If there were an official league of fashion buzzwords, then it’s safe to say that athleisure would take home the prize this year. That sweet spot, where fashion and an active lifestyle meet, is arguably familiar territory for Ralph Lauren. Though nature of the activities might have changed in the decades since the brand was founded—polo then, pilates now—the idea is essentially the same. An elevated sense of ease and comfort ran throughout the new Pre-Fall collection; think a cropped leather bomber jacket, or a cashmere suede tracksuit. Styled with heels and a sparkling sequin camisole, as it was here, and it’s clearly a look intended to travel beyond the confines of Sunday brunch—more ath-luxury, than athleisure, you might say. That casual approach to cocktail hour worked nicely alongside more classic party dresses, including one charming, pleated Art Deco–print frock.
More traditional Lauren sportswear tropes were in the mix too, including a handful of equestrian-inspired looks, one of which featured slim-fitting jodhpur-style leggings with leather knee patches, a polished alternative to the now-ubiquitous yoga pant. In an age when the price of sneakers can easily rival those of designer shoes, the idea of investing in a pair of Lauren’s comfy knee-high riding boots, made with leather that will no doubt look better with age, is pretty appealing.
