If you are a fan of fashion, you may have heard of Greg Lauren, a designer who creates unique and distressed clothing for men and women. But did you know that he is also related to one of the most iconic fashion designers in the world, Ralph Lauren? In this article, we will explore the relationship between Greg and Ralph Lauren, and how they both built their own successful fashion empires.
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Who is Greg Lauren?
Greg Lauren was born on January 6, 1970, in New York City. He is the son of Jerry Lauren, who is the head of menswear for Ralph Lauren Corporation, and the nephew of Ralph Lauren himself. Greg grew up surrounded by style and fashion, but he also had other artistic interests. He studied art history at Princeton University, and became a successful painter. His paintings often depict heroes grappling with their own power, such as Batman or Superman. He also painted the cover art for three Batman comics, according to Wikipedia.
Greg also pursued an acting career, appearing in films such as Boogie Nights, The Wedding Planner, and Batman Forever. He played the role of Brett Nelson on The Young and the Restless, and had guest roles on several TV shows. However, he eventually found his true passion in fashion design.
How did Greg Lauren become a fashion designer?
Greg Lauren’s journey to fashion design started with an art project called “Alteration”, where he made iconic menswear garments out of paper. He sewed them himself, using paper from books, magazines, or newspapers. He wanted to explore his relationship to clothing, and how it shapes our identity and image. He also wanted to challenge the stereotypes and expectations that come with certain types of clothing, such as suits, hoodies, or track pants.
The paper clothing project led him to create real clothing that had the same aesthetic and concept. He launched his eponymous label in 2011, with a ready-to-wear collection for men and women. His designs are known for their eclectic and distressed look, combining different fabrics, textures, and styles. He often uses vintage military uniforms, denim, or leather as his materials, and adds details such as patches, buttons, or zippers. He also experiments with different silhouettes and proportions, creating oversized or asymmetrical pieces.
Greg Lauren’s clothing is not mass-produced or factory-made. He makes everything in his studio in Los Angeles, with a small team of artisans. He says that he wants to create clothing that is beautiful and enjoyable to wear, but also artistically meaningful and emotionally connected. His clothing has been worn by celebrities such as Kendrick Lamar, Ruby Rose, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams.
What is Greg Lauren’s relationship with Ralph Lauren?
Greg Lauren is very close with his uncle Ralph Lauren, who has been a mentor and an inspiration for him. He says that he learned a lot from Ralph about style, quality, and aesthetics. He also admires Ralph’s vision and creativity in creating a global brand that represents an ideal American lifestyle.
However, Greg also says that he has his own voice and identity as a designer. He does not want to be compared or contrasted with his uncle, or to be seen as a continuation of his legacy. He says that he respects Ralph’s work, but he also wants to express his own artistic vision and message through his clothing.
Greg says that Ralph supports him in his endeavors, and that they have a mutual respect and admiration for each other. They also share a love for family and tradition. Greg married actress Elizabeth Berkley in 2003 in a Jewish ceremony in Mexico. They have a son named Sky Cole Lauren, who was born in 2012.
Conclusion
Greg Lauren is a talented and innovative fashion designer who has carved his own niche in the industry. He is related to Ralph Lauren by blood and by name, but he also has his own style and philosophy. He creates clothing that is artistic and emotional, as well as wearable and enjoyable. He is part of a fashion dynasty that spans generations and continents.
