Few American brands have achieved the level of prominence that Ralph Lauren has. It’s an entity that simultaneously evokes glamour, sophistication, and aspiration; but also accessibility, familiarity, and approachability. And it’s been striking that delicate balance for half a century.

For many, Lauren’s designs epitomize the American lifestyle. And the American lifestyle inspired him. “When I started out, everyone in the fashion world seemed to look toward Europe for newness and real fashion. I was always inspired by America,” he said in 2018. “I loved East Coast preppiness, the utility of the cowboy’s worn jeans, American folk art, the glamour of Hollywood, and the rich heritage of Native American craftsmanship. It’s always been there, right in front of us—on the streets, in the small towns, in the big cities—in the way people live.” Those themes continue to shape his collections, from the red-white-and-blue color story for Spring 2018 and Southwestern-inspired palette for Spring 2017 to the equestrian vibe of Pre-Fall 2017 and racing theme of Fall 2017.

Through his various labels, existing (Ralph Lauren Collection, Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lauren Ralph Lauren, to name a few) and defunct (Polo Sport and Rugby Ralph Lauren, forever in our hearts), Lauren tapped into various parts of the American experience, from high-end suiting to modestly-priced workwear. His designs were worn by First Ladies and kids in Brooklyn alike. And he’s inspired generations of designers—from Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors to Alexander Wang and Jason Wu—to push the envelope while interpreting what American fashion can look like.

In honor of the company’s 50th anniversary, we look back at some of the most seminal Ralph Lauren moments from the past decades—from the launch of the Polo shirt to that awkward elevator ride with Rachel Green.

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