A First-Hand Review of the Ralph Lauren California Show

Ralph Lauren is as American as apple pie. The legendary designer helped put U.S. fashion on the map in the ’60s and ’70s and has ensured that local design remains part of the global fashion conversation for the past five decades. Born in the Bronx, New York City, it’s no wonder why he quickly became a staple at NYFW. But for one special night, Lauren decided to shed his East Coast roots and decamp to California, where he presented his spring/summer 2023 collection to much fanfare. 

The show featured a whopping 103 looks that spanned the entire Ralph Lauren universe, including Collection, Purple Label, Double RL, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Childrenswear. The runway opened with aged cowboy boots and Western-style embroidery and ended with vividly colored water-repellent silk taffeta skirts. Talk about range. Scroll down for my firsthand review of the dazzling evening.