How Ralph Lauren Shaped American Style

How Ralph Lauren Shaped American Style

From Let's Get Dressed by Liv Perez

May 11, 2026 · 35 min

About this episode

This episode explores how Ralph Lauren has influenced American style and culture over nearly 60 years, featuring insights from fashion editor Bridget Foley.

Ralph Lauren isn't just a brand — it's one of the only American fashion houses that has shaped culture for nearly 60 years. And right now, it's having one of its biggest cultural moments yet, resonating across every generation.  Today we’re joined by longtime WWD fashion editor and friend of the house, Bridget Foley, who’s had a front row seat to the brand’s evolution. She’s also the author of Lauren’s latest book, Ralph Lauren Catwalk , which covers over 100 runway shows and the brand’s most iconic moments.  In this episode, we get into: What actually defines a brand with longevity (and why so few designers achieve it) Ralph's "meet cute" moment with fashion and why he calls himself a storyteller, not a designer The authenticity that makes Ralph different from every other luxury house Why Ralph was doing "lifestyle" decades before the term existed The hand-me-downs, vintage uniforms, and Bronx childhood that shaped his entire aesthetic Ralph's belief in longevity and preservation, sustainability before it had a name Inside the Ralph Lauren archive (and why Bridget calls it a "fashion lover's wonderland") Why Gen Z fell in love with Ralph Lauren and what their parents'…

People in this episode

Host: Liv Perez

Guest: Bridget Foley

Topics covered

  • American fashion
  • cultural impact
  • brand longevity
  • fashion storytelling
  • sustainability
  • Gen Z fashion

Keywords

  • Ralph Lauren
  • fashion history
  • cultural moments
  • sustainability
  • Gen Z
  • fashion design
  • luxury brands

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ralph Lauren

Books & works: Ralph Lauren Catwalk

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