Ralph Lauren opens New York Fashion Week with tribute to wife Ricky
Ralph Lauren opened New York Fashion Week on Thursday with a womenswear collection inspired by his wife of more than 60 years, Ricky Lauren. The runway show at a downtown Manhattan venue served as a love letter to his lifelong muse, who sat front row with other members of the Lauren family as guests were taken on a whirlwind romantic escape ahead of the official launch of the week.
Actors Meghann Fahy, Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki and Ella Hunt were among the celebrity attendees.
“Ralph just generally designs so beautifully for a woman’s body,” Hunt told The Associated Press after the show.
Lauren pared down the lavish setting from his fall ready-to-wear show of opulent rugs and antique chairs. The space was kept white and minimalist, with attendees sitting on ivory fabric benches and models emerging from behind white doors.
Models walked the runway in soft and sensual silhouettes in a palette of navy and white as love songs played, including “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by The Police.
For Lauren, the collection was an “irreverent take on romance” that “upends traditional notions of chic.”
“It’s about ways of dressing that celebrate ingenuity, character, and originality , the freedom and fun of creating a style that is truly personal,” the designer said in his show notes.
Lauren opened the show with a white corseted top and white tailored pants before an array of deep, rich blues unfurled down the runway. The 86-year-old designer played with his signature tailored designs, incorporating billowing white pinstriped pants and dramatic floor-length overcoats.
The refined looks were accented with oversized flowered brooches, feathered bolero jackets draped over evening gowns with plunging necklines, and fringed scarves tied at the waist. Some models strutted in heels; others walked in slipper-like flats. White pantsuits were also featured, in an homage to Lauren’s first suit for women, alongside a golden fringed gown layered over navy trousers.
“What Ralph Lauren is doing this year is writing through his clothes about a very kind of modern dream,” said David Lauren, the label’s chief branding and innovation officer.
Lauren brought a youthful side to the romance story, pairing slim-fitting jackets with low-slung pants and distressed denim.
“What I love about coming to a Ralph Lauren show and wearing Ralph Lauren is that no matter where I am in time or space, or as I’m growing and changing in my styles and preferences and tastes change, I can grow with Ralph,” Ariana DeBose said.
As the models returned behind the doors to close the show, Lauren emerged in aviator glasses and a varsity jacket to wave to guests. His wife, Ricky, joined him with a kiss.
Associated Press journalist Brooke Lefferts contributed to this report.
