The American fashion house showed its autumn/winter collection to a star-studded front row.
After her Cowboy Carter album release, Ralph Lauren’s show nodded to the Beyonce-inspired cowboy trend.
Jessica Chastain, Glenn Close, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Kerry Washington joined a star-studded roster from film, TV, and music at the intimate show in New York. At the same time, muse and supermodel Christy Turlington, 55, walked the runway.
The designer, 84, used metallics and knitwear for his neutral-colored autumn/winter collection. It featured cowboy hats, belts, and boots.
Chastain, 47, said Ralph Lauren taught her to “break the rules” in fashion.
After the show, the US actress and producer said, ” I got a bit of a fashion lesson from Ralph Lauren. A beautiful dress came down [the runway] with a white lace collar paired with a western belt, and I loved it.
“I would have never thought of pairing that look together. He’s the only designer who could put on a tuxedo with a pair of cowboy boots [too]. He really has so much fun with his fashion and that’s what I’ve come to expect. I’ve learnt that I’m allowed to break the rules.”
Models walked the runway in nude tailored coats over shirts and ties in the same color, cropped knit jumpers and cardigans paired with sparkly mesh maxi skirts, sequinned evening gowns, and matching trousers and suit jackets.
Accessories included understated handbags, western belts, cowboy knee-high boots, and hats.
Founded in 1967, Ralph Lauren became best known for its famous polo shirt. The brand has a history of Americana dressing rooted in America’s cultural heritage, so cowboy-style makes a lot of sense for the latest collection.
This show – which took place in the designer’s private design studio, the runway reminiscent of a Manhattan gallery – was understated compared to some of his most famous shows, which include taking over Central Park and holding a runway show around his classic car collection.
Praising the latest collection, Turner-Smith admitted she’s “a sucker for fringe.”
She said of Ralph Lauren’s fashion, “While it’s always current and modern, it still feels nostalgic.”
Scandal star Washington, 47, said, “I think it’s elegance you can count on year after year.He takes inspiration from his surroundings, but he never follows the latest fashion trends with his clothing.You can dip into a look from any decade and still be one of the best-dressed in the room.”
Meanwhile, Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, opted to attend the show in a maxi blue, white, and black striped dress with a drop-down waist and ivory-heeled boots.
“Ralph could have been a movie director,” said the 74-year-old.
Fashion benefits and Hollywood loses out. The collections seem like movies. The other thing that always strikes me about Ralph’s collections is that they are so timeless yet essentially modern.”
Close, 77, wore a cream suit. She loved the mix of textures and said they looked wearable, comfortable, simple, and beautiful. It was gorgeous.”
