Ralph Lauren’s car collection on show in Paris
Ralph Lauren's approach to car collecting elevates the automobile to high art. Lauren's private garage in Westchester County, New York, is a minimalist temple to motoring. The collection extends to around 60 cars, kept inside a deliberately non-descript structure that keeps its secrets closely guarded. Inside, thanks to design input from the Polo Ralph Lauren interiors team, the collection is displayed in a truly reverent fashion, part Zen garden, part Rothko Room, with every car placed on a carefully lit pedestal, yet kept maintained and primed for instant use.
Invitations to this automotive nirvana are somewhat limited, but a new exhibition, which opens today in Paris, successfully takes Lauren's garage aesthetic into the public realm. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs plays host to 17 cars from the collection - curated by Rodolphe Rapetti, and put on display by Jean-Michel Wilmotte - including a brace of Bugattis, Mercedes and Ferraris, a couple of Alfas, and rarely seen machines from Bentley, McLaren, Jaguar and Porsche. Although these are series production cars, they mostly come from an era of intense customisation, of elaborate coachwork, adventurous owners and rich racing histories. The cars on display date back seven decades and represent a rich life of carefully collecting and deep enthusiasm. With several of the classics making their public display debut, this is a rare chance to savour one of the world's best-kept and most carefully curated car collections.
Can't make it to Paris? Check back next week to learn much more and take wallpaper.com's interactive tour of the exhibition.
ADDRESS
Musée des Arts Décoratifs
107, rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.
-
Find yourself at Six Senses Kyoto, the brand's breathtaking Japan debut
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors boasting tranquil, luxurious interiors by Blink Design Group
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Shigeru Ban’s mini Paper Log House welcomed at The Glass House
'Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House' is shown at The Glass House in New Canaan, USA as the house museum of American architect Philip Johnson plays host to the Japanese architect’s model temporary home concept
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
Artist Mickalene Thomas wrestles with notions of Black beauty, female empowerment and love
'Mickalene Thomas: All About Love’, a touring exhibition, considers Black female representation
By Hannah Silver Published