The Best and Most Star-Studded Moments from Ralph Lauren’s New York Fashion Week Show

There’s a quiet flex in staging a fashion show at your own HQ — and Ralph Lauren just reminded everyone why his brand is still at the forefront of the American fashion narrative after more than five decades. For Spring 2026, the designer stripped it all down — no theatrics, no towering backdrops. Just white walls, cozy couches and a cool staircase — an architectural runway designed inside the brand’s Madison Avenue flagship to put the clothes first and let legacy speak for itself. 

The collection was a masterclass in tasteful, skin-baring silhouettes, effortlessly cool suiting (like a polished white polo coat over a bra top and pants) and expert tailoring with a red, white and black color palette. There were ballooned ankle-cinched trousers that moved like air, bustiers in a stretch leather and pops of florals and stripes with a retro twist. (Taylor Swift, are you taking notes?)

Plus, Ralph’s signature borrowed-from-the-boys confidence carried throughout. The brand DNA pulsed through every look, especially in the finale, where evening wear arrived with relaxed elegance and eye-catching shimmer.

But it wasn’t just the clothes that stole the show. The audience was a constellation of icons (Oprah! Usher! Priyanka! Naomi!), each with their own Ralph Lauren origin story to tell. And luckily PEOPLE had a front row seat. 

Read on for some of the best moments and interviews from the show. 

1. Oprah Proselytized on Ralph Lauren’s Impact  

When asked to describe Ralph in one word, Oprah, 71, who attended decked out in the brand alongside best friend Gayle King, replied without hesitation. 

“Timeless,” she told a pool of reporters at the show. “He is the ultimate master of elevating life and lifestyle for people. That’s what I think he’s always represented for me.”

She shared that her first splurge ever was on a set of Ralph Lauren towels that she even showed  Barbara Walters during one of their first interviews together. She also keeps the label at the top of the rotation in her closet today. 

“I still have red suede boots that I bought 20 years ago,” she shared. “I still have my Ralph Lauren suede cargo pants — I love the cargo,” she said, adding that she in fact has “34 pairs” of RL cargo pants.

2. Mindy Kaling Credits Ralph for the American Dream 

Wearing a striking metallic suit with a belted wrap blazer, and looking fully at home in Ralph’s house, Mindy Kaling shared how the brand shaped her immigrant family’s American dream.

“Polo Ralph Lauren to me means …the American dream like you’ve made it, especially to my dad,” she told PEOPLE at the event. “He’s an Indian immigrant. He pretty much only wears Polo — and that’s something I really inherited from him.”

She also credited the 2019’s HBO documentary, Very Ralph, for helping inform her own business savvy. 

“I learned so much from how he works with his family. He’s not just an icon — he’s one of the great American people.”

When it comes to her personal style, Kaling, 46, is leaning into more sophisticated neutrals. 

“My 30s were all prints and chaos. Now I’m into monochrome and neutrals — maturing, maybe. But I’ll probably be back to maximalism in two years.”

3. Usher Arrived Dripping in Emeralds 

The musician, who has a long history with Ralph Lauren including his current role as the face of the brand’s new scent, Ralph’s Club New York Eau de Parfum, which celebrates N.Y.C., told PEOPLE that each RL collection “feels like history in the making.” 

“It’s timeless fashion, elegance and heritage all in one,” he shared. “My son is obsessed with Polo. It always comes back. He wants to be what we were in the ’90s.”

He also gave a nod to his wife Jennifer Goicoechea’s “amazing” look and debuted some new helix ear piercings with mega-carat emerald earrings. 

“You like these emeralds? They’re amazing… I know it’s very painful to get these things done, but sometimes you gotta hurt to have.”

4. Big Hat Energy Descended Down the Runway 

The exaggerated wide-brimmed sun hats definitely packed some sartorial drama. Paired with chic shirt dresses and precise tailoring, they added a “touch of romantic mystery” to the collection, according to the brand. And there’s no doubt they’ll be all over the style set in Capri next year. 

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5. A-Listers United

Jessica Chastain casually chatted with Laura Dern and Naomi Watts. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas were peak coordinated chic in their looks. Ariana DeBose, Katherine Langford, Kaling and Usher joined the mix for a front row that had the star power of a Vanity Fair Oscars party.

The energy was relaxed, joyful and celebratory. The perfect vibe to kick off NYFW.

6. Ralph and Ricky Take Their Final Bow 

After a standing ovation, Ralph Lauren took his final bow and was joined by his wife of 60+ years, Ricky Lauren. The crowd rose to its feet, and for good reason. This wasn’t just the end of a show — it was a reminder of Ralph’s long-standing commitment to building a brand rooted in personal history, family, and the kind of fashion that never goes out of style.