ralphlauren

The Fashion Statement: Hoof It

Among those of us who've lived through harem pants back in the Eighties, some just can't go there again. We get it.

Thankfully, there's an alternative: jodhpurs. Much like harem pants, crotches on jodhpurs hang low, hips are full and pants are slim from knee to ankle-this is the pant silhouette for fall and is showing up on traditional trousers albeit to a lesser extreme-with the added bonus that you don't hear You Can't Touch This ringing in your head. Instead, enter images of Jackie O.

Belgian husband-and-wife team An Vandevorst and Filip Arickx of A.F. Vandevorst got all horsey on us. Like modern day centaurs, models trotted out in jodhpurs sporting platform boots that looked like hooves. The line includes horse-blanket striped blouses and body jewelry that resembles bridles (see above).

Brit bad boy Alexander McQueen was all about jodhpurs and riding jackets ripped straight from the English countryside in his pre-fall collection. He showed the looks with small top-hats and riding crops which, to the delight of McQueen fans, had a slight S&M effect.

Coming off a Middle Eastern theme last spring, Polo Ralph Lauren went back to its WASP-y, to-the-manor-born roots presenting velvet and tweed jodhpurs topped with proper vests (the label's classic trousers looked like something out of Horse and Hound). Or did it?

Gallery: The Fashion Statement: 09/10/09

Tags: A.F. Vandevorst, A.f.Vandevorst, Alexander McQueen, AlexanderMcqueen, jodhpurs, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren

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Ralph Lauren Scuderia Bag Collection

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Luxury Cars & Autos

Fashion and sportscars go together like yachts and Monte Carlo, but even in such elevated fields, few bridge the narrow gap as stylishly and enthusiastically as Ralph Lauren. His renowned automobile collection includes such multi-million-dollar rarities as the 2005 McLaren F1 GTR LM, 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic and 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK, to name just a few. But his real love is Ferraris, which include some of his most prized posessions: a pair of original Ferrari 250 Testa Rossas (a similar example of which recently set the world auction record at $12 million) and a 250 GTO (which would probably sell for even more if an owner was ever willing to part with one). We guess he loves Ferrari so much, he decided it was about time he gave something back, in his own way. And this is it: the Scuderia bag collection.

Named after Ferrari's famous racing division, the Scuderia bag collection includes duffles, totes, wallets and more, all made from butter-soft perforated black calfskin with contrasting racing stripes. Black and yellow were Lauren's intriguing colors of choice, instead of the more obvious red and tan, and they're all available at select retailers, Ralph Lauren stores and directly from the online shop...for a price. The Scuderia Tote pictured above goes for a princely $1295.

Source

Tags: ferrari, lauren, ralph lauren, ralph lauren ferrari, ralph lauren scuderia, ralph lauren scuderia bag collection, RalphLauren, RalphLaurenFerrari, RalphLaurenScuderia, RalphLaurenScuderiaBagCollection, rl scuderia, RlScuderia, scuderia, scuderia ferrari, ScuderiaFerrari

The Fashion Statement: A Velvet Revolution

by Kristin Young (RSS feed) —

Filed under: The Fashion Statement

Velvet usually comes out of mothballs about once a year: the holidays. Other than that, the fabric that has always stood for wealth and luxury tends to spend more time on settees and chaises than on warm bodies. That is, until now.

Velvet's not so underground anymore thanks to European and American designers who used bolt after bolt of it in the fall 2009 collections. And each one has manipulated the short dense pile into much more than just eveningwear.

Ralph Lauren, Fendi and Bottega Veneta created velvet rose-colored cap-sleeved frocks, neutral strapless cocktail dresses and burnt-orange slouchy day dresses, respectively. Chloé, Sonia Rykiel and Ralph Lauren went for velvet harem pants, mostly in dark green and black. Gianfranco Ferré, Lanvin and Elie Saab blew fashion watchers away with their long black velvet gowns with structured cap sleeves à la the '40s.

Aquilano.Rimondi-a new talented design duo from Italy-draped, cut and sewed bright red velvet into a belted cocoon coat-dress that hits just above the knee. Superb.

But if two designers can turn velvet into a full-blown trend of the season, it's Miuccia Prada and Marc Jacobs. Interestingly enough, both fashion forces took some yellow with their velvet.

Jacobs ran with the '80s-the decade he first hit the fashion scene- with neon yellow cocktail dresses like the one pictured above. Another yellow cocktail dress wraps its wearer like a mummy in wide-bands of velvet. (Fergie took this look out for a spin on the red carpet recently, only in electric blue.)

