RalphLauren

Harry Slatkin on The Evolution of Home Fragrances (video)

Filed under: Decor, Video

When home fragrance expert Harry Slatkin began his career in home fragrances 18 years ago, he literally changed the industry. Since he founded Slatkin & Co., many others have followed suit, from Ralph Lauren to Banana Republic and Martha Stewart. Slatkin now oversees product development for all the home fragrance brands under Bath & Body Works, the country's largest bath and body retailer with over 1,650 stores.

Home fragrances used to be more of a women's world. Since then, the industry has changed dramatically, says Slatkin.

"If I do a radio show, the callers in are mostly men," he says. "They are complementing me on this scent or that scent. Men are getting into scent just as much as women."

Home fragrances have also hit the college scene. "One of the hottest products right now for college students are plug-ins," says Slatkin. "Dorms smell and you can't really light a candle in a dorm. But you can use a plug-in to create a different atmosphere, plus it is a great way to hide all the musty smells of dirty laundry."

Tags: awards-main, Harry Slatkin, home fragrances, HomeFragrances, Luxist-Awards, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren

The Fashion Statement: Olympic Looks

by Kristin Young (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Sports, The Fashion Statement

Those loud curling pants. Aboriginal costumes. Ice dancing get-ups channeling Elvis. There's a lot of fashion going on at the Olympics.

The Norwegian curlers' red-white-and-blue diamond-printed pants made worldwide headlines for their court jesterness. But c'mon, they called attention to this sleepy sport. Has there ever been so much talking about curling? The pants, meanwhile, have become hot sellers. I contacted loudmouthgolf.com yesterday and they confirmed they are sold out of the now-famous Dixie-A style.

Nothing could outdo the curling pants...or so I thought. Then Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin came skating along. The Russian ice dancers broke out costumes consisting of red loincloths, some rope and white tribal markings. They took these looks out for a spin recently and offended the aboriginal culture in Australia in so doing. Before they slipped into the look again at the Olympics, the duo made nice with Canada's indigenous people. Less has been said about the nutball costumes themselves. They looked like they were stitched at the felt crafts table at junior camp. And what's with the foliage?

Canada's snowboarding uniforms were widely debated over whether or not the pants were too tight. Hey, as long as you can move in them. Skinny pants are the thing these days, after all.

Gallery: The 2010 Winter Olympic Games Ice Dancing Costumes

Tags: loudmouth.com, maxim shabalin, MaximShabalin, Norwegian curlers, NorwegianCurlers, oksana domnina, OksanaDomnina, Olympic fashion, OlympicFashion, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, TessaVirtueAndScottMoir

Continue reading “The Fashion Statement: Olympic Looks”

Ralph Lauren Heart of Gold Perfume

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

We've all got our own versions of what love is and what it smells like. Heart of Gold, Ralph Lauren's luxury-edition spray parfum offers his take on romance in a bottle continuing his Love fragrance line. The scent is unabashedly sweet. Described as an extravagant flororiental it has notes of warm amber, magnolia and orris root butter and with a dose of Bulgarian rose and ylang ylang. The fragrance has a sweet berry like opening and the scent that lingers is soft, floral and a bit traditional. This is not the scent of danger, sex or intrigue, it is a scent that suits Valentine's Day in its unassuming, unabashedly feminine style. The 1.7 ounce eau de parfum spray sells for $90 in a golden metal heart-shaped bottle with Ralph Lauren's signature along the bottle's edge . The fragrance is available at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores and just in time for Valentine's Day. Saks Fifth Avenue will be offering engraving tomorrow.

