The 76-year-old began in the business with men's ties under the company Polo almost 50 years ago, before designing a menswear line. He admits the British "non-fashion fashion" style was the muse behind the clothing line.
Speaking to The Times about the ideas behind Polo Ralph Lauren, he said: "I have always loved England because of the 'non-fashion fashion'.
"English style was one of my inspirations because it was not about fashion. You wear a sweater when gardening and put a patch on it and it looks great.
"When I first came to London I loved English clothes and I was shocked when I saw one time a lot of flashy clothes that didn't look like England.
"England was trying to look like something else. Now England looks like England."
"It doesn't matter who you are, I have something for you. I make clothes for all kinds of people."
Speaking about the name for the luxury brand, the philanthropist said: "I like sports and I couldn't call it baseball or basketball and I thought: 'Polo'. Although Americans didn't know what polo was really, people who go to polo matches are stylish people.
"So I thought the name was really good and then I added my name."
Despite signing over the chief executive role to Stefan Larsson last year, the creative mastermind is not ready to stop working.
The father of three - who has sons Andrew (47), David (44) and daughter Dylan (42) with his wife Ricky - said: "I just keep going. I still work hard every day. I do the same thing I have always done. I'm not ready to stop. I like what I do."
