On the eve of the official New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2026 schedule, Ralph Lauren opened the doors to its private design studio to present a collection that was both a homecoming and a declaration. The intimate setting, with white walls, wicker chandeliers and curved staircases, was both warmly atmospheric and stripped of distraction, putting the focus entirely on the clothes.

This season, Ralph Lauren returned to familiar territory—wearable pieces with a clear sense of American style—but with subtle shifts that made it feel new. Tailoring played a central role throughout the collection, but the silhouettes were infused with softness and movement. Longline jackets were worn over bikini tops with shell necklaces, belted blazers gave way to flowing trousers that billowed wth each step, and crisp, white suits came with a distinctly coastal feel.

Accessories helped reinforce this contrast: sculptural jewellery in high-shine silver sat alongside oversized sun hats and structured market totes. Footwear included woven sandals, brogues and espadrilles—styles that spoke to both city and seaside. There were playful takes on shirting too, from oversized styles fastened with striped neckties, to poet’s blouses tied in dramatic bows. The palette was mostly black, white and red, with the occasional nautical stripe and tactile texture to break it up.

Elsewhere, sundresses conjured images of warmer weather—beginning with a corseted, red style (paired with an oversized straw sunhat) that walked the line between structure and ease, and relaxing into more fluid, floor-skimming styles.

Evening-wear continued the theme of unfussy elegance: sleek red and black gowns, some voluminous, others curve-skimming, with minimal embellishment. One standout look paired a shrunken black T-shirt with a masterfully sequinned skirt—a moment of sporty glamour that felt both fresh and familiar.

The collection also spotlighted material craftsmanship. A slip dress and pair of overalls were expertly patch-worked from leftover white fabrics—a subtle nod to sustainable craftsmanship—while a parchment-toned suit in ultra-light leather added a tactile edge. One of the most intricate pieces, a lean skirt suit, was made to order and constructed from eyelash-thin leather strips embroidered onto linen.