Prada reached back to a darker mood in the '40s and came up with a more toxic shade of yellow. This disconcerting yellow hovering somewhere between poison and putrid was made into a deep V-neck and stitched to a tweed skirt. Burned-out velvet made appearances on double-breasted coats and V-neck dresses (sometimes awkwardly topped with fur).

Gallery: The Fashion Statement, 07/30/09

Tags: Aquilan.Rimondi, Bottega Veneta, BottegaVeneta, Chloe, Elie Saab, ElieSaab, Gianfranco Ferre, GianfrancoFerre, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, MarcJacobs, Prada, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, Sonia Rykiel, SoniaRykiel, velvet

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Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge Kicks Off in the Hamptons

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Charity, Sports

This past weekend saw opening day of the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field in the Hamptons, the start of another great season of world class equestrianism. The sport's greatest athletes will once again compete for one of polo's most treasured prizes, watched by the East End's most high-profile and influential audience of VIPs, celebrities and media. The VIP tent will host an invitation-only cocktail reception for exclusive guests each Saturday afternoon during the tournament. Season partners include Mercedes-Benz, Piaget, Blue Star Jets, Coca-Cola, Stoli Elit, Riva Yachts, and OPTYX by gruen. A portion of proceeds from the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge will go to South Fork Breast Cancer Coalition. Polo Ralph Lauren will return this summer as the exclusive apparel retailer with an onsite shop at the polo matches held at Bridgehampton's Two Trees Farm.

Evocative of the spirit and heritage of Polo, the shop will feature Ralph Lauren's Black Watch collection and The World of Polo Fragrance. Spectators visiting the Ralph Lauren shop will have a great view of the polo matches and be able to enter to win a polo lesson with Black Watch team member Nacho Figueras. The season will continue for six consecutive Saturdays, ending August 22nd. Anyone can watch from the stands, but the invitation-only V.I.P. tent is the real scene. Celebs in attendance on opening day included Victoria's Secret model Anne V., Beth Ostrosky, Gossip Girl's Chace Crawford and Star Jones. Past years' VIPs have included Anne Hathaway, Elizabeth Hurley, Heather Graham, Howard Stern, Jared Leto, Jay Z, Jessica Alba, Mischa Barton, Natalie Portman and Prince Albert of Monaco, to name a few.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Bridgehampton Polo

Tags: Blue Star Jets, BlueStarJets, Gruen, Hamptons, Mercedes-Benz, Nacho Figueras, NachoFigueras, polo, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, Riva Yachts, RivaYachts

EXCLUSIVE PHOTO FEATURE: Essential Summer Style, Starring the Jaguar XK Convertible

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Gadgets, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wine, Cosmetics and Fragrance, Shoes, Books, Men's Style

Click above for high res image gallery and full credit info. Photographed by Adrianna Ault for Luxist.

Welcome to the first in a new series of exclusive photo features showcasing seasonal style essentials inspired by classic icons of elegance, sport and design, photographed with the most beautiful and coveted cars on the road. The emphasis is on luxury of course, but of the timeless variety as opposed to mere extravagance.

In our recent Classicist column on the 2010 Jaguar XK convertible coming out this August, we remarked on the sleek new cat's stylistic heritage dating back to 1948's XK120, as driven by the likes of Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable, as well as later models like the D-Type (or XK-SS) made famous by the great Steve McQueen. The first in our new series of exclusive shoots is inspired by them and stars the XK in homage to these stylish icons, both man and automotive (read all about the new XK here).

In particular, the influence of Gable (with his XK120 in 1954, top right) and McQueen (with his XK-SS, center right) can be seen in the summery style essentials we've assembled for this shoot. For the pastoral setting we drew on another classic Jaguar reference, an image of writer Truman Capote in a Jaguar XK-E, the model most closely aligned with the new XK, in the Hamptons in 1965 (bottom right).

In the spirit of summer we've chosen a classic combination of navy and white, popular as fashionable resort wear for a nearly a century and still going strong in the right circles. While navy blazers of the type shown here originated as part of English cricket club scenery and other elegant sporting occasions such as the Henley Royal Regatta, without gold buttons it needn't be unnecessarily nautical or costume-y.

The jacket shown here, in tropical weight wool with soft shoulders by the dashing Italian house of Etro, references its sporting antecedents with grosgrain tipping on the lapels, pockets and cuffs; however, since it is finished in the same color as the jacket the effect is a subtle one, while the slim cut updates the look with Italian flair. A cream linen camp shirt by Paul Stuart and white linen pants by Polo Ralph Lauren round out the rest of the ensemble.

