Ralph Lauren Brought the Polo Bar to the Brooklyn Navy Yard at a Post-Show Dinner

Crystal chandeliers suspended from rustic country twine cast a glow on the Ralph Lauren spring 2024 runway show last night. They lit up the already radiant Christy Turlington (who closed the show in an off-the-shoulder lamé goddess gown), and amplified Jennifer Lopez’s celebrated glow (she was seated next to Diane Keaton—name a more iconic duo!). Though the chandeliers were merely part of the decor (Ralph’s team took over an empty warehouse in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and transformed it into a plush barn reminiscent of the Double RL Ranch in Colorado), the juxtaposition of crystal and frayed twine capably exemplified the design ethos of Ralph Lauren, rooted in easy elegance, relaxed refinement, Americana.

It was Lauren’s first New York runway show in four years. “My Spring 2024 women’s collection is about a new kind of romance—cool and sophisticated,” Lauren said in the press materials. The last time he graced the New York Fashion Week calendar was in September 2019, in a show that dazzled with its opulence and starry guest list. Fast forward to 2023, and Mr. Lauren chose to set a different tone. Among those seated in the venue’s plush benches and Louis XVI chairs were Julianne Moore, Amanda Seyfried, Gabrielle Union, Sofia Richie, Laura Dern, Meghann Fahy and her White Lotus co-star Leo Woodall, Emma Roberts, and Cara and Poppy Delevingne.

Following the runway show, guests were ushered into yet another masterfully redesigned space for a seated dinner. Ralph Lauren linen, flatware, chargers, and glassware were exquisitely arranged on the table, and devotees would recognize the Garden Vine china patterns designed in collaboration with British pottery company Burleigh. And then there was the service: a State Dinner-style presentation with choreography and orchestration. Tuxedoed servers placed dishes in a synchronized manner, and ensured no cocktail, wine, or Champagne glass looked half-empty. This level of attention was a nod to Lauren’s Polo Bar, and the post-show dinner menu was a highlight of the Polo Bar’s greatest hits: filet mignon, branzino, and a devilishly delicious brownie à la mode.

Throughout the night, Richie and her husband, Elliot Grainge, could be seen chatting it up with their seatmate Derek Blasberg; Julianne Moore was spotted taking selfies with fellow showgoers, including David Lauren; and Keaton bounced around between tables. Though there were no remarks or musical performances at the dinner (as is typical in a fashion event’s run of show), it really didn’t matter—the show, the dinner, and the space spoke volumes. The night was like a portal into Ralph’s world and everyone was more than happy to be there. It was also a reminder Ralph’s world is wherever he decides it should be, and anyone can be part of it—all they need is that RL 888 crossbody, some hurricane lanterns, or maybe just a polo.