Key facts
- Ralph Lauren's Milan menswear show focused on ties as a central accessory.
- The collection aimed to bridge generational appeal, attracting Gen Z and older customers.
- The show featured a blend of the Purple and Polo brands.
- The theme evoked the golden age of Italian sport, with a 1920s speedboat as a centerpiece.
- Ralph Lauren reported a 15% sales increase and revenue over $8bn in the last fiscal year.
Ralph Lauren's latest menswear show in Milan centered on ties, the accessory that launched the brand in 1967. The collection aimed to appeal to both younger consumers discovering the brand and its established, older customer base. Ties were styled in various ways, from traditional knots with pinstripe suits to being worn as belts or incorporated into footwear.
The show, which kicked off Milan fashion week, combined the dapper Purple label with the more accessible Polo brand, focusing on collegiate style classics. The setting evoked the golden age of Italian sport, featuring a 1920s mahogany speedboat at Lauren's Milan headquarters.
This focus on menswear follows a period of significant growth for Ralph Lauren. CEO Patrice Louvet announced a 15% increase in sales for the last fiscal year, with revenue surpassing $8bn for the first time. The brand's ability to connect with different generations was highlighted, with the styling of the Polo collection specifically noted for its appeal to TikTok fashion fans.