As an alternative on cooler days or evenings - which we've certainly had plenty of this summer - we've also included a variation of the navy blazer by Brooks Brothers made of butter-soft goat suede with spiffy sporting details including a throat latch, stand-up collar, action back and pure Irish linen lining, which calls to mind the jacket worn by Gable above.

While a polka dot foulard silk scarf by the venerable British clothier Turnbull & Asser (shirtmaker to the Prince of Wales) provides not only another classic touch and added dose of sprezzatura, it also protects against the elements while piloting the XK with the top down at serious speeds. A hefty dose of McQueen meanwhile can be seen in the rakish cap, sunglasses and watch. For the feet and the road, a pair of pebble-sold leather driving moccasins by Tod's keep the haute Italian vibe going.

The checked linen driving cap - this model is made by Brooks Brothers - of the type favored by McQueen has no brim to collide with a car's headrest, and is infinitely more elegant than a baseball cap. Also on view: iconic Italian Persol sunglasses, in particular the model made famous by McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair. Starring in this feature are a foldable version of McQueen's faves, as well as a couple of other killer Persol models; all are available at Ilori. Also included is a pair of shades by Paul Smith. The watch is a classic and vintage stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II, available at Tourneau, of a similar design to the Rolex Submariner model favored by McQueen (and which recently fetched a record price at auction). Read on for details of the rest of the accessories after the jump.

Gallery: Essential Summer Style 7/09

Tags: Adrianna Ault, AdriannaAult, Brooks Brothers, BrooksBrothers, camera, Clark Gable, ClarkGable, classic cars, ClassicCars, convertible, Duke of Windsor, DukeOfWindsor, Etro, Floto Imports, FlotoImports, hats, Ilori, Jaguar, Leica, lighter, Paul Smith, Paul Stuart, PaulSmith, PaulStuart, Persol, photography, Polo, Prince of Wales, PrinceOfWales, prosecco, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, Rolex, S.T. Dupont, S.t.Dupont, scarf, Steve McQueen, SteveMcqueen, summer, summer style, SummerStyle, sunglasses, teNeues, Tods, Tourneau, Truman Capote, TrumanCapote, Turnbull Asser, TurnbullAsser, Via dei Mille, ViaDeiMille

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Middle Eastern-inspired Fashion Pushes Buttons

by Kristin Young (RSS feed) —

Filed under: The Fashion Statement

Even as the great veil debate raged on this month in France - President Nicolas Sarkozy supports a ban on Muslim women wearing them in public- Paris couturiers paraded all manner of burqas, abayas and niqabs. Now that the shows have ended, we're left with more questions than answers.

Were designers stating they were for or against the ban? Do they endorse freedom of religious expression or were they speaking out against the oppression of women? Besotted with so many images of the controversial garment in the news recently, perhaps they were simply inspired to put a piece or two on the catwalks. Or, were they out to get press?

"When I ask designers questions like these, they always look confused," says David Wolfe, creative director of The Doneger Group, whose job is to predict trends for fashion professionals. "They operate so much from their gut. Whatever the media focuses on, the sensitive designers pick up the vibe, whether consciously or subconsciously. Fashion is an endless drug and designers look for the new high-anything that hasn't been seen or worked to death."

Givenchy, in particular, took the Middle Eastern route sending out models elbow-deep in gold cuffs and weighed down in heavy veils of ornate gold jewelry. The collection also featured billowing harem pants paired with sharp-shouldered blazers. Evening gowns were embroidered and topped with crowns of metal thorns, hard to miss the religious commentary there.

Gallery: Middle Eastern-inspired Fashion

Tags: abaya, burqa, Givency, niqab, Parish Fashion Week Haute Couture, ParishFashionWeekHauteCouture, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, Sarkozy

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Prince Harry Triumphs in NYC Polo Match

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits, Events, Sports

A couple weeks back we wrote that Prince Harry would be competing in in the second annual Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic during his first official visit to the U.S. In the match, which took place this past weekend on Governor's Island, the Prince's Sentebale polo team triumphed over Ralph Lauren's Black Watch, captained by Polo model Nacho Figueras, five goals to four. VIP spectators at the historic event who enjoyed afternoon tea prepared by Sandro Micheli, executive pastry chef at Adour Alain Ducasse at The St. Regis New York, included Madonna and her male model pal Jesus Luz, Kate Hudson, Louis Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Chloe Sevigny and LL Cool J.

