A hopelessly romantic love story spanning almost 50 years must certainly be the thing dreams are made of; with such humble beginnings, this romance has blossomed and most definitely passed the test of time — a testament to true love and the hope of happily ever after . . .

Above, from the Rosecliff collection by Ralph Lauren Home
Their first encounter was at the eye doctor’s office in 1964 — Ralph, having recently returned from serving two years in the Unites States Army, had come in for an optical appointment. Sitting behind the receptionist desk was the sweet young Ricky Low-Beer. He was instantly smitten and asked if she would go on a date with him on the spot. Thankfully, she agreed, and the following six months were full of blissful happiness and budding young love . . . and a wedding! For both were quite certain of their true love and did not see any need to wait longer before making their love for each other ‘official’.

Above, Ralph and Ricky in Amagansett, summer 1976
“Ralph is my best friend, and I’m just so comfortable with him, and he is with me as well—we could be ourselves, we see the world as a team.“
–Ricky Lauren
Living in New York City and working at Brooks Brothers as a salesman, Ralph had become bored of the fashions of the day, particularly the thin ties that were in style. He had a vision of what was to come next in men’s fashion, and wasted no time designing and making luxurious, quality men’s ties of a new shape and material.

Above, from the Le Grand Hotel Collection by Ralph Lauren Home
In the beginning, Ralph found it extremely difficult to get his business venture underway — often turned down, or offered a spot on store shelves if he changed numerous elements of his design. All the while, Ricky stood by Ralph’s side, supporting, cheering, encouraging and, most importantly, loving him.

Above, from the Rosecliff collection by Ralph Lauren Home


Above, Ricky with Rugby, the family dog, in Montauk, 1990
Ralph’s perseverance and Ricky’s unfailing support paid out in the end — through the financial backing of clothing manufacturer, Norman Hilton, Ralph was able to open a small necktie store to sell his designs. Ralph had always been interested in sports, and sought a name which both embodied an active and elite lifestyle — with Ricky’s confirmation, Ralph sold his designs under the name ‘Polo’.

Above, pages from the 40th anniversary self-titled book, Ralph Lauren — a glimpse at the classic, preppy style that has come to define the brand
Ralph & Ricky’s company went from success to success — in 1970 he released a line of women’s wear in a classic, tailored men’s wear style, and in 1972, designed the now iconic mesh, short-sleeved, collared shirt with the Polo logo.

Above, the Laurens’ Bedford, New York home, built in 1919 and an hour north of Manhattan, where the couple lived for thirteen years and where the children were raised

