AP – Ralph Lauren has been known for many a grand fashion show over the years: taking over Central Park for a sumptuous anniversary celebration, for example, or staging a runway show amid his eye-popping classic car collection.
But for his Fall/Holiday 2024 collection, he decided to go minimal – at least, minimal in Ralph Lauren terms.
That meant an intimate show in a (relatively) small design studio at his New York City offices, inspired by his first women’s fashion show in 1972, where he displayed his wares to editors and friends in his own office.
In front of a typically starry front row that included actors Glenn Close, Jessica Chastain, Kerry Washington, Rebecca Hall and Jodie Turner-Smith, Lauren opened his show on a note of timelessness – his longtime ethos – with the appearance of muse and supermodel Christy Turlington, now 55, in a sleek beige wool coat.
What followed were a series of designs in soothing neutral tones: tans, browns, greys, black and metallics. The soft palette characterised both daytime garments like tailored jackets and sweaters with trousers, and evening wear like slinky, sequined gowns. There were roomy sweaters, lots of boots and wide leather belts with ‘RL’ buckles.
There were Lauren’s familiar Western accents, like long fringes on coats and jacket sleeves.
And especially the occasional cowboy hat, which accompanied not only casual ensembles but, to close out the show with a memorable look, a backless gown dress in sparkly gold.
