Ralph Lauren: A Return from Classic to Modern — Why the Fashion World Is Talking Again

 

Image from Vogue Runway

Image from Vogue Runway

Is Ralph Lauren Making a Comeback? A Deep Dive into the 2026 Collection 

Ralph Lauren has never been a brand that chases noise. In NYFW Fall/Winter 2026 it showcased something  far more enduring: identity. Yet this latest show felt different. It did not simply present a new season - it felt like a reassertion. And in menswear especially, it felt very much like a comeback. 

Menswear: A Confident Return

The men’s collection carried the kind of assurance that only a heritage house can deliver. Tailoring was sharp without being rigid. Silhouettes were relaxed yet intentional. There was depth in the layering - textured knits, structured blazers, fluid trousers - all styled in a way that felt effortless rather than theatrical. 

What made it resonate was not reinvention, but clarity. Ralph Lauren leaned fully into its codes: refinement, aspiration, understated luxury. In a market saturated with trend-driven statements and algorithm-friendly moments, this felt grounded. Strong. Self-assured. 

From a woman’s perspective observing menswear, it was desirable in a very classic sense. These were pieces that looked wearable, elevated, and emotionally reassuring. It reminded us that modernity does not always mean disruption; sometimes it simply means confidence in who you are. And that quiet confidence is precisely what made this feel like a comeback moment. 

Womenswear: Heritage in Brown — Perhaps Too Immersed

Ralph Lauren has long embraced brown as part of its visual identity. From deep chocolate leather to warm camel tailoring, earthy tones have been central to the brand’s aesthetic for decades. This was not a reaction to a passing colour trend - brown has always belonged to Ralph Lauren. 

However, in this particular show, the immersion in brown felt almost overwhelming at times. Layer upon layer of tonal dressing created richness and cohesion, yet occasionally bordered on visual heaviness. The lack of sharper contrast - whether through unexpected colour, texture shifts, or styling variation - meant that certain looks felt slightly muted rather than dynamic.

The craftsmanship, of course, was undeniable. Suede, leather, soft tailoring and fluid silhouettes maintained the house’s signature sophistication. The collection was luxurious and controlled - perhaps intentionally restrained. It did not feel trend-led, nor did it feel insecure. It felt loyal. But at moments, perhaps a little too immersed in its own palette.

 
Photo from Independent.co.uk

It is also worth mentioning the casting. Whilst many were pleased to see Gigi Hadid on the runway, I do not always find her the strongest catwalk presence. She photographs beautifully and works well in campaigns, but on the runway I sometimes miss a certain intensity and commanding aura. Of course, this is entirely subjective - runway presence and editorial presence are not always the same.

The Rhythm of Legacy Brands

This brings us to a wider truth about legacy houses. They rarely operate on constant peaks. They ebb and flow. They quieten, recalibrate, and then re-emerge with renewed clarity. Relevance, for heritage brands, does not come from chasing every cultural shift. It comes from knowing when to return to their core.

I have always held legacy brands in high regard. They are not simply commercial entities; they are part of fashion’s collective memory. They carry visual and cultural archives that newer labels simply do not possess. In many ways, they represent a memory we should preserve.

A temporary dimming followed by a confident return is not a weakness — it is part of the rhythm. And Ralph Lauren’s latest show felt exactly like that: a recalibration, a reminder, and perhaps a subtle but powerful comeback.

SHOP RALPH LAUREN HERE.