Fabric Development Research Intern

Position Overview

Our compensated 10-week Corporate RL Inspire Internship Program is designed to give rising senior undergraduate students a challenging, hands-on experience in the retail industry.

As an INSPIRE Inter n, you will...

ONBOARD: Kick off your journey with a dynamic orientation with your entire intern class

ENGAGE: Experience exclusive RL moments including our Executive Speaker Series

DEVELOP: Receive valuable coaching and real-time coaching and on-going feedback from your supervisor and Early Career Talent team

COLLABORATE: Strategize and execute a final, cross-functional group project with your fellow interns

IMPACT: Create meaningful change and volunteer with our Ralph Lauren Gives Back program

CONNECT: Enjoy social events and networking opportunities

We are seeking an enthusiastic and analytical-minded individual who is passionate about Ralph Lauren and eager to learn.

To be eligible for a US-based Ralph Lauren Internship position, applicants must:

• Attend college full-time in the United States and be entering your final semester or year of undergraduate studies with a graduation date of December 2026 or May 2027
• Authorized to work in the United States
• Able to work in an in-person or hybrid workplace environment arrangement
• Available the entire duration of the 10-week internship and reside within a commutable distance to one of our office locations (NY, NJ, NC). A housing stipend will be provided to help with travel and accommodations.

Candidates should only apply to one role. If a student’s experience aligns with multiple opportunities, the Early Careers team will ensure they’re considered accordingly.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The Fabric R&D Intern contributes to the seasonal concept and material development process, supporting creative and commercial initiatives from idea to execution. This position provides hands-on experience across all textile categories, insight into the full creative development cycle, and exposure to a global network of sourcing and development partners.​​

This position will be split between two locations: 650 Madison Avenue and Katonah, New York.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to Fall 2027 concept development through textile research and innovation.
• Support creation of fabric presentations aligned with seasonal design direction.
• Assist in developing seasonal color palettes, mood boards, and pattern concepts.
• Communicate with external suppliers to initiate, track, and execute development projects.
• Maintain and organize the fabric archive for both current and historical collections.
• Conduct research on the origins and stories of fabrics to support design storytelling.
• Collaborate with global R&D teams to support textile and wash developments.
• Provide organizational and logistical support for team presentations and internal reviews

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Curious, Creative & Organized
• Collaborative with a teachability/growth mindset
• ​Flexibility to commute to both Manhattan and Katonah, New York

Desired skills for all intern roles:

• Strong understanding and appreciation of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic, brand heritage, and the retail industry
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Strong writing and math skills; retail math a plus
• Highly organized and eager team player
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and deliver results with attention to detail
• Thinks strategically to seize opportunities and solve problems
• Active listener with strong communication; clearly communicates ideas, both written and verbally
• Ability to balance creativity with practicality
• A self-starter who excels in a dynamic, ever-changing environment and can switch gears as required
• Passionate about advancing a culture of belonging and equal opportunity
• Curious, desire to learn, innovative, forward-thinking, strong interpersonal skills

Ralph Lauren will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in a manner consistent with the requirements of the law, including any applicable fair chance laws.