Tags: floriental, love perfume, LovePerfume, ralph lauren, ralph lauren love, RalphLauren, RalphLaurenLove

Rare $25 Million Ferrari 250 GTO Offered for Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wealth

Ralph Lauren has one. So does Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and some of the richest men in the world. Now you can get your hands on an extremely rare automotive icon, a legendary 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO being offered for private treaty sale by RM Auctions, at a price that could easily top $25 million. The car, chassis no. 4675 GT from an important Japanese collection, is one of only 36 250 GTOs originally produced and one of a limited few with Series II GTO bodywork. In 2008 British real estate baron Bill Ainscough reportedly sold his 250 GTO for about $28 million to an anonymous tycoon, making it the world's most expensive car. "The Ferrari GTO is unquestionably one of the most iconic and coveted cars in the world," notes Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe. "This is truly a rare occasion for collectors to acquire such an important piece of automotive history."

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GTO, Ferrari250Gto, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, RM Auctions, RmAuctions

Must-Have Accessory: Modo for Jennifer Creel Classic Sunglasses

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

It may not come as too much of a surprise that Jennifer Creel can now add "sunglasses designer" to her long resume and list of talents. After all, sunglasses are a staple for her everyday wardrobe.

"People always knew me for wearing sunglasses," recalls the actress and model, who has appeared on a variety of television shows, including "The Bold and the Beautiful", Plum TV and Ovation TV. "Sunglasses have always been a passion of mine. They stage your mood for the day and complete an outfit."

The idea of designing her own line came after a friend who was familiar with Creel's love of the must-have accessory item, made the suggestion.

In the fall of 2008, Creel got in touch with Alessandro Lanaro, the chief executive of Modo Eyewear, a boutique designer eye wear company that owns such sunglass lines as Derek Lam, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Jason Wu and 7 for All Mankind, in addition to its Modo eyewear collection. A partnership was soon formed in which Creel would design an environmentally conscious eyewear collection.

Gallery: Modo Eyewear by Jennifer Creel

Creel, who has a background in design (she spent a decade at Polo Ralph Lauren where she was a designer in the women's active wear division), has created eight styles for Modo. "I come up with the concepts and ideas about what women and men are looking for," says Creel. "I don't design for one particular person."

Her well-designed collection includes navigator styles, retro shapes, and a color palette with unique shades and hues of green, bark, purple, blue, red, and orange, in addition to classic options like tortoise and black. The sunglasses are hand crafted in Japan and made of all natural materials, including bamboo and leather. "There is so much workmanship involved with the creation of every piece," says Creel.

Tags: Bergdorf Goodman, BergdorfGoodman, derek lam, DerekLam, eyewear, jennifer creel, JenniferCreel, modo, modo eyewear, ModoEyewear, NetJets, phillip lim, PhillipLim, ralph lauren, RalphLauren, sunglasses, trees for the future, TreesForTheFuture

Continue reading “Must-Have Accessory: Modo for Jennifer Creel Classic Sunglasses”

Ralph Lauren Classic Slim Watch On The Wrist

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I think it is technically referred to as the Slim Classique, but "Classic Slim" just sounds better in my ears. Or maybe they had it right? Regardless of the name this watch isn't something people will argue about liking. Coming in three sizes, in white or rose gold, and with optional diamonds on the bezel, this is Ralph Lauren's beautiful slim classic watch creation. Once I was able to get the watch (42mm here in rose gold) on my wrist I was sold. Apparently it is a favorite of Ralph Lauren himself as well as his close circle.

The watch is just over 5mm thick and inside is a specially made Piaget manually wound mechanical movement that is just 2.1mm thick (40 hours of power reserve). Wow! Look at that size on the wrist. Wafer-thin my friends. The large dial is broad and couldn't be easier to read. Just the hours and minutes told via large Breguet style hands against tasteful Roman numerals. The dial and bezel both feature guilloche machine engravings. Interesting that the bezel also features it, as this was popular "back in the day." But then again, this is the "classique." The strap is thin alligator and comfortable (with a shiny texture to it). Men should opt for the largest size (seen here) and for the ladies there are smaller versions. Really proof that Ralph Lauren and Richemont together can come up with a nice product. Also worth noting is that Ralph Lauren himself is very personally involved in the design and continued refinement and extension of the watch brand - as it is more than just a series of timepieces with his name attached to them.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Ralph Lauren Classic Slim watch

