Meet Ralph Lauren’s daughter, Dylan Lauren – founder of Dylan’s Candy Bar: the confectionery queen was inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and her dad’s fashion designs | South China Morning Post

The mum of Cooper Blue and Kingsley Rainbow Arrouet studied art history at Duke and founded her candy empire in 2001; the shops offer 7,000 candies including allergen-free alternatives

Born the youngest of three children in New York City to Ricky Ann Loew-Beer and Ralph Lauren, Dylan, 50, grew up with a sweet tooth.

“When I was a child, I remember watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the cinema, and I have been an admiring fan ever since,” she said in an interview with Teen Vogue.

The whimsical world of Willy Wonka never left young Dylan Lauren’s mind. She began searching for confectionery stores that captured the magic of the Chocolate Factory but found them lacking. “There weren’t any candy stores in the US that were really fun and interactive; they all felt kind of dirty and unexciting,” she told About Time magazine.

After graduating from Duke University with a degree in art history, she decided to create her own version of the magical confectionery store and founded Dylan’s Candy Bar in 2001.

“In fact, the movie and the song ‘Pure Imagination’ inspired me to open Dylan’s Candy Bar and create a modern confectionery emporium that brings a sense of wonder and positivity to sweeten every day,” she told Teen Vogue. “From the art and pop culture aspect of our store to the vibrant decor and colourful touches – it all stems from me, loving this movie as a kid …”

Today, stepping into a Dylan’s Candy Bar is like experiencing an explosion of colour and creativity, reflecting her upbringing and the colour-filled sketches she observed while watching her father design clothes.