Success by design

"It's staggering; you've not only created a total concept of fashion and style, but by your consistency and integrity you've protected it, always reminding us of the best things in life," noted Audrey Hepburn as she presented Ralph Lauren with the first-ever CFDA lifetime achievement award in 1992.

The documentary film opens with these words.

Directed and produced by Susan Lacy, the film features testimonials from renowned figures like Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, Woody Allen, Hillary Clinton, Naomi Campbell, Jessica Chastain and Kanye West.

It recounts the fabled beginnings of a self-taught designer who, starting with neckties, meticulously crafted a fashion brand by bringing the cinematic vision of his own dream life to fruition step by step.

The premiere featured a drone show above the Bund as a prelude and invited a host of Chinese celebrities, including anchorwoman Yang Lan, multiple Olympic gold medalist Guo Jingjing, actresses Li Bingbing, Gao Yuanyuan and Liu Shishi, as well as actors Deng Chao, Stephen Fung and Bolin Chen.

David Lauren notes that the premiere was held to show their excitement for the Chinese market and allow people to know more about the passion and culture behind the brand.

"We often say that our purpose is to inspire the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style. And I see that this purpose, which we hold so dearly at Ralph Lauren, is very much alive here in China," says David Lauren.

"We want to get it right, to tell our story in a way that resonates with the Chinese people."