
Adventure found its way into the heart of Manhattan this season as Ralph Lauren unveiled his Autumn 2026 collection. Surrounded by a select group of guests in the Clock Tower building, the American label transformed the Jack Shainman Gallery into a dreamlike vision of the English countryside. Hand-painted pastoral canvases lined the walls and opulent Persian rugs covered the floor to create an atmosphere of rugged romance.
Gigi Hadid led the way on the runway, opening the display in a wool corseted top and a column maxi skirt accentuated by a silver chain belt. The designer noted that he loves the adventure of fashion and that this collection is inspired by the confidence of the woman who will wear it in her own personal way. “She respects the timeless quality of things from the past but reinvents them for now,” he explains in the show notes.
A long, languid silhouette dominated the proceedings, occasionally interrupted by shorter hemlines and demonstrative belts defining the waist. From the front row, Anne Hathaway, Lili Reinhart and Ariana DeBose watched from antique-style chairs as models strutted past in a deft fusion of tailoring and vintage flair. Lana Del Rey brought her own unique energy to the event alongside her husband, Jeremy Dufrene, as they took in a rich, earthy palette laced with metallic embroideries.

An artful deception appeared when what looked like nubby Donegal tweed was revealed to be a sensuous, body-contouring knitted cashmere. A metallic glimmer surfaced in various forms, including brooches pinned to lush wool cloaks and chainmail tops peeking out from underneath tweed jackets. A leopard-print shearling jacket made an impression with a structured back bubble created by a hidden crinoline layer, while one reversible short jacket flipped from shearling pile to a crackled metallic foil over a cashmere sweater.

Handcraft was a primary focus, with multiple rounds of glass-bead fringing and painted leather-strip appliqué used to realise delicate, artful tops. Over fifty custom materials were featured, including velvets, jacquards and arresting scarf prints. A particular thistle-hued silk velvet dress featured hand-smocking and bugle beads, though its femininity was challenged by a rather oversized herringbone jacket. Shimmering details also appeared in the form of micro-sequinned columns, over-printed in flocked velvet to create a moody effect. An open-back velvet gown required double dyeing in brown and dark blue to achieve its mesmerising luminescence.
Accessorising remained bold, with riding boots and embroidered velvet slippers grounding the looks. The newly introduced mini crossbody Ralph bag added depth to the styling, while the new Deco Lock clutch featured a chain handle that rested on the hand exactly like a bracelet. Every design celebrates a woman who is fearless in her pursuit of adventure while staying true to herself.
Discover the collection here.
photography. courtesy of Getty Images for Ralph Lauren
words. Gennaro Costanzo



































































































































































































































































































































































