Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 Review
Photos: Imaxtree
Looks from the Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 runway
SHOW: Ralph Lauren (See the full collection.)
HAIR: Guido Palau
MAKEUP: Tom Pecheux
ACCESSORIES: Cloches and Newsboy Caps by Patricia Underwood; luxe bags in alligator and leather, walking sticks, and gorgeous platform pumps.
OVERALL TAKEAWAY: Downton Abbey in the house!
We were wondering who would tackle the ever popular Downton Abbey. Granted, doing period pieces can err on the side of costume, but Ralph Lauren marched out a parade of luxe looks that would be perfect today, and on Lady Mary.
Downton's themesong opened the show, clueing us in on what to expect. Lauren paid tribute not only to the lovely ladies of the manor, but to the men. Edwardian-inspired menswear looks in herringbones and flannels with fair isle sweaters, complete with newsboy caps, gave way to elegant evening smoking jackets and top hats. With walking sticks. We really hope the canes catch on. So utterly chic.
The dresses were exquisite: velvet, beaded, silk, lamé—looks you'd see at dinner with the Dowager Countess. A feather cape was gorgeous, a metallic beaded blouse was spot on. And while there were quite a few looks you could envision the characters wearing, the collection didn't feel costume. Lauren paired a gold lamé gown with a biker jacket, for example.
Another major high point of the collection were the accessories. The bags—doctor bags in alligator, sumptuous leather satchels with gold chains—were riveting. The shoes were platform, high, and sexy. Every Fashion Week, Ralph Lauren wisely previews the accessories before the runway show. With so much to see on this runway, it's no wonder why!
SEE THE FALL 2012 RUNWAY COLLECTIONS
