Ralph Lauren's FW26 Men's Runway Show Tied Its Past to the Present
A tapestry of the brands many expressions of authentic American style with a surprise appearance.
Summary
- Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2026 Milan show blended ’90s nostalgia with “timeless tradition,” featuring both Polo and Purple Label.
- The collection fused Ivy League prep, vintage Americana, and Indigenous craftsmanship, closing with iconic model Tyson Beckford.
Presenting his first menswear show in more than a decade, Ralph Lauren debuted an extensive Fall 2026 collection at Palazzo Ralph Lauren in Milan, Italy. The dynamic collection echoed the brand’s ’90s era, when both the Polo and Purple Label were born.
Speaking to his earlier days, Lauren shared, “I started with a tie, but it was never just about a tie—it was a way of living.” He explained further:
“When I began designing menswear, I was drawn to timeless tradition but never bound by it. What I do lives in the many styles and moods I create. My Fall 2026 collections are inspired by the different ways men live, their individuality, and personal style. From Purple Label’s effortless elegance to Polo’s reimagined preppy spirit, they reflect the worlds I’ve lived in and believe in.”
Those “different ways men live” were woven into a tapestry of Lauren’s personal styles, from prep and dandy codes to traditional sportswear and vintage Americana. It’s this melting pot of expressions throughout the designer’s six decades of work that has helped to define authentic American style. This complexity is also reflected in the duality of the massive Polo label and its less-known luxury brother, Purple Label.
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To start, fleece details, classic camouflages, and decorative intarsias were infused with a noticeably ’90s spirit. Athletic styles, like a Polo Sport rugby shirt emblazoned with orange and lavender stripes, were particularly reminiscent of the era, along with various loose-fit denim jeans.
The palette quickly changed to accommodate a wave of Ivy-inspired looks. A strong checked suit was worn with duck boots and a hunting cap. Prep codes were collaged and layered: one look placed a houndstooth jacket over a canary cardigan and a pinstriped Oxford shirt. Kelly green corduroy trousers and a blue logo cap finished the look.
As the show progressed, a more mature expression prevailed. Earthy browns and forest greens came in solid wools and weaves like herringbone, plaid, and hunting checks. Some of the collection’s deepest hues and more historical garments appeared here, including several regiment-style coats.
The presence of Indigenous craft in the collection was uplifted by the brand, an initiative strengthened by partnerships like its Artist in Residence collection with the Oceti Sakowin-led brand TÓPA, and artist Neil Zarama (Chiricahua Apache Nation) as part of the Authentic Makers program.
The tastes of the present were palpable in the form of minimal, neutral-toned looks that felt timeless but also unmistakably current. In true Ralph style, the closing looks combined all elements: elegant suits worn with lived-in leather outerwear and a tux worn with a metallic puffer. Finally, model Tyson Beckford, who famously worked with the brand in the ’90s, closed the show dressed in a plush brown overcoat.
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See the gallery above for a full look at the Ralph Lauren Fall 2026 menswear show at Pitti Uomo 109. Stay tuned to Hypebeast for the latest fashion industry insights.
