Master American designer Ralph Lauren joins model Blanca Padilla in a preview celebration of the luxury fashion brand's 50th anniversary. Joanna Hillman styles Blanca in 'American Dream', lensed by Alexi Lubomirski for Harper's US September 2018./ Hair by Serge Normant; makeup by Gucci Westman

The American fashion house will mark its half century on September 7th, during New York Fashion Week by hosting a show set against the famed backdrop of the Bethesda Terrace fountain in Manhattan's Central Park. Following the catwalk show, there will then be an al-fresco dinner for VIP guests.

"This historic show and dinner will be seamlessly integrated into the setting and will celebrate one of New York's most renowned landmarks," reads a statement from the Ralph Lauren brand. "Mr Lauren will pay homage to his hometown of New York City, the epicentre of American and global fashion, and to the industry that he helped create and lead over five decades."

The event will benefit the Central Park Conservancy - a private, nonprofit organisation that relies on donations to prevent the decline of the world-renowned park.