The One Where Ralph Lauren Creates a ‘Friends’ Collection

By: Iman Taouil

25 years ago, Friends aired on TVs across the country, quickly becoming a classic American sitcom and launching its cast to stardom. In celebration of this milestone anniversary, Ralph Lauren is launching a tribute collection to the show in collaboration with Warner Bros.

While this collaboration may seem unexpected, it makes sense: while the show was still running, Ralph Lauren dressed the actors and Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel Green worked at Ralph Lauren through five seasons. The man himself even made a cameo in an episode!

The collection is a tribute to Rachel Green herself. The fashionista of the show worked in the fashion industry and often sported minimalist, chic looks throughout the seasons. This Ralph Lauren collection is a capsule of timeless, classic items, on par with the brand’s usual style.

Those who expected a recreation of Rachel’s iconic looks might be disappointed, however, as none of the items from the collection are exact replicas worn throughout the sitcom. With a sober palette of colors, the collection doesn’t answer to any specific trend and is not very 90’s looking. It is essentially fit for a working girl’s wardrobe – or a working man’s, as menswear is also included in this collection.

The most nostalgic aspect of the collaboration is probably its campaign, shot in recreated sets of Central Perk café and Monica’s apartment.

It also features the red sofa in the park from the Friends opening! The collection ranges from $69 to $2,998 and is sold online and at Bloomingdale’s – yet another reference to the sitcom, as Rachel famously worked for Bloomingdale’s before joining Ralph Lauren.

Here is a look into the collection and Rachel’s iconic looks that inspired it.

Rachel frequently wears plaid skirts throughout the show’s seasons, so naturally, this Clueless meets Friends yellow plaid skirt is perfect for a Rachel-inspired collection.

Rachel Green loves suits, of all colors, slim or straight fit, pants or skirts. Suits are a working girl’s essential and this collection provides several options from velvet to wool, though they are more classic and serious than Rachel’s looks.

As Rachel’s jobs became more important, her style gradually became classier and more serious. Always looking impeccable, she often tucked her dress shirts in her pants or skirts, pairing them with heels to make her legs look longer and keep her working style feminine.