LOGO


                                                                November 1, 1995


Mr. John D. Idol
225 Elderfields Road
Manhasset, New York  11030

Dear John:

            In conjunction with your promotion to the position of Group
President and COO with responsibility for Polo domestic licensing, Ralph Lauren
Home Collection and The Ralph Lauren Catalog Company, Inc., I am pleased to
confirm that effective September 11, 1995 the annual rate of your base salary
was increased by $100,000 (to $540,000). The calculation of your incentive bonus
remains unchanged.

Sincerely,

/s/ Michael J. Newman

Michael J. Newman
Vice Chairman


Agreed:



   /s/ John D. Idol
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John D. Idol