Ralph Lauren | Fashion Designer, Businessman

Who would have thought that selling ties would lead to a fashion empire? Well, Ralph Lauren apparently did. When he started his business, he had to take out a business loan of $50,000 to sell his first and only accessory—a tie. His Ralph Lauren Corporation is now a global multi-billion-dollar enterprise, a long way from selling just ties. Apart from it, he now has a full suite of men’s wear under Polo, a line of tailored shirts for women. A host of fragrances was then launched at Bloomingdales and many more.

Lauren says it is not the fabric per se but rather having big dreams and translating those dreams into goals when asked what his secret is. He spent 48 years building his brand and is now the 108th richest man on the planet. Lauren has been recognized as one of the first-generation fashion designers whose branding and the name became household staples.