Imagine a fashion icon whose journey began with simple neckties and blossomed into an empire of style, optimism, and the quintessential American dream – that's Ralph Lauren, and his triumphant 2025 CFDA victory is igniting fresh debates about timeless elegance in a fast-changing world. But here's where it gets fascinating: How has one man's vision continued to captivate generations? Stick around to explore his legacy through Vogue's lens.
Dated November 4, 2025, this celebration honors Ralph Lauren's win as Womenswear Designer of the Year from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the prestigious organization that recognizes outstanding contributions to fashion. For newcomers to the industry, think of the CFDA as the Oscars of the fashion world, where designers are applauded for their creativity and influence.
Ralph Lauren, captured in his home by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue in October 2019, is a figure many aspiring designers admire. Starting with ties, he broadened his horizons to encompass apparel, activewear, and home decor, ultimately defining what a complete lifestyle brand looks like in fashion.
Lauren himself shared with Vogue: 'I've always believed optimism was the core value of the American spirit and [that it] provides a kind of energy to propel our lives forward in so many positive ways.' This philosophy shines through in his campaigns, painting an idealized, sunny portrait of the American Dream. And why wouldn't it? He's embodying it himself. At 86, nearly six decades after founding Polo, Lauren's success story is a testament to enduring innovation.
To illustrate his winning streak, below is a curated selection of Ralph Lauren's standout appearances in Vogue spanning over five decades. These images not only showcase his evolution but also highlight how his designs have adapted to cultural shifts while maintaining a signature flair. For beginners, note how each look blends classic elements with modern twists, making them accessible yet sophisticated.
Karlie Kloss, modeling Ralph Lauren Collection alongside Caroline Trentini, exudes effortless glamour. Captured by Norman Jean Roy in November 2024.
Sha'Carri Richardson dazzles in a cut-out Ralph Lauren Collection dress, blending sporty vibes with high fashion. Photographed by Luis Alberto Rodriguez in August 2024.
Adut Akech rocks a Ralph Lauren Collection sweater and shirt, showcasing versatile layering. Sean Thomas's lens in March 2023.
Serena Williams commands attention in a Ralph Lauren Collection dress featuring an asymmetric neckline, perfect for confident women on the move. Luis Alberto Rodriguez photographed this in September 2022.
Maty Fall steps out in a Ralph Lauren Collection coat, shirt, and tie combo that's equal parts elegant and bold. Samuel Rock captured the moment in September 2022.
Bella Hadid shines in a square-necked Ralph Lauren Collection dress, highlighting clean lines and comfort. Ethan James Green's April 2022 shot.
Kayako Higuchi embraces Valentine's Day red in a Ralph Lauren dress, adding a romantic touch. Alasdair McLellan photographed in February 2022.
Vittoria Ceretti layers a Polo Ralph Lauren jacket with shirt and jumpsuit for a polished urban look. Angelo Pennetta's December 2021 image.
Shauna Brennan soars in an eyelet dress paired with sneakers from Polo Ralph Lauren, merging whimsy with practicality. Jackie Nickerson's March 2021 photography.
Again, Shauna Brennan takes flight in that same eyelet dress and sneakers from Polo Ralph Lauren, emphasizing playful movement. Jackie Nickerson, March 2021.
And once more, Shauna Brennan embodies freedom in her eyelet dress and Polo Ralph Lauren sneakers. Jackie Nickerson's lens in March 2021.
Gigi Hadid graces the scene in a Ralph Lauren Collection dress. As the designer noted, 'I’ve always believed optimism was the core value of the American spirit and provides a kind of energy to propel our lives forward in so many positive ways.' Sean Thomas's January 2020 capture.
Stylist Ava Hariri-Kia nails a Ralph Lauren Collection dress for a check-list perfect outfit. Ethan James Green photographed in June 2019.
Adut Akech channels the roaring '20s in Polo Ralph Lauren's updated blazer, pants, and vest mix of houndstooth, herringbone, and glen-plaid tweeds. Theo Sion's May 2019 photo.
Abby Champion layers a Ralph Lauren Collection coat and dress over a henley for cozy sophistication. Daniel Jackson's September 2018 work.
Leelee Sobieski opts for a Ralph Lauren Collection pant suit, exuding professional poise. Nigel Shafran's May 2018 image.
Allison Williams goes Western in a Ralph Lauren Collection ensemble, complete with a ring for extra flair. David Sims photographed in October 2016.
Nicole Kidman embodies elegance in Ralph Lauren Collection attire. Peter Lindbergh's August 2015 shot.
Edie Campbell transforms into a dapper Dickensian figure in Ralph Lauren Collection. Tim Walker's December 2013 photography.
Catherine McNeil enchants in an embroidered black Ralph Lauren Collection coat. Craig McDean, July 2013.
Kati Nescher looks sharp in a tailored Ralph Lauren Collection coat. Peter Lindbergh photographed in October 2012.
