The best and most star-studded moments from Ralph Lauren’s New York Fashion Week Show

Stage your fashion show at your own headquarters has a quiet flex. And Ralph Lauren reminded everyone that more than 50 years later his brand is still at the forefront of American fashion stories. In the spring of 2026, the designer stripped it all. There was no towering background in the theater either. Just white walls, cozy sofas, cool stairs – on an architectural runway designed inside the flagship of the brand Madison Avenue, put your clothes first and let the legacy speak for itself.

This collection was a masterclass in elegant skin-covering silhouettes, an expert who easily tailored a cool suit (like a white polo coat polished over a bra), a red, white and black color palette. There were trousers covered in the ankles of an airy balloon, stretch leather screws, and pops of floral and striped with a retro twist. (Taylor Swift, are you taking notes?)

Plus, Ralph’s signature was confident that he borrowed from Boy. The branded DNA pulsated through every look, especially in the finale. There, evening wear arrived with relaxed elegance and eye-catching glitter.

But it wasn’t just clothes that stole the show. The audience is the iconic constellations (Oprah! Ausher! Priyanka! Naomi!), each tells the story of their own Ralph Lauren Origin. And fortunately, people had front row seats.

Read some of the show’s best moments and interviews.

1. Oprah converted to Ralph Lauren’s influence

When asked to explain Ralph in a word, Oprah, 71, attended the brand with his best friend Gale King, answered without hesitation.

“It’s timeless,” she told the reporter’s pool on the show. “He is the ultimate master at enhancing life and lifestyle for people. That’s what I think he’s always represented for me.”

She shared that her first splurge was on the set of Ralph Lauren towels. She also places the labels on top of the rotation inside today’s closet.

“I still have red suede boots I bought 20 years ago,” she shared. “I still have Ralph Lauren suede cargo pants. I love cargo,” she said.

2. Mindy Culling praises Ralph from the American Dream

Wearing a belted wrap blazer and an impressive metallic suit, Mindy Curling shared how the brand shaped the American dream of her immigrant family.

“For me, Polo Ralph Lauren means American dreams like you’ve made, especially for my dad,” she told people at the event. “He’s an Indian immigrant. He’s mostly wearing polos. That’s something I really inherited from him.”

She also believes that she helped the 2019 HBO documentary, very much Ralph, to be familiar with her business.

“I learned a lot from how he works with his family. He’s not just an icon. He’s one of America’s great people.”

When it comes to her personal style, the 46-year-old Kaling is leaning towards a more refined neutral.

“My 30s were all prints and confusion. Right now I’m into black and white and neutral. I’m mature.

3. Asher drips down on the emerald

The musician, who has a long history with Ralph Lauren, told people that every new collection “feels like history,” including the brand’s TK fragrance.

“It’s timeless fashion, elegance and heritage,” he shared. “My son is obsessed with polo. It’s always coming back. He wants to be what we were in the 90s.”

He also nodded to the “amazing” look of his wife Jennifer Goikochair and debuted some new helix ear piercings with megacarat emerald earrings.

“Do you like these emeralds? They’re amazing… I know it’s extremely painful to get these things done, but sometimes you have to hurt what you have.”

4. I went down the runway and descended

The exaggerated wide sun hat definitely packed some decorative drama. According to the brand, it paired with a chic shirt dress and precise tailoring to add a “touch of romantic mystery” to its collection. And there’s no doubt they’ll be the whole style set in Capri next year.

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5. A-listers United

Jessica Chastain casually chatted with Laura Dern and Naomi Watts. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have been chic-tuned to their peak appearance. Ariana Debose, Katherine Langford, Kaling and Ausher took part in the front row mix with star power from the Vanity Fair Oscars party.

The energy was relaxing, fun and celebratory. Perfect atmosphere to kick off NYFW.

6. Ralph and Ricky take the final bow

After a standing ovation, Ralph Lauren took his final bow and was joined by his wife, Ricky Lauren, who has been with him for over 60 years. The crowd rose and rose for good reason. This wasn’t just the end of the show. This reminded me of Ralph’s long-standing commitment to building a brand rooted in personal history, family and fashion that never falls outside of style.