The intimate, celeb-filled show reinforced the fact that no one does elegant Americana quite like Mr. Lauren.
After several seasons of presentations, Ralph Lauren returned to Milan with an intimate, salon-style presentation that felt less like a show and more like an invitation into a very well-appointed way of life. Set within the suitably grand yet reassuringly understated surroundings of Palazzo Ralph Lauren, the designer unveiled his fall 2026 collections for Purple Label and Polo Ralph Lauren. Brimming with the confidence of a man who knows precisely who he is for nearly sixty years, the 73 looks evoked a legacy as the custodian of American style. Reassuringly familiar and quietly aspirational, the show was preppy without pomposity, elegant without effort, and always worn rather than paraded.
As Lauren notes, it all began with a tie but, characteristically, it never stopped there. What followed was an entire worldview, expressed through clothes that understand tradition yet refuse to be constrained by it. This worldview can be seen in the front row — a celebrity-filled affair that spanned the generations. From classic faces like Tyson Beckford to newer friends of the brand like Henry Golding, Tom Hiddleston, and Nick Jonas to next-gen stars like Stranger Things’ Noah Schnapp and NCT’s Mark Lee, the Ralph Lauren man transcends time and location, united by a genteel sensibility.
As for the show itself, the presentation opened with Polo Ralph Lauren. Given Gen Z’s newfound propensity for the brand, the looks were classic American workwear and heritage staples gently but decisively nudged into the present. Utility pieces appeared in unexpected fabric combinations, while brushed wool knits and quilted outerwear took on deeper, more rugged hues and confident proportions. Tailoring relaxed its shoulders without losing its manners, proving that sophistication can, in fact, breathe. Accessories—heritage collection bags and alpine boots—provided a reassuring sense of grounding, as if ready for both city pavements and more romantic notions of the great outdoors.
Purple Label followed, and with it a masterclass in modern refinement. Here, American menswear icons were revisited with relaxed assurance: cashmere sport coats, double-faced finishes, and sculptural outerwear that balanced elegance with purpose. Handcrafted tailoring and eveningwear spoke in the quiet, confident language of true luxury—where detail is not declared, but discovered. Every stitch knows exactly why it is there.
Throughout both collections, handmade belt buckles and silver jewellery with turquoise accents—created in collaboration with Neil Zarama of the Chiricahua Apache Nation—added a tactile sense of heritage. Part of Ralph Lauren’s Authentic Makers program, the partnership celebrates traditional craftsmanship without freezing it in time, allowing heritage techniques to live comfortably in the present.
The evening ultimately captured the full expression of the Ralph Lauren menswear universe: familiar codes, refined sensibilities, and an unmistakable belief in style as a lived experience. Impeccably styled and quietly assured, it was a reminder that true elegance doesn’t shout—it endures and evolves, feeling fresh time and time again.