Tags: 2010, Classique, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, Slim Classic, SlimClassic, watch

Sunday Real Estate Round-Up, 01/24/10

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

From the LA Times Hot Properties:
--Professional skateboarder Erik Elllington has listed his Hollywood Hills contemporary, shown above, for $1,595,000. The property website is here.
--Kurt Rappaport, co-founder of Beverly Hills-based Westside Estate Agency sold a Beverly Hills home for around $24 million. Rappaport took a combination of cash and a house in the flats of Beverly Hills in trade in the transaction.
--Actors Jeremy Renner and Kristoffer Winters have sold a gated and restored 1924 Greek Revival in the Hollywood Hills area for $4,004,852.
--Screenwriter Tedi Sarafian has listed his renovated Normandy-style 1920s home in the Hollywood Hills for $1,749,000. The listing is here.

From the NY Post:
--Damages star Glenn Close has listed her two-bedroom apartment in the Beresford building at 211 Central Park West for $11.8 million. The apartment has two terrace's and a maid's room. The listing is here.

Gallery: Glenn Close On Central Park West

--Jay-Z and Ralph Lauren have both been spotted checking out the triplex penthouse in the ClockTower Building in Brooklyn. The apartment has gorgeous views through four giant clock faces and a glass elevator. It is listed at $25 million.

Gallery: Clock Tower Building

--Blackstone Group CEO Steven Schwarzman has sold his East Hampton home for $6.25 million. He bought the 3,200-square-foot home for $2.3 million in 1996 and later stayed there while the Water Mill estate he bought for $34 million in 2005 was being renovated.

From the Wall Street Journal's Private Properties:
--Financially embattled Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicsk has sold his three-acre, Aspen-area estate to Howard M. Jenkins, the former head of the Southeastern Publix Super Markets chain, for $18.5 million.
--Restaurateur and celebrity chef Charlie Palmer is asking $11.5 million for the five-story Manhattan townhouse that housed his first restaurant, Aureole, and former apartment. The listing is here.
--Australian golfer Adam Scott has put his beachfront vacation home on Australia's Gold Coast on the market for 4.95 million Australian dollars. The listing is here.

From Move Trends:
--A San Fernando Valley home that once belonged to Charlie Sheen and then-wife, Denise Richards, as well as actresses, Kirstie Alley and Katey Sagal is listed at $8.995 million, down $400,000 from when it was first listed in October. The listing is here.

Gallery: Louise Avenue

--A Montecito, California home that once belonged to director Robert Zemeckis is on the market for $13.9 million. The listing is here.

Gallery: East Valley Road

From ShelterPop:
Celebs on the Move: Angelina & Brad, Taylor Swift, Bradley & Renee
Breaking News: Diane Von Furstenberg Home
Three Kennedy Clan Estates For Sale
Inside Project Runway's Updated NYC Digs

Tags: adam scott, AdamScott, eric spar, EricSpar, erik ellington, ErikEllington, glenn close, GlennClose, guy wildenstein, GuyWildenstein, jeremy piven, JeremyPiven, john cleese, JohnCleese, kristoff winters, KristoffWinters, pat fitzgerald, PatFitzgerald, ralph lauren, RalphLauren, tedi sarafian, TediSarafian, Tom Hicks, TomHicks

Continue reading “Sunday Real Estate Round-Up, 01/24/10”

Ralph Lauren Opens New Outposts in Gstaad

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Ralph Lauren has just opened the first of two new boutiques in the ultra-chic ski resort of Gstaad, Switzerland, haven of royalty and the international jetset. The designer restored and revamped a historic, intimate three-story building in the center of the village (above) for the first outpost, while the second is planned for the lobby of the luxe Gstaad Palace hotel. Capturing the architectural heritage of local alpine chalets mixed with a dash of American mountain lodge, the interior is finished in pine, oak, local stone and plaster evoking an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. Navajo rugs, antiques, beautiful showcases and unique artwork exuding the Ralph Lauren lifestyle make up the interior decor. The store highlights the brand's iconic collections - Ralph Lauren Collection, Purple Label, Black Label, Blue Label, Polo and RLX Ski - as well as the three new Ralph Lauren Watch collections.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: boutique, Gstaad, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, ski resort, skiing, SkiResort, Switzerland

