“Modern Romantics” Fashion Show Highlights Ralph Lauren’s Commitment to Classic American Style Amidst Global Economic Uncertainty

In a bold move, Ralph Lauren unveiled its autumn 2025 collection at the Jack Shainman Gallery in downtown New York on Thursday. The event, titled “Modern Romantics,” was a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to its quintessential American style, which has been a staple in the fashion industry for decades.

The collection, which featured a mix of classic Ralph Lauren Americana and light, romantic flourishes, was a fitting tribute to the brand’s founder, Ralph Lauren. At 85, Lauren still serves as the company’s chief creative officer, a position that has allowed him to maintain a clear vision for the brand.

However, the event also served as a reminder of the uncertainty that lies ahead for the fashion industry. With President Donald Trump’s tariff policy continuing to throw global markets into flux, many fashion brands are struggling to stay afloat. Both LVMH and Hermès missed analysts’ estimates in their first-quarter results, with the latter pledging to increase prices on its US goods to offset the 10% tariffs levied on European imports.

Despite these challenges, Ralph Lauren’s CEO and President, Patrice Louvet, remains optimistic about the brand’s future. “We remain positively paranoid,” he said, referring to the company’s approach to navigating economic uncertainty. “The advantage we see in the business is the clarity of its purpose – a familiar identity that our customers have been buying into for half a decade.”

To stay ahead of the curve, Ralph Lauren has been investing in new technologies and marketing strategies. The brand has launched a virtual world on Roblox, a gaming platform popular with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and introduced a dedicated Polo Women’s shop on Douyin, China’s leading short-form video app.

According to Louvet, the key to the brand’s success lies in its ability to renew its customer base. “This company has been around for 58 years because it’s been able to renew its customer base,” he said. “It’s not just one thing – it’s about targeting their interests, where they shop, where they engage with brands, and using a portfolio of activities to connect in ways that resonate.”

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the future belongs to the brands that are willing to take risks and adapt to changing times. For Ralph Lauren, the autumn 2025 collection was a bold statement of intent, a testament to the brand’s commitment to its values and its customers.