Ralph Lauren knows how to execute his vision of all-American luxury. On Thursday, the designer kicked off the month-long SS25 show season, ferrying guests away from the hustle and bustle of New York City to a sprawling horse farm in Bridgehampton, the upscale seaside town in heart of the Hamptons.
It was the perfect backdrop to present a Ralph Lauren collection; the blue skies, white picket fences and picture-perfect stables housing the sleekest of thoroughbred horses amplifying the designer's take on 'American classic' style that is so beloved by the same clientele who frequent the exclusive resort during the summer months each year.
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For Lauren, however, the choice of setting felt more personal. "The Hamptons is more than a place," Lauren said of the show location in a press statement. "It has been home, my refuge and always an inspiration."
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THE FRONT ROW
You know you've earned your status as the all-American megabrand when the First Lady herself takes a front row seat at your fashion show. This is exactly what happened on Thursday, when Jill Biden made a surprise appearance as the guest of honour at Lauren's event.
She was joined by a number of celebrity names—Usher, Colman Domingo, Justin Theroux, Jude Law, Tom Hiddleston, Naomi Watts and H.E.R., among them—as well as her granddaughter Finnegan Biden.
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THE CASTING
As if the front row wasn’t starry enough, the catwalk was also full of top model faces. Supers Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell were joined by household names including Lucky Blue Smith, Imaan Hammam and Vlada Roslyakova.
THE CLOTHES
Normally, we just see Ralph Lauren Collection on the runway, but for this special occasion, Lauren showcased all his lines at once, weaving in his menswear Purple Label and more casual Polo Ralph Lauren lines into the mix. It was classic Ralph, an offering of his signature equestrian-inflected American prep for every occasion—this time in a seaside-inspired colour palette, fitting for the show’s backdrop.
This article was first seen on ELLE UK.