The older brother of iconic fashion designer Ralph Lauren has died aged 93.
Leonard Lauren, known as Lenny, passed away at his condo in Palm Beach, Florida on Saturday, sources told TMZ.
A memo circulated to residents in his building called Lenny a ‘beloved fixture in the community whose presence touched nearly everyone.’
He was described as ‘dapper, elegant, and impeccably attired – a man with a kind word for all, a prodigious memory, and a gift for storytelling.’
Residents mentioned that his death leaves the building and community ‘diminished,’ noting he ‘was the uncommon type of person who excelled in his field and made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.’
Lenny was a former Vice President of Ralph Lauren and had also served on boards including the National Humane Society and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
The older brother of iconic fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Leonard Lauren, has died aged 93 – pictured left with Ralph in 2001
Leonard Lauren, known as Lenny, passed away at his condo in Palm Beach, Florida on Saturday – pictured in 2011
Lenny is pictured at one of his final public appearances in November 2024
He split his time between Palm Beach, Westchester, NY and the Hamptons.
His funeral will take place Tuesday in New York City.
Lenny is survived by his children Beth Lauren and her husband Michael Lengel, and Susan Faust and her husband Phillip Faust, along with two grandchildren, Taylor and Brandon Faust, per WWD.
He is also survived by his two brothers, Ralph, 85, and Jerry, 90. His older sister Thelma predeceased him. Lenny’s wife, Rene, also predeceased him in 2009.
Philanthropist, author and advocate Jean Shafiroff posted on Instagram on Monday: ‘Lenny Lauren was a kind and caring man — and always a true gentleman. He was the beloved older brother [of] @ralphlauren. I had the highest respect for him.
‘I send my condolences to his wonderful family. Palm Beach will not be the same without Lenny Lauren.’
Born Lenny Lifshitz in 19232 in the Bronz, Lenny later changed his surname to Lauren like his brothers.
After serving in the US Army after college, he began work in the packaging industry, working with luxury jewelry clients such as Seiko, Tiffany and Cartier.
Lenny (L) is pictured with brothers Ralph (center) and Jerry (R) in 2001
Lenny is seen left with brother Jerry and Aaron Boone in 2018
He was described as ‘dapper, elegant, and impeccably attired – a man with a kind word for all, a prodigious memory, and a gift for storytelling’ – pictured 2012 with Bryant Gumbel and Hilary Quinlan
Lenny is survived by his two brothers Ralph, 85, and Jerry, 90 – pictured 2001
He later worked for his brother, fashion designer Ralph.
Known for his ‘engaging and social personality’, Lenny, now retired from Ralph Lauren, was also a passionate golfer.
