Legendary US designer Ralph Lauren on Wednesday (Sept 9) presented his namesake brand’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection ahead of New York Fashion Week, as the industry showcase prepares to implement its first full ban on fur on the runway.
The 86-year-old designer, whose preppy aesthetic has influenced American style for decades, featured looks that emphasised his signature colours, navy blue and white.
Hints of gold, beige and dusty rose completed the palette.
Read more: American heritage brands attempt to reclaim their cool at New York Fashion Week
Oscar-winning actresses Viola Davis and Ariana DeBose joined Wicked star Cynthia Erivo in the front row at the show, which took place on the eve of fashion week's official launch.
The label said the collection sought to upend "traditional notions of chic" and rework historical silhouettes.
Suit trousers were paired with a leather jacket, a boater hat and ballet slippers. Of course, there were gowns that the A-list Hollywood talent could easily wear to red carpet events.
US fashion house Coach, known for its handbags and other leather accessories, hosted the only other show on Wednesday (Sept 9) – a calm night before the fashion frenzy picks up pace, beginning in New York before heading to London, Milan and Paris.
Both brands have found success this year despite a slowing luxury market due to their more accessible branding, with each reporting double-digit revenue growth in the last quarter.
New York Fashion Week officially begins on Thursday (Sept 10), with Henry Zankov debuting his first collection as artistic director at Diane Von Furstenberg.
Other shows on Thursday (Sept 10) include Proenza Schouler, Christian Siriano, Tory Burch and Tommy Hilfiger – which made waves with its latest ad campaign featuring Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce, who happens to be Taylor Swift's husband.
Read more: Beyond the silhouette: How materials are shaping fashion’s conversation
Upcoming shows to watch out for during the roughly 70 collections set to hit New York runways this week include Michael Kors and Calvin Klein on Friday, Carolina Herrera on Monday (Sept 14) and Thom Browne's show to end the week on Tuesday (Sept 15).
In December, the Council of Fashion Designers Of America (CFDA), which organises New York Fashion Week, announced that it would ban animal fur from its official events beginning this month.
The move comes as the fashion industry faces growing scrutiny over its environmental footprint, from raw materials and production to waste and consumption. – AFP
