It was a haute homecoming of sorts for Ralph Lauren.
On Monday night, the designer staged his fall-holiday 2024 show at his private design studio on Madison Avenue. The intimate event recalled his very first women’s collection, unveiled in his office 52 years ago to a small group of fashion editors and friends.
In the intervening decades, the chief creative officer has won numerous CFDA Fashion Awards for menswear and womenswear; was named a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in France and Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire at a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace; served as official outfitter of US Olympic and Paralympic teams; and — oh, yes — became a billionaire.
The 84-year-old designer is also, of course, celebrated as one of America’s preeminent creative talents.
With his family seated in the front row of the exquisitely decorated space — across from Jessica Chastain, Kerry Washington, Glenn Close, Morgan Spector, Rebecca Hall, Jodie Turner-Smith and Hannah Einbinder of “Hacks” — the designer sent out a wardrobe of elegant essentials in shades of beige and metallics. It was Lauren’s version of stealth wealth, where each piece fit flawlessly and flattered; the fabrics were visibly luxurious, and everything from the bias-cut evening gowns and the cosy knits to the tailored blazers transcended trends.
“I thought it was so beautiful, so elegant, really classic and gorgeous,” Washington told Alexa after the show. “There was a lot of sparkle in this collection,” added the “UnPrisoned” star, resplendent in Ralph’s green silk blouse, long fuchsia skirt and western belt. “A girl like me is into that! I do love a little shimmer!”
Hall, who recently appeared in “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” said she’s a fan of the fringed pieces, especially an embellished suede jacket.
“I liked the suede pants,” her husband, “The Gilded Age” hunk Spector, added helpfully. “I think you should get those.”
Christy Turlington opened the show — after closing the spring 2024 runway extravaganza in a golden goddess gown — in head-to-toe taupe, with a matching necktie. It looked like something she would wear in real life. The supermodel carried his new just-the-right-size RL 888 tote in the same color.
Irina Shayk, meanwhile, wore chocolate brown suede trousers and a button-down shirt.
The event was followed by a sit-down dinner at The Polo Bar, Lauren’s glamorous Midtown hotspot. The entire restaurant burst into applause when he entered the swank restaurant.
After all, last night he was Homecoming King.
