Ralph Lauren, An American of Jewish descent, Began making neck ties, a then hole in the market, out of off cuts of material while working out of a tiny office in the Empire State building. After his striped neck ties gained popularity he was given the opportunity to launch his first full line of menswear, which he did so under the name Polo in 1968. Ralph chose Polo to represent his brand as he believed the sport was illustrative of the aspired class and his style of clothing.