Make Me Wanna Ralph

Fashion Week Follow-Up

Down in Tribeca, monstrous chandeliers were hung. An arch was constructed. Models were dressed. A crowd of spectators was assembled. There was an air of maturity and respect in the air. People maintained composure as they excitedly recognized familiar faces. Photographers resisted scrambling for shots of any celebrity attendees. As guests found their seats in the converted showroom, the anticipation level reached “Palpable.” The scene was set for (arguably) the most anticipated event of the week: the Ralph Lauren runway show.

Ralph’s designs are always clean, well tailored, classic. Although his clothes are always gorgeous, each collection isn’t necessarily original. Not that that’s a bad thing; his recognizable style is what keeps long-time, as well as first-time, wearers coming back again and again. The women of the world wear Ralph because it’s exactly what they’re looking for—so why change a thing?

But these days it’s all about mixing it up—literally. Mixing textures, mixing prints, mixing vintage with modern. So it should come as no surprise when the king of “everywoman” fashion decided to do a little mixing on his own Fall 2009 runway.

Using tough leather belts or a twill jacket to accessorize flowing, feminine frocks, Ralph Lauren managed to incorporate the menswear he’s perfected into even the most formal of looks. A brilliant move, really, for now there’s no occasion to which a woman can’t justify wearing her classic, rough, riding-style sport jacket. Suddenly, R.L. is able to penetrate all facets of life; from a dinner at the in-laws’ to a black-tie charity banquet, there’s nowhere your Ralph can’t go with you.

Examples from the Fall 2009 collection:

Wanna view the show? Get more inspiration? Shop the looks? You can do it all at RalphLauren.com.

For more Louisa At Large reports from Fall Fashion Week 2009 visit Atlanta Magazine's "Window Shopping."