Ralph Lauren's fall 2026 collection a mix of romantic adventure with metallic flair

NEW YORK (AP) — With more than 50 years in fashion, Ralph Lauren is still looking for adventure. Lauren took his celebrity guests on an adventure into the English countryside Tuesday for his fall 2026 runway show.

Set amid the beaux arts architecture of the Clock Tower building in Manhattan, Lauren delivered a stylish take on softness and strength, pairing luxurious earth-toned rich fabrics with metallic detailing for his latest collection.

Lauren’s ethereal models with their hair flowing behind them strutted on opulent rugs as celebrity guests including actor Anne Hathaway, singer Lana Del Rey and actor Lili Reinhart looked on from antique style chairs; a romantic painted landscape canvas filled the walls surrounding them.

In his show notes, Lauren described his muse as a woman whose style is not defined by time.

“I love the adventure of fashion,” Ralph Lauren wrote, adding his fall collection “is inspired by that kind of renegade spirit and the confidence of the woman who will wear it in her own personal way — to tell her own story.”

The 86-year-old designer has never been one to follow trends but drive them. At Tuesday’s show, accessories added a modern flair from leather gloves paired with a knit off-the-shoulder dress to shimmering silver detailing.

Supermodel Gigi Hadid opened the show in a wool corseted top and maxi skirt accentuated with a silver waist chain. Other models walked the runway with silver belt chains and metallic brooches that stood in an edgy contrast to Lauren’s romantic Victorian tops and tailored jackets. Lauren pinned metallic glimmering brooches to lush wool cloaks that were elegantly draped over models’ shoulders in a show of strength.

In a modern twist on Joan of Arc, Lauren designed a chain mail top that delicately peeked out from underneath one model’s tweed jacket. Lauren complemented the look with a printed scarf and leather pants.

“There were several looks that had this beautiful chain mail kind of detailing,” actor Ariana DeBose told The Associated Press. “What a way to give a woman beautiful armor.”

Even with his contemporary additions, Lauren’s collection still included his signature touches from his riding boots, exquisite tailoring and elegant high neck blouses.

Lauren’s brand is an American staple that continues to prevail in an ever-changing industry. As part of his enduring legacy, Lauren was once again tapped to design the uniforms for Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games in Milan, marking his sixth time designing for the games.

“From being in Italy with the greatest athletes in the world and then coming here to New York City to put on a fashion show that’s so elegant, it’s two different sides of Ralph Lauren and two different sides of what an American company can do to to reach the world,” David Lauren, the company's chief branding and innovation officer, said.

Lana Del Rey, right, and husband Jeremy Dufrene attend the Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2026 fashion show as part of New York Fashion Week on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Anne Hathaway attends the Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2026 fashion show as part of New York Fashion Week on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

A model walks the runway during the Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2026 fashion show as part of New York Fashion Week, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

A model walks the runway during the Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2026 fashion show as part of New York Fashion Week, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Model Gigi Hadid walks the runway during the Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2026 fashion show as part of New York Fashion Week, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

NORTH PORT, Fla. (AP) — The Atlanta Braves added catching depth while awaiting the return of Sean Murphy by signing former Texas Rangers All-Star Jonah Heim to a $1.25 million, one-year deal on Tuesday.

Heim was with the team for the first workout with pitchers and catchers.

The Braves announced the signing of Heim and placed right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach on the 60-day injured list. Schwellenbach, whose 2025 season was cut short by a broken right elbow, has inflammation in the elbow.

Braves first-year manager Walt Weiss told reporters Schwellenbach has “bone spur-type stuff” in addition to the inflammation. “It’s going to be significant time he’s going to miss,” Weiss said.

“I always say before a season even starts your pitching depth is going to get tested. It’s inevitable. You’d rather it not be right away in February.”

Heim, 30, was an All-Star and Gold Glove winner in 2023, when he hit .258 with 18 homers and 95 RBIs with Texas. He hit .220 in 2024 and .213 last season.

Murphy had season-ending surgery in September to repair a labral tear in his right hip. He began running on Tuesday and said he had no timetable for when he expects to be ready to play.

The Braves are expected to rely on 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin to handle most starts at catcher to open the season. Heim will serve as depth, possibly allowing Baldwin to remain in the lineup as the designated hitter when he's not catching.

Murphy told reporters: “I feel good. I think we’re making good progress on the hip and now we’re checking boxes as we go. So far no setbacks and everything is going well.”

Braves infielder Nacho Alvarez worked with the catchers during the first workout.

Atlanta also acquired infielder Brett Wisely from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash and placed right-hander Joe Jiménez on the 60-day injured list with a left articular cartilage injury.

Brian Snitker, who retired after last season as manager to assume an advisory role, sat in a golf cart as he chatted with Weiss on the first day of workouts. Snitker will be inducted into the team’s hall of fame this year after 49 years in the organization. He led the Braves to the 2021 World Series championship.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

FILE - Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim warms up during the second inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Sept. 8, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)