At a Glance
- Tyson Beckford closed the Ralph Lauren Fall 2026 menswear show in Milan on January 16, 2025
- The collections fused Polo Ralph Lauren and Purple Label, spotlighting American heritage and handcrafted details
- Indigenous collaborations with Oceti Sakowin designers and Chiricahua Apache artisan Neil Zarama enriched the accessories
- Why it matters: The return of Beckford-face of the landmark 1994 Polo Sport campaign-signals a supermodel-era revival and underscores the brand’s decades-long push for diverse representation
Ralph Lauren unveiled its Fall 2026 menswear offerings in a single, star-filled runway event at Milan’s Palazzo Ralph Lauren on January 16, 2025. The evening merged Polo Ralph Lauren and Purple Label into one cohesive narrative rooted in American heritage, relaxed tailoring, and painstaking craft, while the closing appearance of Tyson Beckford bridged past and present.
Polo Ralph Lauren Opens with Rugged Ease
The show began with Polo Ralph Lauren’s familiar yet refreshed staples. Models wore:
- Utility jackets in earthy hues
- Brushed wool knits with lived-in softness
- Quilted outerwear built for cold mornings
- Easy tailoring that relaxed the silhouette
Heritage Collection bags and Alpine boots grounded each look, reinforcing the line’s practical spirit. New for the season, the Polo Ralph Lauren x TÓPA capsule extended the brand’s Artist in Residence program. Created with Oceti Sakowin siblings Jocy and Trae Little Sky, the pieces translate Northern Plains artistry into wearable form, continuing Ralph Lauren’s long-running support of Indigenous craft.
Purple Label Delivers Polished Refinement
Purple Label followed, shifting the mood toward refinement. Highlights included:
- Cashmere sport coats cut for fluid movement
- Double-faced fabrics that felt weightless yet warm
- Sculptural outerwear with architectural lines
- Timeless eveningwear finished by hand
Accessories stayed artisanal: Neil Zarama, a Chiricahua Apache metalsmith, supplied handmade belt buckles and turquoise-set silver jewelry that appeared across both collections as part of the Authentic Makers program.
Front Row Draws Global Star Power
Guests aligned with the brand’s cross-generational appeal. Seated together were:
- Nick Jonas
- Colman Domingo
- Liam Hemsworth
- Henry Golding
Their presence underscored Ralph Lauren’s ability to attract entertainment names alongside fashion insiders.
Designer’s Note: Duality and Diversity
Show notes quoted Ralph Lauren on the collection’s intent:
> “I started with a tie, but it was never just about a tie-it was a way of living. When I began designing menswear, I was drawn to timeless tradition but never bound by it. What I do lives in the many styles and moods I create. My Fall 2026 collections are inspired by the different ways men live, their individuality, and personal style. From Purple Label’s effortless elegance to Polo’s reimagined preppy spirit, they reflect the worlds I’ve lived in and believe in.”
Tyson Beckford’s Full-Circle Finale
The final walk belonged to Tyson Beckford, whose 1994 Polo Sport campaign broke boundaries and helped redefine male beauty standards. His return to the Ralph Lauren runway linked three decades of brand history.
Earlier in 2025, Beckford attended the Met Gala for the first time in twelve years wearing custom Purple Label, telling Amanda S. Bennett the look was “dandy meets James Bond” and that reuniting with the house felt “like being with family.” That sentiment echoed through Milan as his closing stride cemented the idea that supermodel influence remains relevant in contemporary menswear.
Key Takeaways
- Ralph Lauren fused two labels into one coherent Fall 2026 statement
- Indigenous partnerships added authentic craft via TÓPA and Neil Zarama
- Tyson Beckford‘s finale revived supermodel-era cachet while celebrating inclusive representation
- The January 16 show reinforced the designer’s belief that menswear thrives on individuality, tradition, and continual reinvention
