Ralph Lauren may have skipped the official New York Fashion Week calendar this February, but the iconic American fashion house made a resounding return with a romantic and bold Fall/Winter 2025 collection. Presented off-schedule in Tribeca, New York City, the show was aptly titled “Modern Romantics”—a fitting name for a lineup that merged 18th-century elegance with contemporary edge.
The brand’s 85-year-old founder, Ralph Lauren—still serving as executive chairman and chief creative officer—infused this season’s womenswear with an aura of poetic nostalgia. Think Mr. Darcy meets downtown Manhattan.
A Twist on Americana
While the collection maintained Ralph Lauren’s signature Americana roots, it ventured into surprisingly whimsical and romantic terrain. Flowing blouses traced with ruffles, sheer floral dresses, and dandy-inspired silhouettes brought a vintage charm to the runway. These were offset by structured elements—camel moto jackets, wide belts, and leather riding boots—that rooted the dreamy designs in the modern world.
One striking juxtaposition: romantic white ruffled tops tucked under rugged outerwear and accented with neckties, a trend dominating streetwear and runways alike.
Tailoring & Texture
Beyond the ethereal, Lauren brought his signature sharpness. Tailored suiting, leather bustiers, and dramatic fur coats offered edge and structure. Belts were particularly noteworthy, styled in a variety of widths and buckle styles—punctuating outfits from soft to severe.
The palette remained largely muted, leaning into deep blacks, camel tones, and rich jewel hues, while textures ranged from delicate chiffon to robust wool and polished leather.
Archive-Inspired Moments
Ralph Lauren also leaned into nostalgia. A standout moment was a hand-beaded floral sweater, directly inspired by a 1980s campaign featuring model Clotilde Holby. According to the brand’s press release, this was a deliberate callback to one of Ralph Lauren’s most iconic archival pieces.
Front Row Star Power
The front row was packed with A-listers, offering as much glamour as the runway itself. Anne Hathaway, Michelle Williams (fresh off her press tour for Dying for Sex), Andra Day, Anna Wintour, Sarah Catherine Hook (The White Lotus Season 3), and Ryan Destiny were all in attendance, seated elbow-to-elbow for the intimate showcase.
