September 11, 2025 |
Minimal, sexy, and unexpected, it was an ode to the duality of women.
September always feels like a return to reality and what could be more real than an office building in the middle of Manhattan? For Ralph Lauren, instead of bringing the fashion set out east to the Hamptons or downtown to a Tribeca gallery, the brand’s corporate headquarters served as the setting for the spring 2026 show. The choice was deliberate – a move designed to place the focus squarely on the clothes being presented. As such, the intimate space was pared back compared to prior seasons with a sweeping staircase, white walls, black floors and matching black wicker chandeliers swaying overhead.
And focus we did indeed. Set to the sounds of eee gee’s cover of The Bee Gee’s More Than a Woman, the show opened with a slouchy pair of black trousers worn with a tiny bralette and a long white coat accented with sculptural silver jewelry. Sharp and sexy, the look embodied what the show notes described as the vision for the upcoming season: strong yet sensual for the woman who is both a dreamer and doer. She wants tailored to perfection trousers and blazers, remixed with unexpected twists whether it be capris, overalls, a jaunty tie, or the tiniest, abdominal baring tops.
With a stark palette of black, white and red, it was minimal and modern. Drawing from a history of menswear for women there were belted jackets, utility shirts, trenches, vests, and crisp shirt dresses. Balloon trousers, arguably the biggest trend of summer 2025, seem to be going nowhere as one of the looks featured a black pair that cinched at the ankles. And while this all could be interpreted as severe and serious, it wasn’t – there were moments of whimsy thrown into the mix. After that little black bra opener? A corseted red dress topped with a giant floppy hat followed by a slew of similar toppers. For Lauren, that finishing touch adds a sense of romantic mystery – a modern day Carmen Sandiego, jaunting off to far flung destinations to perhaps indulge in some mischief.
Mischief is best done at night and as such Lauren offered up plenty of evening options at the end of the show. From a molded leather bustier tucked into a sweeping pleated white skirt to a 90s-inspired cropped baby tee worn over a low slung sequin skirt to a one-shouldered white silk gown with billowy train, it was a fresh take on red carpet dressing. Imbued with ease, you could easily imagine this woman tossing off her shoes and commanding the dance floor at a stuffy black tie gala.
Speaking of red carpets, being that this is a Ralph Lauren show, the front row was packed with famous faces. With five Oscar winning actresses in attendance (that would be Oprah, Laura Dern, Naomi Watts, Jessica Chastain and Ariana DeBose), they were in good company seated alongside Usher, Maggie Rogers, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra. But the real celebrity of the night? The designer himself, who garnered a standing ovation as he took his bow. After all, it’s not New York Fashion Week without Ralph Lauren.
Photography courtesy of Ralph Lauren.
