Ralph Lauren celebrated his 50th anniversary in fashion last month with a spectacular show in Central Park. His Polo line bears many of the designer’s most beloved hallmarks. This season in particular felt personal in look and feel, starting with a classic white button-down with shorn-off sleeves that was inspired by one Lauren customized himself decades ago. The allure of the human touch and the homespun has been everywhere this season, even in the most rarefied corners of the industry. In that vein, the embroidered roses, puka shells, and Made with ❤ by Polo patches that peppered faded denim jeans and jackets felt right for the moment. Ditto for tie-dyed shirting and hoodies.
Indeed, Lauren’s trademark prepster look had a distinctly hippie attitude overall, in keeping with the bohemian mood that’s been in the air for Spring. Lightweight peasant maxi dresses and bandana-print frocks were a nice way to bring the retro vibe of Haight-Ashbury into a modern landscape. Those pieces are likely to charm music festival–goers all over the world next summer.
That said, there were new options for office-bound fashion lovers to be had, as well. The wide-leg trousers and gaucho pants, originally inspired by designs Lauren created in the early 1970s, offered up a stylish and comfortable alternative for those who prefer the free-spirited style yet tailored mold of Diane Keaton. The huarache sandals, a standout in the collection, were modeled on a pair once owned by the designer’s most cherished muse: his wife, Ricky.
