Ralph Lauren doesn't use famous people to promote his eponymous label because "he's the celebrity".
Ralph Lauren
The iconic American designer believes the "integrity of the brand" sells itself so he avoids paying celebrities to advertise his products.
When asked why he doesn't use celebrity endorsements by GQ magazine, he said: "Why? Because I feel I'm the celebrity, I'm not embarrassed about that. I became the celebrity. It's Ralph Lauren.
"You come in to buy Ralph Lauren; you're not coming in to buy someone else. Yes, it's nice for people to love your clothes, and lots of guys like the clothes and I'm thrilled they like it and they have great taste, but I don't believe in celebrity.
"I believe in the integrity of being a brand; the name is on the door and that's the company. If someone wants to wear my clothes to a party, I don't pay them. I'd rather give them to them."
Although the 79-year-old fashion legend doesn't like celebrity endorsements, he does think some stars would be a good fit for Ralph Lauren, in particular David Beckham.
He said: "There are some celebrities I like - David Beckham is a good guy, I think. I don't know him very well but I like what I see. But the brand has to be about me. Sometimes you miss things. Sometimes you go off in the wrong direction.
"I mean, I think I've been slow in China. You maybe hire the wrong CEO. You miss a few, it does happen, but then you get back if you're good. If you're there because it's a fluke, you don't get back. You don't get back unless you really work for it and I believe that.
"I work hard. I like what I'm doing and I check myself and I try to really know what I'm doing and I know I'm not going to know everything. I'm a big believer in people."
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