The Tamesis
this Ralph Lauren: Catwalk The book, published earlier this month, vividly depicts many of the designer’s shows. More than 50 years after Lauren’s debut, his brand is stronger than ever; creative directors of the 2020s can only hope for such longevity. The resort collection found Lauren returning to brand standards—double-breasted suits, slip dresses, luxe outerwear—as well as some of his own personal signature neutrals and metallics. The vibe is one of effortless simplicity: how to look good without looking like you’re trying too hard.
Knitwear does some of the heavy lifting here. The pantsuit and sleeveless halterneck dress are both made from sweater yarn, giving both looks a comfortable and effortless feel. The camel coat is unusually cut on the bias, giving it a fresh lightness. Of course, restoring elegance often requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work. A sarong skirt worn with a delicate camisole had no side seams and required some intricate in-house engineering to stay in place, while a dress with micro-cut beads took 800 hours to make. Many of the looks were paired with a new handbag called the RL Madison, whose hardware is modeled after one of Lauren’s favorite belts.
