Ralph Lauren is undeniably having a significant moment. Fresh off being crowned women’s wear designer of the year at the 2025 Council of Fashion Designers of America awards, his brand also defined the holiday season with ‘A Ralph Lauren Christmas.’ Furthermore, the vintage Aspen-inspired ensembles created for the U.S. Olympic team were hailed as some of the most striking at the Milan-Cortina Games’ opening ceremony.
Lauren’s distinctive cinematic worldview – characterized by its polished refinement, luxurious settings, and unwavering belief in mythical aristocratic ideals – increasingly provides a unique form of comforting attire. Therefore, it was hardly surprising that for his Fall 2026 show, he delved even deeper into another facet of the vast Ralph Lauren universe, a brand now nearly 60 years old with as many intricate stories as a cinematic saga.
The grandeur of the Clock Tower Building’s bank hall in Lower Manhattan was completely transformed. Its towering marble Corinthian columns and ornate coffered ceiling became a majestic woodland retreat, reminiscent of Balmoral Castle magically transported to TriBeCa. The floor was adorned with 36 sprawling, subtly aged Oriental rugs, while the walls showcased hand-painted vistas of windswept forests. Seating arrangements, including benches and armchairs, were upholstered in luxurious tweed, tapestry, tartan, and beautifully aged, cracked leather.
The front row boasted stars like Anne Hathaway, fresh from ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2,’ Morgan Spector of ‘The Gilded Age,’ and the ever-stylish Lana Del Rey. Given the ambiance, it wouldn’t have been a shock if a magnificent stag had unexpectedly graced the runway.
What truly emerged were rugged, knee-high riding boots seemingly plucked from Robin Hood’s wardrobe, paired with exquisite, supple brown leather corsets. Tailored tapestry jackets, evoking Scarlett O’Hara’s resourceful gown from curtains, were showcased alongside intricate paisley ties and cravats. Rich, woody tweeds dominated, and jackets featured elegant peplums and subtly dramatic leg o’ mutton sleeves.
A striking royal blue velvet dress was accessorized with a studded leather neck circlet. Another look featured a halter-neck gown with an attached chain-mail capelet and a leather horseshoe belt artfully draped around the hips. A hooded chain-mail tunic shimmered with crystal embellishments. The overall impression blended elements of Maid Marian, Arthurian legend, and perhaps even a touch of Guinevere on a stylish outing at the Carlyle.
Ralph Lauren has consistently carved his own path in fashion, unwavering in his commitment to a romanticized vision of American history and style, regardless of prevailing trends. While this approach can occasionally feel nostalgic or out of sync – with some garments recalling past collections – it also represents a powerful statement of enduring faith and quiet subversion.
In an era where a flashy, imitation-gilded ‘nouveau riche’ aesthetic often dominates public perception, Lauren presents a distinctly different narrative. He paints a picture where the legendary elegance of Camelot could seamlessly merge with the quiet sophistication of Bedford, his country home, embodying a sense of timeless promise for both yesterday and tomorrow.