“To design without fashion in mind, to design something that is legendary and timeless, is what I aspire to” – Ralph Lauren
Day two of New York Fashion Week saw America’s fashion elite, celebrities and political figures congregate under the stars in New York City’s Central Park to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ralph Lauren. Against the backdrop of the Bethesda Terrace fountain in Manhattan’s Central Park, the American fashion house celebrated its half a century with a fashion show and gala dinner. Fittingly, the Bethesda Terrace became a site for an outdoor luncheon restaurant at the end of the 1960s, around the time Mr Lauren launched his eponymous label.
Starting out selling ties, the lifestyle brand soon developed into the first ‘Polo’ menswear collection in 1968. Three years later Mr Lauren began selling womenswear. The brand has grown from strength to strength ever since.
Described by the man himself, Ralph Lauren’s 50th Anniversary Collection is inspired by the timeless heroine who thrives on originality, creating her own personal style through an eclectic combination of influences, from a romantic kind of vintage to a bold, modern sophistication.
With guests including Anne Hathaway, Blake Lively, Steven Spielberg, Anna Wintour and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to name but a few, the 50th Anniversary Collection contained a mix of brand classics to expertly crafted luxury garments inspired by rock stars, fit for royalty.
Stand out pieces from the runway show saw the American Flag Sweater make its return, a matte metallic sequin dress layered with a cashmere-wool sweater, a men’s waxed leather and shearling jacket worn with a wool-silk-linen Fair Isle sweater and pleated herringbone trousers and an unconstructed three-piece Irish Donegal tweed suit styled with a vintage shearling coat.
Closing the Ralph Lauren show was supermodel Gig Hadid wearing a handmade patchwork gown of 132 separate patches united by zigzag stitching and embroidery. Showcasing a patch worked American Flag; the piece required the skilled work of three master artisans.
Ralph Lauren’s philanthropic roots also resonated throughout the 50th Anniversary celebrations as the event benefited the Central Park Conservancy – a private, non-profit organisation that relies on donations to prevent the decline of the world-renowned park.
The full collection can be found on the Ralph Lauren website.
Edward Lumley is Editor-in-Chief for Of Wealth & Life and a Freelance Men’s Fashion Writer. Edward has written for publications such as FashionBeans, Harrods and a variety of online outlets specialising in Men’s fashion for the past eight years. Follow Edward on Instagram.
