Haute 100 New York Update: Ralph Lauren

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. Check back daily for more info on the most powerful people in your city. Today: Ralph Lauren, because the magnate of American style is once again making an international mark.

Ralph Lauren
Category Billionaires
Company Ralph Lauren
Industry Fashion
What MADE Him Haute This ambitious fashion designer and brilliant businessman, most notable for his Polo Ralph Lauren clothing line, stated in high school that he wanted to be a millionaire. Now included on the Forbes 400 list, he has succeeded his goal in spades.

What Makes Him Haute Now Last week, Lauren was awarded the Légion d’honneur medal by French president, Nicolas Sarkozy. The honor was the result of the opening of a new store in an historic townhouse on Paris’s Left Bank, which was painstakingly restored to former glory. The NY Times reported that Hubert de Givenchy was at the ceremony, where he said that Mr. Lauren saved the building for France. The high-end boutique features an exclusive $21,000 crocodile bag, a tony watch salon, and an eponymous restaurant dubbed Ralph. David Lauren, Ralph’s son, said, “This is more than a store; it is the biggest statement the company could make.” How does this affect New Yorkers? We can expect another “big statement” from the brand to open on Madison Avenue later this year.

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