The Classicist: The Very Best of Polo

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Sports, Men's Style, The Classicist

Continuing our sporadic series looking back at highlights from the first year of The Classicist, the weekly column devoted to timeless style, enduring elegance, and true, built-to-last luxury as opposed to mere extravagance, we present the pick of the crop devoted to polo, the sport of kings. Polo is "the original 'extreme sport," as Polistas founder Johnny Lynn told us, and has been played for centuries in a wide range of locales from Mongolia to Persia and India, as we learned from photographer Aline Coquelle's gigantic and brilliant book Polo: The Nomadic Tribe. And though it's undeniably an aristocratic pursuit, more people are getting into the game; some even play it on elephants and snow.

Gallery: The Best of Polo

Snow polo was first introduced in 1985 in Switzerland's swank St. Moritz, and caught on immediately among the bon ton. It's no surprise that swells in equally upscale Aspen, CO decided to stage their own snow polo tournament nine years ago, the World Snow Polo Championships, the only one of its kind in the United States. The tournament recently got some unwanted press when it was discovered that White House party crashers Michaele and Tareq Salahi had scammed the organizers of last year's event. Of course some changes to the game are required for playing on snow. For one thing, the polo ponies are shod with special cleated shoes to provide better traction in the snow, and the ball is larger, lighter, and painted bright red to accommodate winter conditions.

Gallery: Snow Polo

Tags: Aspen, equestrian, horses, Johnny Lynn, JohnnyLynn, Nacho Figueras, NachoFigueras, Polistas, polo, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, snow polo, SnowPolo, The Classicist, TheClassicist

Continue reading “The Classicist: The Very Best of Polo”

The Classicist: Celebrating the Best of the Season

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spirits, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Shoes, Books, Men's Style, The Classicist

As we head inexorably into winter here on the East Coast, it's time for The Classicist to take a look back, raise a glass and celebrate the best of the season. Perhaps you're looking for a last-minute gift for the holidays or just want to treat yourself once the dust settles. Here's our rundown of seasonal favorites, some we've mentioned before and others appearing for the first time. See the gallery for full pix:

1. Barbour Dunelm jacket: A slimmed down version of the classic foul weather parka style jacket in signature waxed cotton with an attached hood, utility pockets and a two way zip under a studded-front storm flap, from the classic British outerwear company. Founded in 1894 and holders of the Royal Warrant, they've opened a new chapter in classic sporting style with updated designs.

2. LINCS by David Chu cardigan: From Chu's new collection of clothing for the "gentleman adventurer", a weighty cashmere cardigan in a heathery loden weave with a leather buckle at the collar and suede trim under the placket. The epitome of Chu's classic and rugged yet elegant ethos.

3. Ralph Lauren tartan duffel: Part of Lauren's luxe new Holiday Collection, rooted in the spirit of 1930's Sun Valley, the famous Idaho ski resort frequented by socialites and celebrities. Tartan plaid wool with saddle leather trim embodies wintry sophistication.

4. Wolverine Gentry Upland boots: From the 125-year-old company's new vintage-inspired 1000 Mile Collection, finished in rough full-grain leather with loden Pendleton wool inserts and lug soles. Equally at home in the field or on the town.

5. Caesar Guerini Apex shotgun: The rich heritage of fine Italian shotgun makers meets British lines and classic style in the Apex field and sporting models, blending beauty - Oiled Turkish Circassian walnut stock and intricate engraving - with performance and lasting value.

