DALLAS, Aug 8, 2006/ FW/ --- Last month, Research & Markets, a marketing study group listed Polo Ralph Lauren as one of the fastest growing companies, with growth of at least 18% or higher. Today, the Polo Ralph Lauren reported a 66% increase in operating income and a 54% increase in its earnings per share for the first quarter of fiscal year 2007.

Net revenues for the first quarter of Fiscal 2007 increased 27% to $954 million compared to $752 million in the first quarter last year, thanks in part to the acquisition of its footwear license from Reebok and buying back its jeans business from Jones Apparel.

Excluding the impact of the footwear and Polo Jeans Co. acquisitions, net revenues still increased a decent 19%. Operating income, reflecting higher revenues and margin improvement, increased 66% to $133 million compared to $80 million last year.

Commenting on the stellar performance of his namesake company, Ralph Lauren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer attributed the success for the company’s ability to convey its vision clearly across all of their brands and in every product category, whether its menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, accessories or home.

That clarity of vision and passion was also translated on the catwalk last February, as Ralph Lauren presented his Fall 2006 collection, which is already available in stores.

Luxurious and easy-to-wear, the olive hued pullovers, cardigans, skirts and jackets are just what a woman would want. Ralph Lauren has his finger on the pulse of his clients as proven by the continuing high demand for the brand and its worldwide growth as evidence by the strong results this quarter.

He makes luxury a necessity. No wonder, Research & Markets listed Polo Ralph Lauren as one of the fastest growing luxury company worldwide.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren