When a career spans over five decades, self-referencing can be a brilliant tool. Evidence lives in Ralph Lauren – both the designer and the brand universe – and in his latest womenswear Fall/Winter 2026 ready-to-wear collection for his preppy sister label, Polo.
Developed by Karen Brown Brody, senior brand creative director for the women’s Polo line under Lauren’s direction, the looks drew inspiration from two main sources: Lauren’s earlier women’s collections and the American designer’s own personal style during 1970s New York City.
Held at an art space in the Parisian Le Marais, the mix of presentation and catwalk show caught attention for its great styling, with looks that fused vintage-looking pieces with a more contemporary, high-low, layering proposal.
There was a clear influence of Western and Americana cultures, more specifically, the American Southwest. Hence, the myriad of cowboy hats and boots, fringed detailing, checkered shirts, and double denim. Juxtaposed and masterfully paired were baseball caps, long wool coats, leather and sporty bomber jackets, and contrasting gloves in bright yellow and green.
Accessories played a key role this season and were co-created with Native American artists who participated in the Ralph Lauren Artist in Residence (AiR) and Authentic Makers partnership programmes. Honouring craftsmanship and Indigenous heritage, artists and silversmiths Neil Zarama and Jimmy Begay were responsible for designing handmade belts and jewellery pieces, while wife-and-husband designer duo Jocy and Trae Little Sky, from Indigenous-led clothing brand TÓPA, worked along with Lauren to create a suede-fringed jacket.
Jhumka-style earrings, a traditional South Asian bell-shaped accessory originally from India, were also spotted on a few models, as were printed silk scarves, tied or placed on the body in various ways.
The collection aimed to celebrate Lauren’s rich heritage, yet with a more romantic and urban, NYC-centred feel. And it turned out to be a delight for any fashion aficionado's mood board.
Words by Ketlyn Araujo
