The name has never meant much to me and I've certainly never owned (or even, as far as I recall seen) any of his clothing.  But I did read a reference during an idle moment the other evening that Woody Allen had worn one of his plaid shirts (expensive).  There was an accompanying photograph.  Not a name to conjure with in Ivy League circles, I feel certain, yet if Woody wore his clothing...  where does that leave us? 
It seems it wasn't all down to Ralph Lauren.