Designer Ralph Lauren put romance in the spotlight at New York Fashion Week, closing the show by taking a bow with his wife of more than 60 years, Ricky Lauren.
The designer described the collection as an “irreverent take on romance”, and there was plenty of the American brand’s fashion calling cards on the runway.
Menswear-inspired tailoring, slinky evening dresses, cableknit sweaters, denim and straw hats all permeated the catwalk – the kind of easy, preppy style that Lauren has become known for since setting up his brand in 1967.
But the details were all about romance, with ruffles, lace detailing, floral corsages and feathers sprinkled throughout.
Although Ralph Lauren wasn’t on the New York Fashion Week (NYFW) schedule this season – which technically kicks off with Diane von Furstenberg’s show on Thursday morning – it took place that night before, serving as an unofficial opening for the fashion extravaganza. And it served as the launch for this season’s spring/summer 2027 fashion month as a whole, with New York soon to be followed by fashion weeks in London, Milan and Paris.
While there was plenty of Ralph Lauren’s brand DNA on the catwalk, that wasn’t to say it was a stale collection. Instead, the label brought a lightness to the clothes with unexpected elements – including playful geometric patterns, puffed Eighties-style shoulders and midriff-baring crop tops worn with low-slung trousers or skirts.
Really leaning into the theme of the collection, there were even outfits that looked to be inspired by the fashion of the New Romantics – think trailing scarves, ruffled collars, statement gold jewellery and waistcoats.
It wouldn’t be a Ralph Lauren show without a few gowns, and this season, the brand showcased shimmering dresses made from metallic chiffon, giving an almost liquid-like effect. With the Emmy Awards taking place in Los Angeles on Monday, it’s not out of the question that we might see a famous face walking the red carpet in one of these brand-new creations.
The colour scheme was predominantly neutral, with splashes of jewel-toned blues and pinks throughout. The heritage label emphasised wearability rather than shock value – in few other fashion week shows will you see quite so many models wearing flat shoes – and the beauty looks were clean and fresh, with minimal make-up and hair kept loose and flowing.
In an industry that’s often focused on provocation to stand out from the crowd, Ralph Lauren shows that reinvention is still possible without losing your DNA – even after nearly 60 years in the business.
Lauren said the collection was about “ways of dressing that celebrate ingenuity, character, and originality – the freedom and fun of creating a style that is truly personal”.
And celebs were out on force on the front row to celebrate Ralph Lauren’s spring/summer 2027 collection.
Hollywood actor Viola Davis – one of the few to achieve Egot status (making her an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winner) – donned a classically preppy Ralph Lauren look for the show: a grey cableknit turtleneck vest paired with a brown leather skirt and boots.
Meanwhile, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo leaned into the New Romantics inspiration, wearing an all-black outfit made up of a military-style jacket with flared trousers and a beret.
Australian actor Elizabeth Debicki put the focus on the brand’s masculine-inspired tailoring for her front row appearance, donning a slouchy olive suit complete with a matching tie and trench coat.
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