86-Year-Old Ralph Lauren Alarms Fans With Frail Appearance at New York Fashion Week

Eighty-six-year-old Ralph Lauren has sparked concern among fans after appearing noticeably frail during New York Fashion Week.

The legendary designer unveiled his new collection in Manhattan, with numerous stars in attendance, including Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki and Cynthia Erivo.

However, viewers around the world became concerned when the billionaire designer came out onto the runway at the end of the show and appeared to struggle to remain on his feet.

In a video that quickly went viral, Lauren can be seen wearing white trousers, a bomber jacket featuring New York-themed graphics and New Balance sneakers. The designer waved to the audience while standing at the beginning of the runway.

Many viewers noticed that he looked extremely weak and appeared to be holding onto something just out of frame to maintain his balance.

At one point, Lauren took just a single small step forward before stopping. His wife, Ricky Lauren, hurried over to him, embraced him and stood by his side.

She kissed her husband and remained beside him as Ralph smiled and looked out at the applauding crowd.

Fans immediately began leaving concerned comments beneath the video.

“He looks unwell,” one user wrote.

“Love him more than anything in the world. He looks really unwell,” another agreed.

“It’s sad to see him like this. But Ricky is the most wonderful woman and a loving wife,” another commenter noted.

“It hurts me to see him aging, but I’m happy that he has been part of my entire life and has influenced all of us,” another fan wrote.

“The saddest part is seeing such an energetic man get to the point where he now needs his wife just to… stand upright, let alone walk,” another user added.

“What happened to him? Why can’t he walk?” another asked.

“Poor Ralph. Perhaps they shouldn’t make him come out onto the runway anymore. He has done so much for our world, and I hate seeing him so weak,” one concerned fan wrote.

Ralph Lauren founded the Ralph Lauren Corporation in 1967, starting out by selling men’s ties. In 1971, the company expanded its offerings by introducing classic shirt designs, and a year later it launched its now-iconic polo shirts.