What Ralph Lauren’s name used to be—and why he changed it #identity #usa #heritage
Unpacked
Ralph Lauren, the iconic American fashion designer, was originally born Ralph Lifshitz to Jewish immigrant parents. Growing up in the Bronx, New York, Lauren faced the anti-Semitic challenges that often came with a Jewish surname. His decision to change his last name to Lauren was partly an effort to navigate these challenges and partly a strategic move to craft a sophisticated brand identity that would go on to become synonymous with American fashion. This reflects the broader narrative of Jewish immigrants integrating and thriving in the United States, while managing the complexities of cultural and personal identity.