Ralph Lauren bridges generations with menswear tie-up in Milan

For his second standalone menswear show in Milan, Ralph Lauren returned to the accessory that launched his empire in 1967: ties. Skinny silk ties with subtle swirly prints were neatly knotted alongside brighter cravats, while ties doubled as belts, wrapped around bags, and were even spliced together to form the uppers of espadrille shoes.

The emphasis on ties was a way to court a younger audience that has recently discovered both the brand and the accessory, while still speaking to older customers, many of whom predate that revival. The show balanced newness and tradition without sidelining either cohort.

Ralph Lauren is enjoying a commercial renaissance. In May the company’s CEO, Patrice Louvet, said sales for the last fiscal year rose by 15% and revenue topped $8bn for the first time. The decision to join Milan’s men’s schedule, and to combine its Purple label with the more accessible Polo line, signals further momentum in menswear after growth driven in part by womenswear.

ralph lauren, menswear, milan, ties, skinny silk, cravats, espadrilles, purple label, polo line, patrice louvet