Ralph Lauren reached back into his repertoire last week to remind us all (as if we’d forgotten) of why he is the king of American sportswear. With vestiges of his work from the 70′s, 80′, and a glimmer of the 90′s evident in this collection Ralph took us on a journey through his best work from the past and made it all relevant again for today. And he again proved that not only is he the king of American sportswear, but of period dressing and menswear as womenswear. No one does that latter better than Ralph.
“I have always loved the heritage and romance of England. My collection for fall 2012 is about a modern glamour inspired by timeless character and refined elegance of an authentic way of living,’’ Lauren said in an email to the Associated Press.
So let’s focus on the menswear influenced portions of the show. To the opening score of PBS’s hit series Downton Abbey, Mr. Lauren’s models walked out in incredible 1920′s influenced menswear ensembles of perfectly layered luxe textures. Ralph showed elegant three-piece suits, plaid jodhpurs, Price of Wales and houndstooth checks, Fair isle sweaters, argyle socks, and the most expert use of leopard-print that I’ve seen in a very long time. And he brought back the iconic symbols of the English gentleman: top hats and walking sticks. I’d kill to see those make a comeback on the streets of modern-day New York and London.
Everything was styled to perfection for the Ralph Lauren women, and yet somehow while showing the ladies how to dress for Fall he’s managed to remind and influence legions of men of the fun and grace of true sartorial traditions.
View the full Fall ’12 collection.
[Photos via Style]
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