The Richest People In America: Ralph Lauren

AP Photo/Peter Kramer

#76 Ralph Lauren (nyse: RL - news - people )

$4.7 billion
Source: fashion

Clothing connoisseur grew up in the Bronx; first job at Brooks Brothers. Left business school to design ties for Beau Brummel 1967. Launched Polo later that year with $50,000. Sold 28% of company to Goldman Sachs (nyse: GS - news - people ) 1994 for $138 million; public 3 years later. Shares up 40% since January. Today classic designs span men's and women's clothing, luggage, furniture, fragrances; an outfitter for U.S. Olympic team. Collects European cars, including Bugatti, Bentley, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Porsche (other-otc: PSEPF.PK - news - people ); assortment displayed at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts in 2005. Son David runs Polo advertising; daughter Dylan runs Manhattan candy store.

Complete List The Richest People In America

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