Designer Ralph Lauren put romance in the spotlight at New York Fashion Week, closing the show by taking a bow alongside his wife of more than 60 years, Ricky Lauren.
The collection was described by the designer as an “irreverent take on romance”, featuring many of the American label’s familiar fashion calling cards on the runway.
Menswear-inspired tailoring, slinky evening dresses, cableknit sweaters, denim and straw hats all appeared on the catwalk — reflecting the easy, preppy style that Lauren has been known for since founding his brand in 1967.
Delicate details brought the romantic theme to life, with ruffles, lace accents, floral corsages and feathers woven throughout the collection.
Although Ralph Lauren was not on the official New York Fashion Week (NYFW) schedule — which technically begins with Diane von Furstenberg’s show on Thursday morning — the presentation took place the night before as an unofficial kickoff. It served as the opening for the spring/summer 2027 fashion month, which moves from New York to fashion weeks in London, Milan and Paris.
While the brand’s signature identity remained clear on the catwalk, the collection felt far from stale. A lightness was introduced through unexpected design details, including playful geometric patterns, puffed Eighties-style shoulders and midriff-baring crop tops teamed with low-slung trousers or skirts.
Fully embracing the romantic concept, several outfits drew inspiration from New Romantics style, showcasing trailing scarves, ruffled collars, statement gold jewellery and waistcoats.
Gowns remain a staple of Ralph Lauren shows, and this season featured shimmering dresses crafted from metallic chiffon to create an almost liquid effect. With the Emmy Awards taking place in Los Angeles on Monday, these new designs could well make an appearance on the red carpet.
The colour scheme was largely neutral, punctuated by splashes of jewel-toned blues and pinks. The heritage label favoured wearability over shock value — featuring an unusual number of flat shoes on the catwalk — while beauty looks were clean and fresh with minimal make-up and loose hair.
In an industry often focused on provocation, Ralph Lauren demonstrated that reinvention is achievable without sacrificing brand DNA, even after nearly 60 years in the business.
Lauren noted that the collection focused on “ways of dressing that celebrate ingenuity, character, and originality – the freedom and fun of creating a style that is truly personal”.
Front row celebrity guests gathered in force to celebrate the unveiling of 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.
