Ralph Lauren Takes Center Stage as Fashion’s Senior Designer
With the passing of Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren has emerged as the oldest major working fashion designer in the world. At 85 years old, Lauren is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with his brand enjoying a level of health and sales not seen in decades. Shares for Ralph Lauren are up by 35% this year, and annual sales have reached $7.1 billion (£1.25 billion), reflecting an impressive 8% growth in 2025.
A Glamorous Show Kicks Off Fashion Week
On the inaugural evening of New York Fashion Week, Ralph Lauren hosted a remarkable show at his Madison Avenue design studio. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King mingled with Lauren’s family while Usher relaxed in the front row, sporting sunglasses. The atmosphere was elegantly festive, with champagne served on silver trays beneath sparkling chandeliers. In a tumultuous climate marked by social unrest, Ralph Lauren’s appealing vision of the American dream feels more enticing than ever.
Fashion Inspired by Coastal Elegance
The runway featured button-down shirts crafted from parachute silk, casually worn over swimwear with rolled-up sleeves. A striking tomato-red sundress, a slouchy cricket sweater paired with trousers, and long, delicate dresses adorned with spaghetti straps were all showcased. This collection evokes the exquisite wardrobe of a glossy Netflix lifestyle drama, set against the backdrop of an upscale East Coast beach house.
Storytelling Through Fashion
David Lauren, Ralph’s son and brand strategy lead, describes the essence of the brand: “a romantic story of how people want to live.” More than just a fashion designer, Ralph Lauren acts as a visual merchandiser of the American dream, skillfully crafting narratives that resonate with consumers.
The Appeal of Affordability
The resurgence of Ralph Lauren is not solely due to aspirational storytelling but also reasonable pricing. For instance, the sundress that Taylor Swift chose to announce her engagement had an accessible price tag of $318 (£235). While some luxury brands have overextended their pricing, pushing themselves out of reach for many consumers, Ralph Lauren’s affordable Polo handbags and timeless cable-knit sweaters are proving to be lucrative avenues for the brand.
Capitalizing on the Popularity of Tennis
Having dressed icons at major events like Wimbledon and the US Open for decades, Ralph Lauren has benefitted from the sport’s revived popularity. With tennis increasingly becoming an integral part of global sports culture, the brand’s visibility continues to soar.
A Tribute to Armani and Future Aspirations
At the end of the show, Ralph Lauren took a bow alongside his wife, Ricky, with fashion titan Anna Wintour applauding from the front row. Despite stepping down from American Vogue’s editorship, Wintour remains a definitive presence at New York Fashion Week. Both Lauren and fellow designer Michael Kors paid tribute to the late Giorgio Armani. Kors remarked on Armani’s significant influence on his career, reflecting on the first Armani jacket he purchased at the age of 19. Ralph Lauren acknowledged Armani’s unwavering vision and deep love for family, friends, and his homeland, underlining the values that make timeless fashion resonate.
