71 Iconic Runway Looks That Show the True Spirit of Ralph Lauren

There are few designers who represent American fashion like Ralph Lauren. Founded in 1966 when Ralph Lauren set out to design a line of men's ties, the label has exploded to become an entire lifestyle brand. That's why we were shocked to learn that Ralph will be stepping down this November, appointing Stefan Larsson as CEO.

But don't worry, Ralph will still have his hand in the company — remaining executive chairman and chief creative officer and helping to bring drama to his classic-with-a-twist, colorful designs that are packed with fur, embellished with glamorous jewels, and always unexpected.

Read on to see some of the iconic Ralph looks that have stayed with us beyond the runway, and stay tuned to see how Larsson will bring his expertise to the label. He's had long stints at Old Navy and H&M, so we're excited to see what's to come.

— Additional reporting by Robert Khederian

Spring 2016
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Spring 2016

Ralph leaves his post as CEO with some vibrant gowns to remember him by, like this one from Spring '16. This twisted chiffon silhouette really stuck with us, and the print found its way onto plenty of other looks that went down the runway.

Spring 2016
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Spring 2016

Leave it to the designer to go for a classic, preppy look on top, with some unexpected volume in the form of a white ruffled maxi skirt on the bottom!

Spring 2016
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Spring 2016

Ralph's designs boasted trendy details, from a lace-up shirt to a wide statement belt.

Fall 2015
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Fall 2015

Ralph stuck with neutral colors for Fall '15, but he mixed materials in a major way, pairing furry accessories with sequined dresses and cozy ribbed sweaters.

Fall 2015
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Fall 2015

This slick, three-piece leather suit was edgy but perfectly polished at the same time.

Fall 2015
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Fall 2015

A cozy look extended all the way down to a pair of knit tights and was accented by luxe brown accessories.

Spring 2015
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Spring 2015

This satin one-shoulder purple top met military-inspired cropped trousers, making for one unexpected pairing.

Spring 2015
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Spring 2015

Hot pink definitely had its moment on the runway! Somehow, even this glowing statement collar didn't feel too over-the-top on the Ralph Lauren runway.

Fall 2014
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Fall 2014

This season Ralph Lauren unveiled his Polo collection for women. And unlike designers who present offshoot lines in a separate show, Lauren opted to send them down the same runway. "I love the contrast of Polo's cool eclectic spirit with the luxury and modern glamour of Collection," he said in the show's notes.

Fall 2014
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Fall 2014

With Polo, we saw buffalo-plaid quilted jackets atop fair-isle sweaters and an all-around rugged aesthetic, with Aztec prints, fringe leather bags, and chunky wool socks under platform sandals.

Fall 2014
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Fall 2014

Ralph Lauren Collection brought the big sartorial guns with cashmere, suede, and fur. Some of the most striking looks were those in head-to-toe monochrome — like Karlie Kloss's all-cream look up to her beret and down to her high-top sneakers.

Spring 2014
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Spring 2014

But what would a Ralph Lauren show be without a nod to menswear?

Spring 2014
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Spring 2014

Ralph Lauren brightened things up for Spring, embracing minimalism with sleek garments in every color of the rainbow.

Fall 2013
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Fall 2013

If the feathers weren't decadent enough, try fur.

Fall 2013
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Fall 2013

The only thing more indulgent than an impeccably-crafted gown: feather sleeves.

Fall 2013
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Fall 2013

A sleek leather trench becomes ultratextured thanks to black shearling.

Fall 2013
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Fall 2013

Deep jewel tones complement a turn-of-the-century-inspired ensemble.

Spring 2013
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Spring 2013

All you need to be transported is a few pops of color and a vintage-inspired silhouette.

Spring 2013
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Spring 2013

Ralph let Spain inspire his Spring collection.

Fall 2012
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Fall 2012

Proper three-piece suits provided period inspiration.

Fall 2012
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Fall 2012

Fall was all about Downton Abbey glamour with a 21st century flair.

Fall 2012
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Fall 2012

A black evening dress is not finished unless you have a capelet made of gilded feathers.

Spring 2012
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Spring 2012

We'll never get tired of a cloche hat with a soft cap sleeve dress.

Spring 2012
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Spring 2012

Get ready for a '20s garden party.

Fall 2011
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Fall 2011

Proof that Ralph Lauren knows glamour.

