Ralph Lauren Spring Summer 2024 “Love, Romance, Ralph…” Story by Eleonora de Gray, Editor-in-Chief of RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: Ralph Lauren.

A Love Affair with Ralph Lauren

I’ve been in love with Ralph Lauren for as long as I can remember. It’s not just me; everyone at RUNWAY loves the allure of Ralph’s impeccable style. This affinity has never been a secret. For those who might not have discovered the magic of Ralph Lauren, let me infuse a bit of that passion into your soul. The Spring Summer 2024 collection we witnessed last night was yet another masterpiece from the genius himself. In a nutshell, it’s pure artistry, a fusion of denim with a touch of Indian freedom—a touch that only Ralph Lauren could craft. This late-night show completely swept Brooklyn off its feet.

Ralph Lauren’s Vision

In the words of the maestro himself, ““My Spring 2024 women’s Collection is about a new kind of romance—cool and sophisticated. It’s about the freedom of creating a personal style through the artistry of faded denims and painterly florals, the modern sophistication of timeless icons reimagined in black and gold, or the eclectic mix of bold colors, shine, and luxurious handcrafted details. These are the stories of the woman I design for, whose individuality and artistic spirit are a canvas for her own self-expression.” It’s about the freedom to create a personal style through the artistry of faded denims and painterly florals. It’s about modern sophistication, reimagining timeless icons in black and gold, and embracing an eclectic mix of bold colors, shine, and luxurious handcrafted details. These garments tell the stories of the women Ralph designs for, women whose individuality and artistic spirit serve as a canvas for their self-expression.

A Star-Studded Extravaganza

Last night’s show was nothing short of a star-studded extravaganza. I haven’t witnessed this many luminaries gathered in one place since the grandest of cinema festivals. Julianne Moore, Diane Keaton, Jennifer Lopez, and Amanda Seyfried, to name just a few, graced us with their presence. Yet, despite the A-list crowd, the ambiance transported us to an artist’s loft, reminiscent of Lauren’s Colorado Ranch. We found ourselves in an empty warehouse on the edge of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, with only the line of black cars waiting to ferry guests back to Manhattan as a reminder that we were indeed in New York City.

Ralph Lauren’s Enduring Legacy

In the four years since Ralph Lauren last appeared on the fashion schedule, New York’s fashion scene has undergone a generational shift. It’s become a city of aspiring newcomers and determined small brands. The sheer star power and setting of Ralph Lauren’s show last night were a testament to his unassailable position at the summit of American fashion. Iconic figures like Calvin Klein and Donna Karan may have faded from the scene, but when young designers look for inspiration, Ralph Lauren’s name consistently rises to the surface. The question of whether any of today’s up-and-comers can ascend to his level remains unanswered. Perhaps, we’ll have to wait another 56 years to find out, just as Lauren launched his empire back in 1967.

A Bold New Direction

The Spring Summer 2024 collection was undeniably Ralph Lauren, yet it also marked a bold new direction. It commenced with the most quintessential American fabric: denim. However, Lauren elevated it to an art form. He lined it with chiffon and tulle, transforming it into devorés, and then adorned it with sequins and beads. To call these pieces couture would not be an exaggeration, even though the silhouettes were seemingly straightforward—jackets and cargo pants.

Black and Gold Elegance

The show seamlessly transitioned into a series of black and gold ensembles, allowing Ralph Lauren to play with his signature house codes. The RL logo graced the torso of a clingy, beaded black dress, and the military jacket was cinched over silky pants and strappy heels. The showstopper was Christy Turlington’s golden lamé one-shoulder gown—a true knockout.

The Power of Details

Throughout the collection, oversized belt buckles, proudly bearing the Ralph Lauren logo, made a prominent appearance. They took center stage in the third set of looks, where Lauren’s iconic men’s neckties were transformed into silk foulards, draping effortlessly into halter tops, sarongs, and pajama pants. This section also featured bias-cut jewel-toned silk dresses, adorned with deep fringes at the edges, and a madras print crisscross bodice gown—a seemingly unlikely combination that Ralph Lauren executed with his signature finesse.

Rustic Glamour

The show concluded, but the magic continued as we moved to another room with wide wood plank floors and crystal chandeliers for a lavish dinner. The setting exuded rustic charm, yet it was undeniably glamorous—a perfect embodiment of Ralph Lauren’s ability to marry the seemingly contradictory with exquisite grace.

In Ralph Lauren’s Spring Summer 2024 collection, I found not just fashion, but a love affair with style, a celebration of individuality, and a reaffirmation of his enduring legacy in American fashion. It was a night to remember, one that left us all spellbound by the genius of Ralph Lauren.

See all looks Ralph Lauren Spring Summer 2024