guldborg Møbler
Located in Detroit, MI
This set of three vintage mid century Danish modern oak wood bookcase display cabinets by Hansen & Guldborg was made in Denmark circa 1960. The minimalist Scandinavian modern des...
Wood, Oak
Scandinavian Modern Teak 2 Piece Display Cabinet or Bookcase Made in Denmark
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern teak display cabinet, bookcase, or sideboard stamped “Made in Denmark” & comprised of 2 pieces. Upper display hutch w/double doors, gla...
Glass, Teak
Pair of Swedish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bookcase Display Cabinets, 1960s
Located in Detroit, MI
This unique and versatile matching pair of vintage Swedish mid-century modern display cabinets was produced circa 1960. The cabinets are solid and well-crafted from teak wood with be...
Brass
Mogens Koch Cabinets and Bookcases in Oak for Rud. Rasmussen
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch cabinets and bookcases in oak Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/45 NØ...
Oak
Mogens Koch Pair of Bookcases for Rud, Rasmussen
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch pair of bookcases in mahogany. Executed by Rud Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/KØBENHAVN/DENMARK.
Mahogany