Fall 2011
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Fall 2011

Rich jewel tones and a high collar offset an up-to-there slit.

Fall 2011
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Fall 2011

A sequined evening dress gets an almost medieval headpiece.

Spring 2011
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Spring 2011

It's not a Ralph Lauren show unless there's a menswear-inspired look. This one is capped with a bowler hat!

Spring 2011
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Spring 2011

The Southwestern theme was carried further when a lace white dress came down the runway with an embroidered vest.

Spring 2011
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Spring 2011

Fringe and a brass belt finish off a Southwestern ensemble.

Fall 2010
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Fall 2010

Victorian romanticism reimagined in a burgundy velvet dress.

Fall 2010
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Fall 2010

The drama of this garment definitely lies in how it moves.

Spring 2010
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Spring 2010

The runway was awash with ruffles.

Spring 2010
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Spring 2010

Overall perfection, don't you think?

Spring 2010
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Spring 2010

An embellished top gives way to a flirty (and flowy!) skirt.

Fall 2009
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Fall 2009

A shimmering vest and gray blazer provided a buttoned-up contrast to a playful organza dress.

Fall 2009
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Fall 2009

Menswear inspiration struck again for Fall.

Spring 2009
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Spring 2009

A flowing white dress and matching headdress seemed as though it was ready for an art deco adventure into the desert.

Spring 2009
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Spring 2009

There's no doubt this collection emphasized exoticism.

Spring 2009
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Spring 2009

Ralph Lauren didn't shy away from pairing a dusty gold jacket with a khaki look for Spring.

Fall 2008
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Fall 2008

Dramatic fascinators capped off ensembles that blended shimmering eveningwear with warm outerwear.

Fall 2008
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Fall 2008

Ralph Lauren didn't hold back with one of his most-used prints — tartan — for Fall.

Spring 2008
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Spring 2008

Simple and chic, a white fishtail gown was sent down the runway sporting black banding.

Spring 2007
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Spring 2007

Victorian ruffles met a modern silhouette — and eye-popping color — for Spring.

Fall 2007
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Fall 2007

Ralph Lauren isn't one to shy away from a little showmanship, which he presented in the form of a metallic jacket.

Fall 2007
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Fall 2007

There's nothing more classic than a black turtleneck under a gray overcoat.

Spring 2007
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Spring 2007

A shimmering, art deco-inspired flapper dress.

Spring 2007
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Spring 2007

It wouldn't be Ralph Lauren unless he borrowed from the boys.

Spring 2007
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Spring 2007

Duster coats, slinky pajama-like separates, and turbans complete a reinvented take on '20s dressing.

Fall 2006
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Fall 2006

There's no denying the unexpected glamour that comes in the form of a full skirt in deep amethyst paired with printed outerwear.

Fall 2006
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Fall 2006

A clever take on a timeless three-piece suit.

Fall 2006
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Fall 2006

Fur capes, matching booties, and embroidered pants? Yes, Ralph Lauren went there.

Spring 2006
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Spring 2006

Ralph Lauren breathed new life into preppy staples, like the striped shirt with innovative layering with lots of necklaces and an embroidered overcoat.

Spring 2006
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Spring 2006

The classic skirt suit silhouette gets a preppy update courtesy of a denim madras pattern.

Spring 2006
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Spring 2006

A flirty halter dress finds contrast in its slightly exposed underpinnings.

Fall 2005
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Fall 2005

Amelia Earhart would have approved of this glamorous ensemble.

Fall 2005
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Fall 2005

Dark grey suiting was complemented by luxe chocolate brown accents in a Fall collection inspired by aviation.

Spring 2005
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Spring 2005

Slinky midi-dresses, t-strap sandals, and long necklaces kept the roaring '20s alive.

Spring 2005
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Spring 2005

Ruffled skirts in soft pastels are exactly the lighthearted pieces every girl needs in her Spring wardrobe.

Spring 2005
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Spring 2005

For Spring, sophisticated suits met Gatsby glamour with satin and feather embellishment.

Fall 2004
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Fall 2004

A buttoned-up houndstooth tweed look gets a playful spin from a bell skirt.

Fall 2004
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Fall 2004

Two things Ralph Lauren is best known for: western-inspired concho belts and menswear-inspired suiting.