The Jack Shainman Gallery on Lafayette Street in TriBeCa, fresh off its blockbuster debut exhibition featuring Nick Cave, hosted Ralph Lauren’s fall show today. Outside, a crowd gathered, hoping to spot Anne Hathaway, Naomi Watts, and Michelle Williams. Inside, guests admired the Beaux Arts grandeur of the former New York Life Insurance building, especially its soaring 29-foot coffered ceiling—an ideal backdrop for Lauren’s latest collection.

The standout piece was the dandy-inspired jabot-necked white shirt, often adorned with a jeweled brooch. It peeked out from beneath black sweaters tucked into pleated trousers or layered under sleek evening coats and riding jackets. A black lace jabot added drama to a striking ivory panné velvet halter dress, which also featured an eye-catching back detail.

Lauren’s off-schedule shows always feel like events. Last September in the Hamptons, he presented not just his signature line but also Purple Label and Polo Ralph Lauren—for men, women, and children. Today, though he spoke of contrasts in his notes—”masculine and feminine, rugged and refined”—the collection delivered a singular, cohesive vision. He dubbed it “the Modern Romantics.”

Romantic flourishes are everywhere these days, but for Lauren, it’s a return to his roots. His ’80s and ’90s ads have become mood-board staples for young designers, and here, he revisited his own archives without slipping into nostalgia. It’s easy to imagine women leaving inspired by the pairing of velvet jackets with soft Victorian blouses—or tempted to tuck wide-leg trousers into knee-high stacked-heel boots.

Eveningwear often leans glam at Lauren’s shows (black-tie dress codes for guests aren’t uncommon). This time, he traded beads and sequins for bohemian ruffles and belted jackets over pleated chiffon maxi skirts. The finale look—an off-white taffeta shirtdress with lace insets, worn by Mona Tougaard—felt tailor-made for front-row guest Kacey Musgraves, who rocked a ten-gallon hat and tank top.

A sequined sweater with beaded floral details, paired with black trousers, offered a fresh take on dressing up. The show notes revealed it was a nod to model Clotilde Holby from an ’80s Lauren campaign. A quick search brings up the original—proof that some refrains never lose their charm.