A Ralph Lauren affair during Milan Fashion Week Men's is typically a casual (if you could consider a line-up of models dressed to the spiffiest, casual) walk-in presentation. Within around a five-hour window, editors would be able to just walk in as and when they please to preview what Ralph has to offer. It's fuss-free and you could even enjoy some much needed refreshments at the same time.

But the allure of a runway show is in the anticipation. There's an introduction that teases what the rest of the collection could look like, a general build-up of ideas, and a crescendo-filled finale that ties up the intended narrative together. And at the Ralph Lauren Autumn/Winter 2026 menswear runway presentation, the story is that consistency as well as maintaining and reimagining a specific look are feats not many designers know how to execute well.

The fit: Consisting of the Polo Ralph Lauren and the Ralph Lauren Purple Label collections, the runway opened up with the former—a rugby shirt in vibrant hues that matched the knitted patterns of a hoodie as well as the necklace it was styled with. Even if you were to cover up the branded logos—as with every other Polo Ralph Lauren collection, at least one item on a look would bear the name of the brand—you could immediately tell that it's Ralph Lauren head to toe.

The colours were rich and styled with the acute sense of colour-blocking that Ralph has perfected over the decades. They were especially strong in the Polo Ralph Lauren section of relaxed tailoring as well as the inclusion of Northern Plains artistry by way of Oceti Sakowin designers Jocy and Trae Little Sky.

When the Purple Label collection came down the runway, the gears shifted a bit and made way for sophisticated flair where colours seemed to gradually blend into each other. Everything felt intentional, yet completely organic at the same time. Silhouettes became the focus as fine cashmere melded with luxurious double-faced finishings, while an elegant colour palette swerved from the desert hues to the night sky.

The details: There were plenty to see but the Polo Ralph Lauren evening slippers were standouts that need to be mentioned. They were almost too jarring but somehow felt completely right with the more stately evening proposals. And the fact that they were worn with coloured socks too such that a bit of that hue peeked out was pretty brilliant. For Purple Label, the belt buckles handmade by Neil Zarama of the Chiricahua Apache Nation—a continued partnership—added gravitas.

Three exceptional looks: Look 11's fabulous combination of colours and prints; the regality of look 23; and the cool and rakish simplicity of look 42.

The takeaway: There's always something new in the continuity.

View the full Ralph Lauren Purple Label and Polo Ralph Lauren Autumn/Winter 2026 collections in the gallery below.