Arizona Muse pairs a Ralph Lauren Black Label shirt with Blue Label riding pants for equestrian chic. David Sims, November 2011.
Rooney Mara glows in a dragon-embroidered Ralph Lauren Collection dress. Mart Alas and Marcus Piggott captured it in November 2011.
Valentina Zelyaeva floats in a frothy Ralph Lauren Collection ensemble. Bjarne Jonasson's November 2011 lens.
Isabali Fontana mixes a Ralph Lauren Collection flannel shirt with a fringed skirt. Craig McDean's June 2011 photo.
Liu Wen dazzles in a romantic blouse and shimmering sequin-fringed skirt from Ralph Lauren Collection. Craig McDean, March 2011.
Stella Tennant boosts her stride in a Ralph Lauren Collection herringbone coat. David Sims photographed in November 2010.
Jourdan Dunn strides confidently in a Ralph Lauren silk dress. David Sims, January 2009.
Isabeli Fontana twists tartan into a forties-inspired Ralph Lauren look. Arthur Elgort, October 2008.
Natalia Vodianova updates Edwardian finery for Ralph Lauren. Steven Meisel's January 2008 shot.
Angelina Jolie shimmers in a silver lame Ralph Lauren Collection gown. Annie Leibovitz, January 2007.
Chris Clarke and Caroline Trentini channel Peter Beard and Cheryl Tiegs in Ralph Lauren. Arthur Elgort photographed in December 2006.
Angela Lindvall wears a golden-hued Ralph Lauren Collection dress. Steven Klein, August 2006.
Cate Blanchett shines in a Ralph Lauren Collection gown with Art Deco seaming. Annie Leibovitz, December 2004.
A slip dress from Ralph Lauren Collection, ready for festivities. Arthur Elgort, November 2003.
Sandra Bullock mixes beaded floral corset with denim bustle skirt by Ralph Lauren Collection. Steven Meisel, January 2003.
Carmen Kass revives an archive piece from Ralph Lauren’s 1989 collection. Arthur Elgort, November 2002.
Kirsty Hume and Donovan Leitch pose in a Ralph Lauren suit in London. Arthur Elgort, September 1995.
Nadja Auermann in 'Ralph Lauren’s slightly revisionist take on 19th-century menswear—a high-buttoned tweed vest underneath a long, narrow suit in wine velvet.' Arthur Elgort, September 1993.
Christy Turlington in a military-inspired yet office-suitable Ralph Lauren outfit. Arthur Elgort, August 1993.
Shalom Harlow dreams in a Ralph Lauren ensemble of wide-legged pants, vest, and poetic blouse. Arthur Elgort, February 1993.
Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington embrace nautical styles from Ralph Lauren Collection. Arthur Elgort, February 1992.
Linda Evangelista clicks her heels in Ralph Lauren's double-breasted tartan dress. Arthur Elgort, September 1991.
Karen Mulder in a Ralph Lauren 'swimwear' dress. Irving Penn, April 1991.
Tatjana Patitz revs up in Ralph Lauren’s fringed suede coat. Arthur Elgort, October 1989.
Tatjana Patitz layers in Ralph Lauren’s blanket coat. Arthur Elgort, October 1989.
Carré Otis relaxes in a Ralph Lauren sundress. Arthur Elgort, June 1989.
Ralph Lauren at his creative workspace. Patrick Demarchelier photographed in January 1989.
Cordula Reyer in a Ralph Lauren suit with transparent turtleneck. Irving Penn, September 1988.
Lisa Taylor models Ralph Lauren. Arthur Elgort, August 1976.
Charlotte Rampling radiates fitness in Ralph Lauren. Helmut Newton, July 1976.
As Vogue once put it in 1975, 'From the fabric he uses to the total concept of a look, Ralph Lauren stands for everything you’ve ever loved about men’s classic sportswear, but without the masculine angle: Shoulders are small, armholes high and the line—even on his wrap coats—is narrowed to the body. It’s all been thought out for women—with dash and style.' Duane Michals photographed in September 1975.
Apollonia van Ravenstein in Ralph Lauren’s white cotton terry pullover and striped track pants. Bob Stone, May 1973.
Beverly Johnson keeps it 'pure and simple [in] Ralph Lauren’s white cashmere cardigan and white silk pants, pale cotton plaid shirt underneath.' Irving Penn, February 1, 1973.
And this is the part most people miss: Ralph Lauren's work isn't just about clothes; it's a cultural phenomenon that has sparked debates on whether his polished, optimistic vision truly represents the diverse American experience or if it's an exclusive ideal that leaves some feeling left out. Is his portrayal of the American Dream inclusive enough for today's global society, or does it harken back to a bygone era? What do you think – does Lauren's timeless appeal hold up, or is it time for a fresh interpretation? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree or disagree!
