What do Shanghai and the Hamptons have in common? At first glance, very little. But that notion was quickly dispelled the moment I stepped into ROJO Art Space—a cultural enclave nestled in the heart of China’s fashion capital—where Ralph Lauren hosted its spring/summer 2025 re-see show. Within this sprawling complex, a familiar world unfolded.
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The brand had transformed the venue into an evocative tribute to its equestrian roots and American heritage, offering a reimagined take on the original show held months earlier in the Hamptons, outside of New York. The atmosphere was unmistakably Ralph Lauren: elegant, nostalgic and immersive. Wood-panelled walls lined with pastoral paintings and polished black leather saddles set the tone, while a Western-style bar occupied the centre of the room, flanked by sharply dressed butlers with not a single crease on their shirts.
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For a moment, I forgot I was in Shanghai. Instead, I felt like I’d been transported into the cinematic version of Americana that Ralph Lauren has spent decades perfecting. After a round of champagne and awed glances at the decor, we were ushered into a sun-drenched space resembling a whitewashed barn. It wasn’t a recreation of the Hamptons, but rather a new iteration of Ralph Lauren’s world-building, seamlessly blending East and West, past and present.
Like the Hamptons show, the luxury house brought an equal dose of star power this time. Front-row attendees included regional celebrities such as Cecilia Cheung, Song Joong Ki and Krystal Jung, as well as local actresses Chantalle Ng and Tasha Low. Asian supermodels Du Juan, Hu Bing and Ai Tominaga made surprise appearances amidst a multi-generational cast that graced the runway.
Long Island, which eponymous founder Ralph Lauren has described as his “home away from home”, laid the foundation for the collection’s pieces. On one hand, there were plenty of sophisticated eveningwear looks and brand signatures like fluid silk gowns, double-breasted blazers and tailored suits, rendered in a nautical palette. On the other hand, there were casual beachside and equestrian-inspired silhouettes. Think crochet maxi skirts and brightly-coloured polo shirts that joyfully contrasted with the grown-up feel of the first half of the collection. Suede jackets and fringed skirts paired with Western belts also lent a rugged Americana flair to an otherwise preppy edit.
A standout addition in the diverse product offering was a new bag design. Named “The Ralph”, the structured piece pays tribute to the founder’s love for automobiles, echoing the sleek interiors of vintage cars. Available as a petite shoulder bag or a capacious tote, both versions are crafted from supple leather and finished with polished metal and Radica wood handles.
While the Polo tee may have been the catalyst for Ralph Lauren’s present-day fame, it’s the label’s decades-long dedication to intimate storytelling that has ensured a staying power that many brands can only dream of. In a world obsessed with the next big thing, familiarity has become the new luxury—an ideal Ralph Lauren has embodied since its founding in 1967. Whether you’re in New York’s most exclusive seaside town or a bustling metropolis half a world away, the Ralph Lauren brand of effortless chic is universal.