Tags: Madonna, New York, NewYork, polo, Prince Harry, PrinceHarry, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, St. Regis, St.Regis, Veuve Clicquot, VeuveClicquot

Polo Modern Reserve from Ralph Lauren

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance, Men's Style

Ralph Lauren is celebrating thirty years of its signature fragrance with a new sensational scent, Polo Modern Reserve. Today's gentleman can embrace a fresh yet sensual combination crafted for the next generation of Polo men. The eight ounce bottle showcases 24-carat gold details and arrives in a luxurious leather box making a bold statement. Nobody wants to smell just like everyone else -- here's your chance to stand out in the crowd wearing a subtle yet tantalizing limited edition scent that only Polo can create available for $200. There is also a four-ounce bottle of the eau de toilette for $62.50.

Source

Tags: polo, polo fragrance, polo modern reserve, PoloFragrance, PoloModernReserve, ralph lauren, ralph lauren polo, RalphLauren, RalphLaurenPolo

Ralph Lauren East Hampton Historical Society Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Charity

In celebration of Ralph Lauren's relationship with the East Hampton Historical Society, the company is introducing a new collection of EHHS-branded apparel and accessories under the Polo label for Summer 2009, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Society. The new collection includes men's waffle t-shirts; hooded sweatshirts and t-shirts adorned with archival imagery from the EHHS; baseball caps; and canvas beach totes (above). The trademark whale logo is a nod to the whaling industry that was an important component to the Hamptons' economy during Colonial times.

Beginning in June 2008, Polo Ralph Lauren announced that it would underwrite the ongoing restoration of the barns and landscape of the East Hampton Historical Society's renowned Mulford Farm, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of America's most significant, intact English Colonial farmsteads. Lauren's support will allow the Society to complete its goal of restoring the estate to its former glory. The EHHS collection will be available online and at select Ralph Lauren stores.

Tags: East Hampton, East Hampton Historical Society, EastHampton, EastHamptonHistoricalSociety, Hamptons, Polo, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren

'57 Ferrari Sells for $12 Million, Sets New World Record

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

The ultra-rare 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (which my colleague Noah Joseph wrote about back in February) just set a new world record for the most expensive motor car ever to be sold at auction, achieving a final price of €9,020,000 or about $12.2 million at RM Auctions' annual Leggenda e Passione event in Italy. The beautiful Scaglietti-designed "pontoon-fender" 250 TR was one of only 22 made. One of the most instantly recognizable cars in Ferrari's history, it's highly coveted by collectors - Ralph Lauren owns two of them.

"The historical significance of this car attracted a bidding war as collectors from around the world - both in the room and on the telephone – competed to secure one of the most alluring and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars," said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe. "The eyes of the world were watching today's sale as cars of this quality are so rarely offered to the market. The quality and the provenance of the Testa Rossa speaks for itself and the price we achieved today is testament to that."

Gallery: 1957 Ferrari 250 TR #0714TR

Tags: Ferrari, Italy, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, RM Auctions, RmAuctions, world record, WorldRecord

Prince Harry to Play in Manhattan Polo Match

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Wine, Events, Charity, Sports

On May 30 Britain's Prince Harry will play in the second annual Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic during his first official visit to the U.S. Last year we told you about the launch of the Manhattan Classic, the first polo match to be played in NYC in 70 years. For this year's event the famed St. Regis hotel is offering an Aficionado package, including a stay at the ultra-luxe hotel, VIP seating at the match for two guests, and brunch the next day with Nacho Figueras, captain of Ralph Lauren's Black Watch polo team (and a Ralph Lauren model).

The St. Regis will feature its renowned Afternoon Tea at the polo match, and Sandro Micheli of Adour Alain Ducasse at The St. Regis New York has created a special menu for the occasion. At the match taking place on Governor's Island, the Prince will play opposite Black Watch on a team captained by Nick Roldan. Veuve Clicquot is donating proceeds from the event to American Friends of Sentebale, a charity supporting at-risk children in Lesotho, Africa, founded by Prince Harry and Lesotho's Prince Seeiso.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: Alain Ducasse, AlainDucasse, British royalty, BritishRoyalty, champagne, Manhattan, polo, Prince Harry, PrinceHarry, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, St. Regis, St.Regis, Veuve Clicquot, VeuveClicquot

