Dream PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANA FINEMAN, COURTESY OF RALPH LAUREN
AMERICAN
DAVID LAUREN IS USHERING IN A NEXTGENERATION EVOLUTION TO HIS FATHER RALPH LAUREN’S EPONYMOUS FASHION EMPIRE, FILLED WITH A DEBUT POLO FOR WOMEN COLLECTION, PHILANTHROPY INITIATIVES, INCLUDING ONE TO SUPPORT THE EAST HAMPTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY, AND GROUNDBREAKING CHANGES IN SPORTS COLLABORATIONS. HERE, HE EXPLAINS IT ALL TO BRAVO’S ANDY COHEN…
’ve always believed in giving back to the world,” says David Lauren, the executive vice president of global advertising, marketing, and corporate communication at Ralph Lauren Corporation, the fashion empire launched by his father, Ralph Lauren, in 1967. “One of my favorite parts of my job is trying to find creative ways to do this through volunteerism and philanthropic missions that are connected to the values of our company and our global community—from international initiatives such as the Dog Walk [that supports the ASPCA]; the RL Gang [a children’s storybook series that benefits a variety of philanthropic organizations and charities] and Pink Pony [breast cancer research], as well as supporting local charities like the East Hampton Historical Society (EHHS), right here in our own backyard.” This summer Ralph Lauren introduced a collection of weathered tees, hoodies, and totes to support the EHHS in its restoration of Hedges Barn, one of the area’s few remaining 18th-century barns, which will be home to Mulford Farm’s educational programming. Says Lauren, “By restoring this 18th-century barn, we will help revitalize the local educational programs and offer new classes and programs that will explore the traditions of early farming on Long Island’s South Fork.” This year, the company will also launch its first Polo for Women collection—a feminine iteration of the
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