Gallery: The Classicist: Best of Fall / Winter '09

Tags: Barbour, Caesar Guerini, CaesarGuerini, David Chu, DavidChu, Land Rover, LandRover, laphroaig, LINCS, Project X, ProjectX, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, Range Rover, RangeRover, Rolex, Scotch, shotgun, sporting, The Classicist, The Equinox, TheClassicist, TheEquinox, Wolverine

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Ralph Lauren's Luxe Holiday Offerings

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Spirits, Men's Style

This holiday season Ralph Lauren has come out with a number of luxurious offerings rooted in the spirit of 1930's Sun Valley, the famous Idaho ski resort frequented by socialites and celebrities. The designer's Holiday Collection "embodies wintry sophistication with luxe cashmeres, rich tartan plaids, regal velvets and chic yet rustic details, creating gifts with a nod to classic American heritage and modern sensibility." Standout items include a tartan plaid duffel bag made of rich wool with saddle leather trim for $1,500, and the Brabham Vice Box at $4,995 (above), a streamlined case containing handsome crystal barware, sleek coasters and a debonair poker set. As a limited edition of 50, each box bears a numbered plate. Other home items evoke the inviting world of the Adirondacks or a sleek urban environment, with a sophisticated jewel-toned palette executed in sumptuous materials.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: barware, holiday 09, Holiday09, poker, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, Sun Valley, SunValley

Ralph Lauren Limited Edition Platinum Stirrup Watch

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Ralph Lauren is offering a new limited edition version of its Stirrup chronograph watch in platinum for the holidays. Limited to 67 pieces worldwide to commemorate 1967, the year the Polo Ralph Lauren brand was born, the watch is priced at $68,500 and comes on a black alligator strap.

As my colleague Ariel Adams reported, the famed designer launched his new line of timepieces earlier this year, consisting of three separate collections, in a joint venture with Richemont.

The Stirrup Collection was inspired by heritage equestrian style and the celebrated history of Ralph Lauren. The self-winding watch will be available at select Polo Ralph Lauren boutiques worldwide and via www.ralphlauren.com.

Tags: chronograph, equestrian, Jaeger-LeCoultre, platinum, Polo, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren

New Ralph Lauren Gift Site Features Vintage Pieces

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Jewelry, Men's Style

In time for the big holiday buildup, Ralph Lauren has launched an exclusive new online gift giving site, www.RalphLauren.com/GiftVault, offering rare and unique pieces sourced predominantly from the designer's extensive Vintage Collection.

The site is divided into three collections: Americana, Hollywood Glamour, and Estate. The Americana collection includes unique merchandise inspired by the Western Frontier from carved wood furniture to one-of-a-kind concho belts.

Hollywood Glamour epitomizes 1930's cinematic style with spectacular Art Deco home items reminiscent of old Hollywood including limited edition estate jewelry and sterling silver barware. And Estate is the ultimate in British-inspired sophistication including gold and gemstone jewelry, bronze statues and equestrian inspired accessories.

Examples of pieces on offer include a silver bullet shaped "artillery" cocktail shaker, a stunning antique mine-cut diamond pendant from the 1800s, a beautiful turquoise Navajo inspired cuff and this rare sterling silver and boar tusk flagon made in England in 1946.

Tags: gifts, holidays, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren

EXCLUSIVE: Polo Star Nacho Figueras' Ten Essential Luxuries

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Celebrity Shopping, Sports, Men's Style, 10 Luxuries

Click above to see Nacho Figueras' 10 Luxuries

Welcome to the second installment of our new feature, "10 Luxuries", wherein a notable figure in the world of luxury, tastemaker or stylish personality tells about the 10 necessary luxuries they simply cannot do without. Related quotes and images of each item can be found in the gallery.