Ralph Lauren's Bugatti Stars in Lake Como Concorso

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Events

At the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy on April 24-26, designer Ralph Lauren will be presenting his multiple concours-winning 1938 Bugatti Atlantic 57SC (above), one of only three built. At the event, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, Lauren's beautiful car, worth several million dollars, will be making its first European appearance in 18 years. The Concorso is held at the ultra-luxurious Grand Hotel Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, where part of Casino Royale was filmed, and which we featured in our post on the world's most luxurious private gardens. More than 50 classic beauties spanning six decades of motoring history have been selected to appear at this year's Concorso, which is presented by BMW with sponsorship from Swiss watchmaker Girard-Perregaux, while bespoke coachbuilders Bertone and Zagato will stage world premieres of their new concept cars.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: Bugatti, Girard-Perregaux, Italy, Lake Como, LakeComo, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, Villa dEste, VillaDeste

Rosewood's Ralph Lauren Romance VDay Package

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Ralph Lauren to create a one-of-a-kind Valentine's Day getaway for stylish couples, called "Ralph Lauren Romance Always Yours." Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Ralph Lauren's Romance fragrance and the launch of their newest scent, Romance Always Yours, the package is available at select Rosewood properties including the famed Carlyle Hotel in New York (above); Rosewood's flagship hotels in Dallas, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek and Rosewood Crescent Hotel; as well as the Inn of the Anasazi, A Rosewood Hotel in Sante Fe; the Mansion on Peachtree, A Rosewood Hotel & Residence in Atlanta; and CordeValle, A Rosewood Resort in San Martin, CA.

The two-night package, which starts at $799, includes a luxe room stocked with gifts including a bottle of champagne upon arrival and a custom monogrammed Ralph Lauren cashmere throw. A private candlelit dinner, created specially by one of Rosewood's acclaimed Executive Chefs, will be served en-suite. The indulgence will continue the following day with complimentary spa treatments for two and a limited edition bottle of Ralph Lauren's Always Yours, featuring a delicately hand-crafted glass dauber faceted like a diamond, to take home as a souvenir of an incredible weekend. See the gallery for pix of the participating properties.

Gallery: Rosewood Ralph Lauren Romance

The Mansion on Peachtree, A Rosewood Hotel & Residence

Tags: Carlyle Hotel, CarlyleHotel, Fragrance, mansion on peachtree, Mansion on Turtle Creek, MansionOnPeachtree, MansionOnTurtleCreek, Perfume, Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Romance, RalphLauren, RalphLaurenRomance, Rosewood, Texas, Valentines Day, ValentinesDay, vday09

Ralph Lauren Watches Part 3: The Classic Slim Collection

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This is the last of the first collections for the newly unveiled Ralph Lauren watch brand. The Classic Slim collection here is very different from the Sporting or Stirrup collection, though they all share use of Roman numeral dials. The Classic Slim collection houses the very thin RL430 movement derived from Piaget, another company by joint parent the Richemont Group. This slim Ralph Lauren watch is only 5.35mm thick.

The most noticeable element of the Classic Slim collection watches is the beautiful use of guilloche engraving machine work on the dial and bezel. The 42mm 18k rose gold case and silvered dial each share similar engraving patterns. Guilloche work is often done by hand on very old machines that must be kept running, as new ones aren't manufactured often or any longer.

Style is similar to Breguet, complete with the engraving, broad Roman numerals, and pomme hands. It is a nice look from the brand that makes luxury sensible. The decorated, yet practical look of the Classic Slim watch works well with the demure logo. Around your wrist goes a dark-colored crocodile strap attached to lugs that appear just a bit too small, but enhance the roundness of the dial.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Ralph Lauren Classic Slim watch collection

Tags: classic slim, ClassicSlim, collection, polo, ralph lauren, RalphLauren, richemont, timepiece, watch

Ralph Lauren Watches Part 2: The Sporting Collection

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

First for the new Ralph Lauren watch brand I discussed the Stirrup Collection. Featured here is the second line, the Sporting Collection. I commented on how the Stirrup Collection looked like a design melding between Cartier and Hermes; well the same is true here. True to its name, the Sporting Collection is more sporty then the Stirrup of Classic Slim collection. Six large screws keep the bezel looking strong, yet can pass for being functional if necessary. It's strong looks aren't aggressive looking though, which is nice as this watch says "I bathe horses for fun."

I am on the fence about the application of the Ralph Lauren logo, and whether I admire it or not. It is certainly retro, reminding you of a time when branding was less of an issue that it is today. The models come in three flavors. A subsidiary seconds model (the Classic) , the Chronograph, and the World Timer with power reserve. Metals are either steel or gold. Again, Richemont gives Ralph Lauren access to the parts bin, and the Sporting Collection features IWC mechanical movements such as the RL98295 for the world timer. My pick is the black-faced chronograph on the metal bracelet, that is a sure hit.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Ralph Lauren Sporting Watch Collection