A Nostalgic Vision of Summer and Luxury Takes Center Stage at New York Fashion Week

As New York Fashion Week kicked off, Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors presented a vision of the American dream that was both romantic and effortlessly stylish. With the passing of Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, now the world’s oldest major working fashion designer, seized the moment to showcase a brand in better health than it has been in decades. His collections featured long, loose summer wardrobes and beachy jewelry, evoking the image of a glossy Netflix lifestyle drama set in an impossibly swanky East Coast beach house.

Lauren’s brand has seen a significant revival, with shares up 35% in 2025 and annual sales reaching $7.1 billion. His show, held in his Madison Avenue design studio, was attended by notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, and Usher, under the glow of twinkling chandeliers and the clinking of champagne. The brand’s success is attributed to its ability to sell a romantic story of how people want to live, combining both fantasy and affordability. The iconic Polo handbag, priced at a more accessible point than many European luxury brands, has become a staple in the brand’s evergreen appeal. Additionally, the brand’s long-standing partnership with major sporting events like Wimbledon and the US Open has reaped benefits as tennis continues to gain global popularity.

Michael Kors, on the other hand, brought a touch of Marrakech to Manhattan with his collection, featuring poet-style tunics, fluid trousers, and sarongs. He emphasized the need to adapt to the changing climate, suggesting that people living in hot climates could offer valuable insights into modern dressing. Kors also paid tribute to Armani, whose influence on his life and career was profound, highlighting the timeless quality of Armani’s work.

Both designers, in their own ways, honored the legacy of Armani, whose funeral had taken place just days before the start of New York Fashion Week. Their collections not only celebrated the past but also looked toward a future where fashion remains both aspirational and accessible. The timing of the shows was particularly poignant, as the U.S. was still reeling from the shooting of far-right activist Charlie Kirk, and the need for a more inclusive and seductive vision of the American dream was more evident than ever.

Ralph Lauren’s collections also included a range of items that reflected the brand’s deep connection to American culture, from classic button-down shirts in parachute silk to crisp sundresses in cheerful tomato red. These pieces were designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort, appealing to a wide audience. The brand’s revival is as much about price points as about fantasy and storytelling, with items like the sundress in which Taylor Swift recently announced her engagement priced at $318.

Meanwhile, Michael Kors’s collection emphasized the importance of fluidity and comfort in modern fashion, with a focus on lightweight fabrics and generous draping. His designs, inspired by the vibrant culture of Marrakech, brought a sense of exoticism to the typically structured New York fashion scene. By blending traditional elements with contemporary silhouettes, Kors created a look that was both modern and timeless.

The shows also highlighted the ongoing shift in the luxury industry, where “greedflation” – the rampant price hikes that followed the post-pandemic shopping boom – has backfired on European designer brands. Consumers are increasingly seeking value and accessibility, and brands like Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors are capitalizing on this trend by offering high-quality, aspirational fashion at more reasonable price points. This strategy has not only helped them attract a broader customer base but also solidify their positions in the competitive luxury market.

As the fashion week continued, the legacy of Giorgio Armani loomed large, with both designers expressing deep admiration for the late designer’s contributions to the industry. Armani’s influence can be seen in the way both Lauren and Kors approach their collections, blending timeless elegance with contemporary sensibilities. Their tribute to Armani served as a reminder of the enduring power of fashion to inspire and connect people across generations.