Ralph Lauren Shows Ties at Milan Menswear Event

Ralph Lauren presented its second standalone menswear show in Milan on Friday, returning to ties as the central accessory. Skinny silk ties with subtle prints were paired with pinstripe suits, while brighter cravats appeared under knitwear and rugby shirts.

Ties also replaced belts, wrapped around bags, and formed the uppers of espadrille shoes. The show combined the dapper Purple label with the more accessible Polo brand. Textured knitwear in sea-salt whites, striped shirting in nautical blues, and reversible leather jackets lined with cashmere referenced the golden age of Italian sport.

A 1920s mahogany speedboat was placed in the courtyard of the Milan palazzo the company purchased in 1999.

The company reported that sales for its most recent fiscal year rose 15 percent and exceeded $8 billion for the first time. The presentation sought to reach both younger customers who have recently adopted the brand and older customers who have long worn ties.

In the Polo portion, camo trousers were worn loose, checked shirts were left untucked, and rugby shirts featured patchwork motifs. Blazers were paired with denim that showed paint splatters or sashiko embroidery repairs. The notes described the collection as a next-generation vision of American prep.