Ralph Lauren...
"What I do is about living. It is about living the best life you can and enjoying the fullness of that life around you, from what you wear, to the way you live, to the way you love"
- RL
So... finals have been very intense. A constant cycle of work, more work and trying to get at least 30 minutes of sleep...
But, I only have one more to go so I am a bit more relaxed.
Anyway, I want to talk about my fave designer in the world..
His name is Ralph Lauren and I love him for his authenticity with his lifestyle brand.
I actually fell in love pretty recently. It was September 12th 2008 to be exact. That was the date he showed his spring/summer 2009 collection.
In case you don't remember it, here are some highlights:
The most breathtaking collection! I fell in love and I fell hard. I thought it was absolutely brilliant. I mean, of course I had heard of Ralph Lauren before but I never paid attention to him.
Until this beautiful thing happened. Its the simplicity of it. So clean and refreshing, with the brilliant detailing that makes it stand out. It evokes some kind of emotion, takes you away to this safari in Northern Africa. His collections tell stories and thats why I think he's great.
A year later, his Spring/Summer 2010 collection.... men, he only gets better:
For this one, he takes us back to the 1930's Great Depression. Very Grapes of Wrath. I love the use of rugged denim to represent the working class during the period. It works so well. I love the color palate, very spring and refreshing. The mix of lightweight and heavy fabrics... there is just nothing wrong with this collection! I also love how he always uses menswear in all his collections yet does it in a way that flatters the female body...
And his latest collection: F/W 2010:
Very Edwardian and Art Nouveau. Dark Palette but has a very romantic feel.
Never went to fashion school and only did 2 years of college studying business.
Always had a love for mens suits and worked selling mens ties to classmates to raise money to buy fine tailored suits for himself.
Fast forward to 1967, he opens up his first store selling neckties under the name 'Polo'. Then, 1970, started his womens line selling suits tailored in men's styles
Fast forward, fast forward fast forward
And now, he has built this empire. He does it all! Womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, fragrance, accessories, household items....
With brands that reach every age group and price range. He's got his black label, blue label, Purple Label, Lauren, RLX, Polo Ralph Lauren
Club Monaco, Chaps, American Living, Rugby...
and of course...
Collection
Pretty amazing. And, with all these products, brands and licenses... everything with the RL name stays authentic and truly RL.
His collections that come down the runway always tell a story, stay authentic and has historical inspirations. His brands, labels, licensees and all bring you into this lifestyle that he created. Always elegant, classy, sophisticate. Simple with very close attention to details.
Although he is a classic American designer, he takes inspiration from all over the globe. From historical America, to Paris to Africa. He is definitely an inspiration
Yup, Ralph Lauren is the best and is mos def here to stay!!!
couldn't think of a better place to intern this summer!!
