As a non-Brit, I was equally excited and clueless to be invited to Goodwood Revival by Ralph Lauren. A quick Google search later, I had gotten the gist of it: history, heritage, and high speed. The minute you step onto the widespread grounds located around the estate of Duke Richmond in West Sussex, you understand the appeal – not only to the guests, but also to Ralph Lauren. As a brand whose own history is tightly interwoven with motorsport, it comes as no surprise that this official partnership has gone into its fourth round in 2026.
Any day at Goodwood Revival is a good day. However, I dare say that my experience was a particularly good one. A ride in a pristinely polished babyblue vintage car brought me to the festival after I had enjoyed some chamomile tea at reception in one of Duke Richmond’s own grand salons. He has provided the grounds around his mansion to celebrate the golden era of motorsport, precisely the years between 1948 and 1966. While the Goodwood Motor Circuit itself was opened in September of 1948, it was exactly 50 years later that the first Goodwood Revival took place. The three-day event spanning over one weekend attracts around 150,000 visitors, with tickets selling out in advance pretty much immediately.
As a first-time attendee, I frequently got asked what it’s like to be there. Instantly, it’s immersive, and fashion plays a huge role in that. Think: flowy floral or polka-dot minidresses on women, tailored suiting reminiscent of the 40s all the way to the 60s on men. The colour palette consists of both earthy and fresh tones, black is swapped for a deep navy, and herringbone along with tweed rule outerwear. Needless to say, Ralph Lauren’s design codes fit right in. The outfits add to the overall atmosphere, draw you in, and somehow, despite everyone constantly creating and uploading content on their phones, take you back in time. So, of course, do the cars.
Restored motorcars literally follow you around wherever you go, from beside the paths between the different vendors and stalls to the race circuit itself. Whether you watch from the grandstand or one of the partner’s lounges, the deep roaring of the vintage vehicle’s engines simply cannot be missed – or not felt in your chest. Ralph Lauren’s hospitality space – including a coffee station, buffet and “The Polo Bar” to be opened officially in London in 2028 – is located in the historic track-side Race Control building, surrounded by the brand’s own interior. A selection of Ralph Lauren pieces are showcased in a room to try on for guests, while visitors can browse the pop-up store at Brooklands Lawn for collectables and gifts as well as customise denim, leather, and knits.
After a meal and a helicopter ride (yes, indeed) offering birdseye views over the estate, my day at Goodwood ended in a two-hour car ride to Heathrow. As quickly as the festival draws you into its world, it also stops the second you leave. Driving through the English countryside, however, does gently ease you out of it, I have to say. Ralph Lauren and vintage motorsport are inextricably linked. Not only due to the designer’s own impressive collection of world-class cars, but more so through what the brand and the sport have in common: long-lasting design and true timeless charm.
Text LISA ZIRNGAST
Photography RALPH LAUREN
