Do you feel that Ralph Lauren remains successful today?
With the emergence of Ralph Lauren, came a revolution in the fashion industry. He made his mark as one of the first brands to exude a sense of belonging for his consumers instead of the traditional themes of originality and exclusivity that came with most fashion brands. It was the brand’s ability to sense and fulfill this desire that led it to flourish into intense popularity in the mid-1980s, causing many to label him “the most successful designer in America”. Today, decades later, the brand’s continued success can be seen through its reach, financial numbers, and consistent brand mentality.
The Telegraph article, “Ralph Lauren: the man who dresses America” begins by referencing the global size of the Ralph Lauren brand. It explains that nearly a half of a century later Ralph Lauren’s 15 different sub-brands have over 500 stores in 80 different countries across the globe; thus, suggesting the brand’s continued popularity across varying cultures. In addition, the corporation provides jobs to 23,000 employees, which is a long way from when Ralph began designing his own ties in 1967.
In addition to its wide reach, the Ralph Lauren Corporation has dramatically increased the value of its shares from when it made its public offering in 1997. In 2014 it was estimated that the company’s share price was 12 times what it was when it opened on the stock market. Deeming the company #89 on the World’s Most Valuable Brands, #1,089 on the Global 200 list, and #898 in profits, Forbes reports its market capitalization to be $12 billion in May of 2015.
Lastly, Ralph Lauren remains successful in respect to maintaining the original mentality of the brand that made it so popular in the first place. The Telegraph writer, Luke Leitch, explains, “Where other designers try to impose an aesthetic on the wearer, Lauren indulges his fantasies, observes his audience then provides them with the tools to share the fantasy”. By observing the wearer and creating products that fit in their own comfort zone, the brand continues on with its revolutionary theme of belonging.
Although the future is never certain, the points mentioned above, along with the simple timeliness of the brand alludes to its sustained popularity for the future.
Sources:
