On May 7, American luxury brand “Ralph Lauren” released “Ralph Lauren Catwalk: The Complete Collections,” a comprehensive volume chronicling the house’s runway history.
Published as the 11th installment of Thames & Hudson’s acclaimed “Catwalk” series, the book marks a historic milestone as the first volume in the series dedicated to an American fashion house.
Written by veteran fashion journalist Bridget Foley, the publication documents Ralph Lauren’s creative evolution from the Fall 1972 womenswear debut through the Fall 2025 collection, featuring more than 1,300 original runway photographs.
Summary
- “Ralph Lauren Catwalk” documents the complete runway history of Ralph Lauren
- The book becomes the first American fashion house featured in Thames & Hudson’s “Catwalk” series
- More than 1,300 photographs trace collections spanning from 1972 to 2025
- The volume is written by fashion journalist Bridget Foley
- The book explores Ralph Lauren’s cinematic runway vision and lifestyle-driven approach to fashion
Ralph Lauren’s Vision of Fashion as a Way of Life
Ralph Lauren began his career in 1967, designing neckties under the Polo label. In 1972, he introduced his first full womenswear collection, laying the foundation for what would become one of the world’s most recognizable lifestyle brands.
Rather than positioning fashion as clothing alone, Ralph Lauren built an entire universe centered around aspiration, storytelling, and timeless American elegance. The book traces this evolution chronologically, highlighting how the designer fused contrasting elements such as masculinity and femininity, ruggedness and refinement, to shape a globally influential vision of American style.
The publication also examines how Ralph Lauren transformed the runway into more than a presentation format — turning fashion shows into cinematic experiences filled with narrative, atmosphere, and emotional world-building.
The book features one of Ralph Lauren’s signature reflections: “I build a collection out of a dream. This is not a job. This is a joy. This is what I breathe. It’s what I live.”
The First American Fashion House in the “Catwalk” Series
The “Catwalk” series has spotlighted legendary fashion houses including “Chanel,” “Dior,” “Louis Vuitton,” “Prada,” and “Vivienne Westwood.” Known for its archival approach, the series preserves complete runway histories with looks presented as they originally appeared on the catwalk.
With more than 2.5 million copies sold globally, the series has become an essential reference for both fashion professionals and collectors.
Adelia Sabatini, Editorial Director for Fashion at Thames & Hudson and the creator of the series, explained the original vision behind the project: “My aim was to build a comprehensive reference library and offer fashion lovers the chance to journey through a house’s legacy.”
Ralph Lauren as a Cultural Icon
Today, Ralph Lauren Corporation has evolved into a global lifestyle company spanning apparel, accessories, home, fragrance, and hospitality.
With brand lines including “Ralph Lauren Collection,” “Polo Ralph Lauren,” “Double RL,” and “Lauren Ralph Lauren,” the company has become synonymous with timeless luxury, aspirational living, and the enduring image of the American dream.
More than a visual archive, “Ralph Lauren Catwalk” offers insight into how American luxury was constructed, communicated, and ultimately globalized through fashion over the course of nearly six decades.
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