Ralph Lauren returned to the world of physical fashion events Tuesday with his first runway show since 2019. To do this, he transformed one of the galleries of the New York Museum of Modern Art into an intimate living room. Rows of seats have been replaced by inviting coffee tables and crisp white banquettes, making the atmosphere less of a grand brand experience and more of a face-to-face, private gathering.
Although the US still has a long way to go to catch up with the European luxury sector and compete with the craftsmanship of Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Chanel, Ralph Lauren is the epitome of American luxury and sophisticated fashion.
Ralph Lauren’s close ties to the sport of polo have given the brand an unparalleled identity and global reach. The dilution of brand equity from outlet merchandise and discount logo shirts hasn’t hurt sales or its affluent customer base.
Enduring style
The AW22 show featured both menswear and womenswear, opening the show by Gigi Hadid in a preppy v-neck jumper with the RL logo, a button down shirt and a pair of two-tone classic shoes. The blazer was a key element of the collection and was shown in single and double breasted versions, a variety of checked and striped versions, but also in equestrian style and elegant evening versions. The tuxedo jacket remains a Ralph Lauren trademark, as does the fine wool.
The collection played with a black and white color palette that reflects Lauren’s vision of elegance and nostalgia, and is intended for well-dressed and sophisticated people who prefer timeless fashion to ephemeral fashion trends.
Guests sat on furniture found in Lauren’s 5th Avenue apartment – like the steel-tipped Art Deco chairs, the snow-white couches, and the black-and-white photographs that adorn the walls of both his apartments and his stores .
The enduring appeal of Ralph Lauren – who is now 82 years old and has been in the business for six decades – is that he knows his customer base intimately and never strays from his distinctive style.
This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Karenita Haalck