Series: In Vogue: The 90s
Season 1 Episode 06: The American moment
“In the 90s in New York, everywhere you went you were bombarded with all these huge billboards. Sort of selling the dream, the American Dream.” American designers at the moment understood that fashion was becoming much more democratic and accessible. Ralph Lauren being one of those designers, really understood the assignment, furthermore the power of communication as well as blanketing the world with advertisement. Even by being a preppy fashion house, diversity was delivered in every aspect.
But let’s start from the American Dream “Everyone has a little bit of a dream, they want to be that guy in the movie, they want to be that guy that’s living a certain life. And so, clothing, in my mind was the role, you get into it.” Ralph Lauren stated and something interesting that the majority of people don’t know about him is that he actually grew up in an ordinary working-class family. He was a boy from the Bronx. “America is about dreams, I never thought about money, I didn’t have any and I didn’t think about it. I thought of things I wanted to do and be”
Additionally quoted by Vera Wang when she was working at the fashion house. “He is about seeing America through the most beautiful lens and maybe the life he didn’t live when he was young, the life that he dreamt of. With the beautiful suits, tuxedos, evening gowns but he also did western clothes, very much Americana. He really covered the gamut of lifestyle not just fashion.” During the 90s that inner child of Ralph’s was given the chance to embrace inclusivity in his work.
The “Low Life’s”, a crew from Brooklyn said “Just because we couldn’t go yachting, didn’t mean we couldn’t wear the yachting clothing. Getting dressed, looking good, being fly and wearing Ralph Lauren really made you look like you escaped or you’re not from here.” They were the ones to make polo official in the “hood”. People were becoming dedicated to the brand. They were all trying to chase the American dream.
The fashion house made a significant step toward diversifying its model roster by hiring Tyson Beckford, whose groundbreaking first campaign marked a pivotal moment for the Black community. The impact was further amplified when Naomi Campbell was featured alongside him in a subsequent campaign, a bold and trailblazing move at the time. This moment reshaped perceptions, as Ralph Lauren’s reach expanded globally. It was striking to witness a brand often associated with aristocratic elegance become a powerful emblem of urban authenticity.
And still today the designer showed this with his new collection of Spring 2025. The Hamptons, were the nest of this recent collection, leaving all of us speechless for one more time by the variety and inclusivity of this event.
“The Hamptons is more than a place. It’s a natural world of endless blue skies, the ocean, green fields, and white fences, rusticity and elegance with a quality of light that drew artists here decades ago. It has been home, my refuge and always an inspiration.”
Ralph Lauren commented and we could all actually experience it just by observing each and every one of these unique pieces, from the American flag wrapped around the iconic wool sweater matched with crochet cream shorts to the colorful sport pieces matching the stunning uniforms of the Olympics. The show had a taste of real American History, with Native American models walking down the runway, with horses running around the property, the perfect weather and the display of Ralph’s collection of vintage cars, all paying tribute to the Hamptons’ tradition, one of the most American. On a deeper level, the patriotism displayed served as a subtle transition and a reminder for the relocation of the Olympic event to LA, which Ralph’s work was a big part of this summer.
The classiness in his clothes is never missing but as always, he wanted to add a little bit of a twist. Yankees hats were styled with blazers and ripped jeans, creating a distinctive mix of casual and formal elements, and making a statement that this season is going to be playful. Additionally, his successful creations from the Great Gatsby movie, seemed to be a huge source of inspiration, giving us modernized elements of that decade in the glamorous hair accessories and the elegant sequin skirts and dresses. I would say that the sparkling golden beaded skirt, with the liquid movement was the stunner of show and it is no secret that the plaid pattern is back.
Ralph Lauren Spring 2025
To conclude this event was reached in culture both in the casting as well as the attendees. It reflected Ralph’s once again interpretation of the American dream, and the desire for the formation of a global community united in diversity, bringing everyone closer with a strong sense of family.
By Elina Kastrinaki
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