2026 Recap
American Elegance
Attendees had the privilege of hearing from Ralph Lauren Corporation’s Vice Chairman and Chief Branding & Innovation Officer, David Lauren, with founder and CEO of FEED, Lauren Bush Lauren; renowned designer and former Chief Creative Officer at Ralph Lauren, Alfredo Paredes; award-winning architects and interior designers Will Meyer, Gray Davis, and John and Christine Gachot; Tuckernuck Home and Lifestyle Senior Director Tori Mellott; celebrated floral designer, author and TV personality Preston Bailey; and nationally renowned landscape architects Charles Stick and Ben Page.
The look of the Show was inspired by the iconic fabrics of Kravet. The weekend continued the Show’s tradition of hospitality at its height and welcomed guests from around the world into the inner circle of American Elegance.
2026 KEYNOTE
Living Legacy: The Classic American Style of Ralph Lauren
A conversation between David Lauren and Lauren Bush Lauren, moderated by longtime collaborator and interior designer Alfredo Paredes.
Ralph Lauren Corporation Vice Chairman and Chief Branding & Innovation Officer David Lauren and his wife, Lauren Bush Lauren, founder and CEO of FEED, gave an inside look at one of the greatest influences on American style and design—Ralph Lauren. Moderated by former Ralph Lauren Chief Creative Officer, Alfredo Paredes, the conversation delved into the brand’s legacy of timelessness, philanthropy, and respect for heritage and authenticity.
Moderator Image Credit: Frank Frances
DESIGN PANEL
A Sophisticated Translation of American Elegance
Christine and John Gachot of GACHOT joined Will Meyer and Gray Davis of Meyer Davis, in a lively conversation moderated by Tori Mellott.
Meyer Davis Image Credit: Michelle Mosqueda, GACHOT Image Credit: David Urbanke
FLORAL LECTURE
Floral Fantasy: The Art of Designing an Elegant Celebration
Preston Bailey
World-renowned wedding designer, entrepreneur, author, TV personality, industry spokesperson and educator Preston Bailey shared a showstopping visual presentation and discussion on event production, entertaining and how to take an evening from a great party to a theatrical celebration.
Image Credit: John Labbe
LANDSCAPE DESIGN LECTURE
Designing Classic American Gardens
Charles Stick, in conversation with Ben Page
Arthur Ross Award-winning landscape architect Charles Stick shared rich visuals of his personal gardens and client projects to define what makes a garden a classic American garden in his unforgettable conversation with renowned Tennessee landscape architect Ben Page.
Image Credit: Madding McFadden Hudson
2026 Chairmen
Paula Kinard & Phyllis Vandewater
Paula and Phyllis drew inspiration from the best of Shows past, as well as the work of iconic American designer Ralph Lauren, to bring American Elegance to life for the 36th annual Show. Their creative leadership will not be soon forgotten. As Ralph Lauren himself once said, “Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.”
Image Credit: Francesco Lagnese
2026 HONORARY CO-CHAIRs
Elizabeth Lawrence & Bunny Williams
Considered one of the most talented names in design, Bunny Williams is also an accomplished businesswoman and philanthropist known for balancing refined beauty, welcoming livable appeal and attention to detail. One of Architectural Digest’s “AD100 Hall of Fame” members, Bunny is consistently named on various best-of lists, including ELLE DECOR’s A-List and Luxe’s Gold List, and has won numerous awards, including the New York School of Interior Design’s “Albert Hadley Lifetime Achievement Award,” the “Living Landmarks Award” from the New York Landmarks Conservancy, a Kips Bay’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s “Arthur Ross Award.”
Elizabeth Lawrence has spent her career working alongside Bunny Williams, designing projects across the country, from Manhattan to Palm Beach, to Los Angeles. Since being named Bunny’s only partner in 2017, which led to the renaming of the firm as Williams Lawrence in 2023, she and Bunny have run the Bunny Williams umbrella of brands together.
Image Credit: Francesco Lagnese
2026 Show Catalog
Revisit the 2026 Show catalog to learn more about the event, including speakers, sponsors, vendors and more.
VIDEO RECAP
2026 Highlights
Want to relive the highlights? Check out this video recap that showcases stunning displays, inspiring designs and unforgettable moments from the Show.
2026 Highlights
Explore curated moments from American Elegance.
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