Ralph Lauren's Catwalk History: From Polo to Tuxedos

A new book by Bridget Foley chronicles Ralph Lauren's runway shows from 1981 to 2024. The 1981 show, inspired by Hollywood's golden age, marked the brand's international expansion, leading to a store on New Bond Street in London. Lauren pioneered menswear-influenced womenswear, as seen in Iman's 1983 tailored evening look. His 1990 'Gone Fishing' collection featured utilitarian clothing like waders and fishing rods, contrasting with the era's 'ladies who lunch' aesthetic. The polo player logo, introduced in 1967 on a woman's shirt cuff, was initially dismissed as a 'smudge' by a 1974 journalist but became iconic. The spring/summer 2006 collection referenced Sara Murphy, inspiring F. Scott Fitzgerald's character Nicole Diver. In 2010, 'The Fabric of America' collection celebrated workers during the recession. The 2019 show, featuring Gigi Hadid and Janelle Monáe performing 'Let's Face the Music and Dance,' was fashion's last major event before COVID-19. In 2024, Christy Turlington closed the spring/summer show in a gold dress.