Ralph Lauren has always been synonymous with timeless American luxury, and his Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection is a powerful reminder of why his vision endures. Unfolding against the resplendent backdrop of the Jack Shainman Gallery’s new TriBeCa flagship—an architectural marvel with its 29-foot-high molded coffered ceilings—the show was an intimate celebration of craftsmanship, romanticism, and a spirited play between ruggedness and refinement.
Outside, a star-studded crowd gathered—Anne Hathaway, Naomi Watts, Michelle Williams, and others, their presence adding an extra sparkle to the already glamorous afternoon. Inside, Lauren crafted a world where Victorian romanticism met modern sensibility, a vision he fittingly titled Modern Romantics.
A Confident New Romantic
Lauren’s Fall 2025 woman is confident, whimsical, and utterly herself. She does not dress by rules but by emotions—moving effortlessly between masculine and feminine, rugged and refined. “She can aspire to be anyone she wishes to be through my clothes,” Ralph Lauren shared with WWD, underscoring the storytelling spirit that defines his collections.
This season’s narrative began with a striking Edwardian frilled white shirt, secured with an ornate brooch, paired with a hand-distressed brown leather jacket and tailored balloon pants, tucked stylishly into leather boots. The look instantly set the tone: a deft blend of old-world romance and youthful defiance.
Heritage With a Modern Twist
Throughout the collection, Lauren showcased his deep understanding of heritage codes, while pushing them forward with hand-done techniques and artisanal details. A highlight was the airbrushed corded paisley belted blazer paired with a pleated maxi skirt, exuding a soft, lived-in vintage charm.
Another standout was the degrade leather aviator jacket, treated by hand-brushed methods, ensuring no two pieces are alike—a celebration of individuality in a world of mass production.
Romantic frills and dark gothic undertones intertwined seamlessly. Jabots—those dandy neck adornments—peeked out from beneath black sweaters and were pinned beneath riding coats and evening jackets, while a sensational ivory panné velvet halter dress, featuring a dramatic back, paid homage to Victorian glamour with a fresh, modern twist.
Eveningwear Reinvented
Lauren has long mastered the art of the glamorous evening look, and Fall 2025 was no exception. Departing from heavy sequins and beads, he opted for bohemian ruffles, belted jackets over pleated chiffon maxi skirts, and dramatic laser-cut leather bustier jackets.
A memorable moment was Mona Tougaard’s exit in an off-white taffeta shirtdress with delicate lace insets—an effortless piece that feels as suited to the stage of a country music awards show (hello, Kacey Musgraves!) as it does to a Parisian evening out.
For those seeking a quieter kind of glamour, Lauren offered a sequined sweater with a beaded floral motif worn over black tailored trousers, inspired by a 1980s campaign featuring Clotilde Holby. Nostalgia, but never old-fashioned—this collection was a love letter to Lauren’s own history while firmly planted in the now.
The Importance of Storytelling
Ralph Lauren remains one of fashion’s greatest storytellers. “Every collection has a story that allows me to build a setting and bring the collection to life, like a movie,” he explained. With Fall 2025, he transported us to a world that is at once romantic, adventurous, and beautifully wearable.
As he moves into 2025, fresh off the successes of his 2024 runway shows and global appearances at the Olympics and Wimbledon, Lauren proves that innovation and heritage can—and should—coexist. His Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection is not just clothing; it’s a portrait of the modern woman: multifaceted, free-spirited, and endlessly inspiring.
And judging by the glint in the eyes of guests as they departed into the crisp Manhattan afternoon, Ralph Lauren’s modern romantics have struck a perfect chord.
Written by Riaan Kleyan, Fashion Expert
