There are few designers who represent American fashion like Ralph Lauren. Founded in 1966 when Ralph Lauren set out to design a line of men's ties, the label has exploded to become an entire lifestyle brand. That's why we were shocked to learn that Ralph will be stepping down this November, appointing Stefan Larsson as CEO.
But don't worry, Ralph will still have his hand in the company — remaining executive chairman and chief creative officer and helping to bring drama to his classic-with-a-twist, colorful designs that are packed with fur, embellished with glamorous jewels, and always unexpected.
Read on to see some of the iconic Ralph looks that have stayed with us beyond the runway, and stay tuned to see how Larsson will bring his expertise to the label. He's had long stints at Old Navy and H&M, so we're excited to see what's to come.
— Additional reporting by Robert Khederian
Ralph leaves his post as CEO with some vibrant gowns to remember him by, like this one from Spring '16. This twisted chiffon silhouette really stuck with us, and the print found its way onto plenty of other looks that went down the runway.
Leave it to the designer to go for a classic, preppy look on top, with some unexpected volume in the form of a white ruffled maxi skirt on the bottom!
Ralph's designs boasted trendy details, from a lace-up shirt to a wide statement belt.
Ralph stuck with neutral colors for Fall '15, but he mixed materials in a major way, pairing furry accessories with sequined dresses and cozy ribbed sweaters.
This slick, three-piece leather suit was edgy but perfectly polished at the same time.
A cozy look extended all the way down to a pair of knit tights and was accented by luxe brown accessories.
For Spring '15, Ralph Lauren took us glamping. Slinky, khaki-colored button-ups weren't without chunky statement jewels, and bright, voluminous tulle skirts swept the runway.
This satin one-shoulder purple top met military-inspired cropped trousers, making for one unexpected pairing.
Hot pink definitely had its moment on the runway! Somehow, even this glowing statement collar didn't feel too over-the-top on the Ralph Lauren runway.
This season Ralph Lauren unveiled his Polo collection for women. And unlike designers who present offshoot lines in a separate show, Lauren opted to send them down the same runway. "I love the contrast of Polo's cool eclectic spirit with the luxury and modern glamour of Collection," he said in the show's notes.
With Polo, we saw buffalo-plaid quilted jackets atop fair-isle sweaters and an all-around rugged aesthetic, with Aztec prints, fringe leather bags, and chunky wool socks under platform sandals.
Ralph Lauren Collection brought the big sartorial guns with cashmere, suede, and fur. Some of the most striking looks were those in head-to-toe monochrome — like Karlie Kloss's all-cream look up to her beret and down to her high-top sneakers.
We had a feeling the moment we saw this gown that it was in store for a major red carpet moment.
Ralph Lauren brightened things up for Spring, embracing minimalism with sleek garments in every color of the rainbow.
All you need to be transported is a few pops of color and a vintage-inspired silhouette.
Just what you need for a quick getaway: bright colors, bold prints, and a matador-inspired hat.
A black evening dress is not finished unless you have a capelet made of gilded feathers.
It's not a Ralph Lauren show unless there's a menswear-inspired look. This one is capped with a bowler hat!
The Southwestern theme was carried further when a lace white dress came down the runway with an embroidered vest.
This eclectic look gives a gentle nudge to grunge with its dark florals and open knit.
A shimmering vest and gray blazer provided a buttoned-up contrast to a playful organza dress.
A flowing white dress and matching headdress seemed as though it was ready for an art deco adventure into the desert.
Ralph Lauren didn't shy away from pairing a dusty gold jacket with a khaki look for Spring.
Dramatic fascinators capped off ensembles that blended shimmering eveningwear with warm outerwear.
A body-conscious marigold dress finds ladylike accessories in a black choker and matching gloves.
Simple and chic, a white fishtail gown was sent down the runway sporting black banding.
Ralph Lauren isn't one to shy away from a little showmanship, which he presented in the form of a metallic jacket.
Duster coats, slinky pajama-like separates, and turbans complete a reinvented take on '20s dressing.
There's no denying the unexpected glamour that comes in the form of a full skirt in deep amethyst paired with printed outerwear.
Ralph Lauren breathed new life into preppy staples, like the striped shirt with innovative layering with lots of necklaces and an embroidered overcoat.
The classic skirt suit silhouette gets a preppy update courtesy of a denim madras pattern.
For evening, the sleek and shimmering fuselage of an aircraft was channeled into a body-conscious gown.
Dark grey suiting was complemented by luxe chocolate brown accents in a Fall collection inspired by aviation.
Slinky midi-dresses, t-strap sandals, and long necklaces kept the roaring '20s alive.
Ruffled skirts in soft pastels are exactly the lighthearted pieces every girl needs in her Spring wardrobe.
For Spring, sophisticated suits met Gatsby glamour with satin and feather embellishment.
Two things Ralph Lauren is best known for: western-inspired concho belts and menswear-inspired suiting.