100. RALPH LAUREN

$6.3 BILLION  SELF-MADE SCORE: ( SOURCE: RALPH LAUREN AGE: 80 RESIDENCE: NEW YORK CITY PHILANTHROPY SCORE:

Born Ralph Lifshitz, Lauren’s first job was working at the department store Alexander’s in high school. After serving in the U.S. Army, he sold ties at Brooks Brothers before launching his Polo line of ties in 1967

(pictured above). Earlier this year his firm Ralph Lauren, which has $6.3 billion in sales, became one of 32 major fashion and textile companies to sign a “fashion pact” pledging to reduce their impact on the environment. In June, Lauren was bestowed with an honorary knighthood by Prince Charles, a first for an American designer.