September 10, 2023 |
It was a moment to savour. Ralph Lauren, American fashion’s undisputed great, showed everyone why he’s in a class of his own. Retuning to New York fashion week after four years of off-schedule and travelling shows, the designer gave a masterclass in casual luxury – not to be confused with the tasteful blandness of quiet luxury, casual luxury, has more flair. Especially in Lauren’s hands. He channels a specific sense of ease – the kind of elegance that only comes from being comfortable in your own skin.
Lauren transformed a docklands warehouse in Brooklyn into a rustic barn for the occasion, all be it one lit by chandeliers. A very ‘Ralph’ touch as this is a brand where grand and down to earth go hand-in-hand.
Julianne Moore, Diane Keaton, Jennifer Lopez and Amanda Seyfried sat front row for a show which opened with jeans and a shirt – but norm-core, this was not. The jeans were ultra-crafted with embroidery, lace, devoré beads and sequins to appear artfully distressed. Denim, that all American fabric, was elevated to couture level. Alongside denim cargo pants and ruggedly refined silver embroidered denim jackets, there were denim bustiers and fish tail skirts for evening. Into the mix Lauren added billowing jewel coloured silk pants worn with blazers and heels, fringed capes and madras check halter neck gowns channelled Lauren’s beloved vintage Americana. Chic, easy, elegant – everything was finished with artisanal jewellery and details. Christy Turlington, whose Supermodel documentary airs later this month, closed the show in a golden gown, draped, toga-style over one shoulder. Iconic? Of course.
Photography courtesy of Ralph Lauren.