World-class professional polo champion Ignacio "Nacho" Figueras is the face of The World of Polo. Already the face of Polo Black, Nacho was recently chosen to represent all of Ralph Lauren's Polo fragrances, including Polo Modern Reserve and Polo Blue, in print and advertising campaigns because he embodies the many facets of today's modern Polo man. Born in Argentina in 1977, Nacho developed a love for horses and the game of polo by the age of nine. By the time he was 17, Figueras began his professional polo career. Nacho's name has become so synonymous with the sport of polo that the American Museum of Natural History looked to Figueras to donate his polo equipment to their 2008-2009 exhibit, "The Horse", and he has been matched against England's Prince William and Prince Harry in the UK's Sandhurst Tournament.

Figueras, who divides his time between the United States and Argentina, is currently playing for Neil Hirsch's Black Watch Polo team in Bridgehampton, New York in the summer and in Palm Beach, Florida during the winter season. He returns to his ranch in Argentina for the spring and fall. Off the field, Nacho's natural charisma made him the face of Ralph Lauren Black Label clothing and the Polo Black fragrance in 2005. In 2007, Polo Ralph Lauren began sponsoring his Black Watch team and debuted a line of Black Watch clothing. "Nacho personifies The World of Polo by living the lifestyle represented by each of the fragrances," says Guillaume de Lesquen, President, Worldwide, Ralph Lauren Fragrances. "When he isn't playing polo in the world's most prestigious tournaments and promoting its heritage as an ambassador, he is sailing with his young family off the coast of Punta del Este, Uruguay and breeding horses on his ranch outside of Buenos Aires."

Previously: Vertu President Perry Oosting's Ten Essential Luxuries
Related: The Classicist: Exploring the Wide World of Polo

Gallery: Polo Star Nacho Figueras' 10 Luxuries

Art Collection, featuring works by Steven Klein (pictured)

Tags: ad campaign, AdCampaign, Argentina, equestrian, fragrance, Hamptons, horses, model, Nacho Figueras, NachoFigueras, polo, Prince William, PrinceWilliam, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, sporting, UK

The Classicist: Exploring the Wide World of Polo

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Sports, Books, The Classicist

Contrary to popular belief in certain quarters, polo is not just a rich people's pastime confined to the Hamptons and Palm Beach; nor is it merely an extremely lucrative clothing empire founded by Ralph Lauren. In fact, it's an ancient and noble game, as well as the world's oldest team sport, that has evolved into an entire way of life. In her upcoming book Polo: The Nomadic Tribe (available for pre-order on Amazon), photographer Aline Coquelle chronicles all aspects of the ultimate equestrian pursuit, tracing polo from its nomadic origins to the incomparably chic lifestyle it encompasses today. Coquelle, who studied art and anthropology, traveled around the world for five years photographing and writing about each significant place along the route of polo's evolution, capturing all its courage, strength, speed, style, beauty, elegance and allure.

Polo was first played in Persia well before the 1st century AD. Warlike tribesmen played it with as many as 100 to a side in what was essentially a miniature battle. Later on it was passed from Persia to other parts of Asia including the Indian subcontinent and China, where it was very popular during the Tang Dynasty. The name polo is said to have been derived from the Tibetan word "pulu", meaning ball. The first polo club was established in the town of Silchar in Assam, India, in 1834. The British, who are seen as the main proponents of the sport today, picked it up in India and the classic style of the colonial era with its overtones of aristocrats and army officers gives polo much of its current cachet, cleverly marketed by the aforementioned Mr. Lauren and others.

Divided into geographic sections, Coquelle's book presents the sport on a global scale. At locations around the world, "the vibrant green carpeted fields, the carefully ornamented players, the brilliant sheen of their horses, and the deep brown leather of their saddles" provides an aesthetic link between polo's devotees - the "nomadic tribe" of the title. She reveals the essence of what has historically been called the "Sport of Kings" and the passion of its players from across the globe. Designed to be "the ultimate book on the sport of polo," Coquelle offers "an homage to beauty in pursuit of a modern perspective" while maintaining the spirit and sophistication of this centuries-old game. See the gallery for a preview of some stunning images from this incredible book.

Gallery: Polo: The Nomadic Tribe