Scene setting: Never one to shy away from putting on a show, Ralph Lauren transformed the ground floor of his Upper East Side flagship boutique into a fully functional bistro extension for his coffee brand, Ralph’s Coffee. The new Ralph’s cafe, a vision of crisp white linens, green pinstripes, cafe chairs and leather banquettes, is also available for reservations through the weekend, where fans can also experience the new collection up close. Guests tucked into tiered platters of miniature pastries, dishes of bagels and smoked salmon along with other breakfast delights, while models donning Lauren’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection sauntered by.
Mood board: Ralph Lauren’s new season, which is now available to buy online and in its flagship stores, is a celebration of the foundations that the label is known for. Slinky gowns and fluid tailoring were teamed with unexpected touches like wide-legged silhouettes and exaggerated proportions. Supported by a palette of black, white and that other neutral shade, gold, Lauren’s collection perpetuates that classic brand of Americana which he’s shaped for the last 50 years.
Best in show: Lauren made the case for recognising jumpsuits as eveningwear with several memorable specimens that took their cues from classic silhouettes. One all-black number felt gown-like with thin spaghetti straps and a cutaway bodice, yet was refreshingly finished with flowy trousers instead. Boasting the versatility for today’s wear, while throwing back to the elegance of yesteryear, it was effortlessly all-in-one. §
