Ralph Lauren Living
“My thing was always about individuality and about creating a world—because you don’t just wear clothes, you live a life. You have style. You project who you are.” This vision has been designer Ralph Lauren’s guiding force since beginning his career in 1967 creating neckties under his flagship label Polo—a line now most synonymous with the colorful collared shirts that are a staple in every American’s wardrobe. Today, Lauren’s eponymous company includes a high-end runway collection, the Purple Label line for luxury menswear, leather accessories, fragrances, and home furnishings. The hallmark of his creativity is his remarkable fusion of fashion and home, beautifully embodied in his home collection launched in 1983.
The cover of Ralph Lauren: A Way of Living.
(Photo by Richard Corman/Courtesy of Rizzoli)
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of this collection, Rizzoli’s new book, Ralph Lauren: A Way of Living, showcases decades of Lauren’s work as a designer, tracing a timeline of Lauren’s historic accomplishments, such as the opening of his iconic Madison Avenue flagship store, and an exclusive glimpse into his acclaimed restaurants. Paying homage to Ralph Lauren’s groundbreaking approach to lifestyle-driven design, this tome takes readers on a photographic journey that encapsulates Lauren’s legacy as a pioneer of modern living, narrated by the voices of prominent admirers including Oprah Winfrey and architectural critic Paul Goldberger. The centerpiece of the book is the exclusive look into Lauren’s impeccably designed private residences, where he shares his life with his family. From his expansive ranch in Colorado to his tranquil island retreat in Jamaica, his idyllic beach house in Montauk, the cosmopolitan allure of his Manhattan penthouse, and the timeless elegance of his country estate in Bedford, each of these homes serves as a testament to Lauren’s unique vision of modern living. The visual journey through these residences is followed by a celebration of Ralph Lauren’s lifestyle collections. “The reason I decided to enter home furnishing 40 years ago was because I had something to say. I knew I wanted to make as complete a statement for the home as I had with my fashion collections. The Home collection was my way of sharing a complete world - a way to share my vision of living,” said Ralph Lauren of the anniversary milestone.
Ricky and Ralph Lauren’s home in Bedford, New York.
(Photo by Bruce Weber)
Country Collection, Spring 1990. (Photo by Bruce Weber)
Ricky and Ralph Lauren’s White Orchid Cottage in Jamaica. (Photo by Gilles de Chabaneix)
Ralph Lauren on horseback at the main gate to his Double RL Ranch in Colorado, 1989. (Photo by Barbara Walz)