The jewel in the crown of Ralph Lauren menswear lines, Purple Label, will turn 25 this year, looking as dapper and chic as ever. Inspired by British upper-crust style, which is a personal favorite of Mr. Lauren’s, it has expanded its range to fit a modern attitude without abandoning old-school elegance. In the notes, Lauren said: “I’ve always believed in the art of fine tailoring. I wanted the fit and construction to have the integrity of old-world craftsmanship yet remain soft and supple, natural and comfortable.”
At the collection’s core, a reissue of a series of ’90s tailored looks inspired by Lauren’s personal suiting spoke of his enduring love for a broad-shouldered, wide-lapel, nipped-waisted silhouette, crafted from luxurious Italian or English fabrics. “They look exactly the way he would wear and style them,” said the equally dapper John Wrazej, executive vice president, creative director, men’s, pointing out a fabulous three-piece tone-on-tone suit in a beautiful windowpane motif in a dégradé of grays and blacks.
The pinnacle of the collection was the eveningwear, resplendent with exquisitely tailored, ’20s-ish white-tie tailcoats and Scottish Guard officer–inspired coats, regally embroidered with aristocratic coats of arms. They looked fit for a formal reception at Downton Abbey—or Buckingham Palace perhaps: The class of an impeccably tailored Purple Label evening suit can probably open any door.
