The Timeless Elegance of Ralph Lauren
ft. NYFW Spring/Summer 2025 Runway Show
On September 5th, the luxury brand Ralph Lauren was one of the first companies to kick off New York Fashion Week with their chic runway show. Located outside of Manhattan, at a 19-acre horse farm in Lauren’s beloved Bridgehampton, the brand showcased their three collections: Ralph Lauren Collection, Purple Label, and Polo Ralph Lauren (for men, women, and children) to an exclusive group of celebrities and close confidantes of the designer. Lauren specifically chose The Hamptons as the location for the show because of his fond memories of the area, claiming the popular destination as his ‘home away from home.’
Ralph Lauren has had quite a busy summer already, with the brand outfitting Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, a title they’ve had since 2008 and will continue have until 2028. The classiness and sportsmanship reflected in the brand have proven to be a perfect representation of America and its athletes.
In preparation for NYFW, I compiled a list of the brands I was most excited to see on the runway and the ones I thought I’d visually enjoy the most. Ironically, Ralph Lauren was not on this said list, yet after extensive scrolling through every runway look of theirs, they immediately climbed to the very top.
The simplicity of their Spring 2025 collection is charming and captures Lauren’s authentic and pure love for fashion, family, and New York. It is obvious that the line drew inspiration from The Hamptons location, with visible muses of the beach, seaside, and architecture. To quote directly from the RL website, inspiration was derived from the “eclectic romance and rugged elegance found in the beachside towns.”
Beyond the fashion show, Lauren brought an installment of the iconic Manhattan Polo Bar to The Hamptons for all guests to enjoy after the show, as well as his personal collection of automobiles to admire on the estate.
I also enjoyed how the show had a more intimate feel, likely due to the location. The origins of family that Ralph Lauren hoped to have come alive in this line was warmly present at the show. Several celebrities were in attendance including Jude Law, Jill Biden, Laura Dern, Usher, Tom Hiddleston, Naomi Watts, Colman Domingo (one of my very favorite modern fashion icons), and Natalia Bryant, among others.
However, perhaps the most popular celebrities were the ones who walked the catwalk, including esteemed models Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington. Both women have a history with Ralph Lauren and had the opportunity to walk out individually, and together holding hands.
Another famous face was Lucky Blue Smith, a veteran model and the husband of the social media sensation Nara Smith.
Other Favorite RL Looks
Regardless of who was modeling, each individual was tailored to perfection in crisp and refined Ralph Lauren clothing. Here are some of my favorite looks from the night of September 5th, I found myself especially loving the incorporation of children walking the runway, guided by other models, as well as the mix of both upscale and relaxed outfitting.
At 84 years old, Ralph Lauren has spent decades curating a luxury, timeless style that reflects the American dream above all. The careful consideration into each look is obvious and reasons with the creative genius Ralph truly is. The legacy of the Ralph Lauren brand will be alive for centuries to come. I am already looking forward to see what he has in store in February for Fall/Winter 2025!
Thank you for reading!
- Lily