<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0001037038
<NAME> POLO RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAR-31-2001
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 79,433
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<RECEIVABLES> 243,988
<ALLOWANCES> 17,751
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<PP&E> 557,247
<DEPRECIATION> 251,123
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<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 449,276
<BONDS> 322,743
0
0
<COMMON> 1,005
<OTHER-SE> 725,867
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,599,145
<SALES> 950,537
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,073,514
<CGS> 570,834
<TOTAL-COSTS> 570,834
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 553,588
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 13,288
<INCOME-PRETAX> (64,196)
<INCOME-TAX> (25,358)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (38,838)
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<NET-INCOME> (38,838)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.40)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.40)
</TABLE>