Think of the name Ralph Lauren, and a particular image comes to mind: a nostalgic vision of Americana magnetism, coloured in by the earthy tones of the great outdoors, topped with just the right amount of equestrian and coastal flair. This universe was first created by its founder, a young Ralph Lauren, who, two years after his service in the U.S. Army, began to uncover his love for fashion design. What started as a journey of creating unconventionally bold and unique ties, would soon evolve into something that would change the fabric of the fashion industry as we know it.
Lauren went on to establish an international luxury empire and played a pivotal role in shaping a brand of “preppiness” inspired by aristocrats and socialites of the time. With the debut of a menswear line in 1968 and a womenswear line in 1971, a quintessential Ralph Lauren piece soon became known for its blend of sleek tailoring and athletic influences, epitomised by neckties, polo shirts, suiting, and more. It’s no surprise then that this visage has transcended borders over decades. For spring/summer 2025, Ralph Lauren unveiled its collection in the picturesque Bridgehampton, which has historically served as a nesting ground for its very essence. “The Hamptons is more than a place. It’s a natural world of endless blue skies, the ocean, green fields, and white fences, rusticity and elegance with a quality of light that drew artists here decades ago. It has been home, my refuge and always an inspiration,” shared the designer in press notes.
Those keeping close watch on the trends that have ruled the last few seasons will know that preppyness, in particular, has found an insatiable staying power. Underscoring this even further is the brand’s recent journey to Shanghai, China, for a resee experience that brought in celebrities and style enthusiasts from all over the world. Hosted at the scenic ROJO Art Space and marking its first re-see experience in Asia, the original show was hosted on the eve of New York Fashion Week last September and featured a star-studded front row. Its runway was equally glittering, with supermodel Christy Turlington alongside her daughter Grace Burns.
This multi-generational approach, a theme that Ralph Lauren is so lovingly known for, permeated its presentation in Shanghai, with a on the nose casting showcasing some of fashion’s most captivating Asian faces such as Japanese model Ai Tominaga, Du Juan and Hu Bing to fresh new names on the scene, keeping in line with its expansive range of collections, from Ralph Lauren Purple Label to Polo Ralph Lauren Women’s, Men’s and Children’s. In the audience? A smattering of celebrities from Song Joong Ki and Krystal Jung to Cecilia Cheung and Zee Pruk, who all sat alongside a beautiful replica of the show’s original stable set.
This collection was all about coastal beauty, and the lineup encapsulated it beautifully without straying from the brand’s classics: iconic blazers and shirts in a mix of white and blue, as well as linen suiting with lashings of weaving. In an homage to the Hamptons’ equestrian heritage, it amped things up with a nod to the seaside and nature, introducing bold colours, punchy graphics, and elegant accessorising (think glittering brooches, subtly printed scarves and weaved baskets perfect for the Sunday market). As for some of the standout pieces we’re already eyeing? The vintage car-inspired handbag series called The Ralph which sports a beautiful large clasp across its body well as the scenic blue hues of the casual-meets-elegant Polo Play 2025 limited edition pieces. In a landscape constantly trying to switch things up, it’s refreshing to see Ralph Lauren do what it does best, no matter the location.
