So much of what Ralph Lauren is known for is rooted in dapper menswear and polo shirts. The latter is synonymous with the Ralph Lauren brand with a slew of cuts, colours and styles permeating every wardrobe—both men’s and women’s—in the past 50 years since its debut.
But Ralph Lauren is more than polos.
The brand’s special spring 2023 fashion experience in California was a testament to that. Bringing together the many different facets of the World of Ralph Lauren, it was a celebration of what truly is Ralph Lauren.
“I have always been inspired by the natural beauty, the heritage, and glamour of the West Coast of America. California has always been a land of dreams and contradictions—rugged coasts and red carpets. For the first time ever, I bring my dream of living here, sharing my worlds in an experience that celebrates a way of life I have always believed in—a mix of grit and glamour, energy and inspiration,” chief creative officer Ralph Lauren expresses in a statement.
There’s no doubt that aesthetically, each Ralph Lauren universe is different. At the top are Ralph Lauren Collection and Ralph Lauren Purple Label—both exuding a kind of quiet luxury with almost no brand signifier except for quality craftsmanship. Then there’s Double RL that’s more rugged in execution with inspirations spanning vintage workwear as well as military gear. And of course, Polo Ralph Lauren with its youthful and irreverent spirit, punctuated by bright hues. But when they all come together, it’s undeniable that there’s a cohesive spirit defined by a very American philosophy: to dream.
California as the backdrop of the spring 2023 collections echoed this dreamy vision—the allure of the natural beauty of the Californian coasts, the Western heritage of early California, as well as a spirit of adventure brought about by the many natural landscapes of the state. It’s the “mix of grit and glamour” that Ralph was talking about and evident in the collections across the lines.
Ralph Lauren Collection and Purple Label took inspiration from the coasts with sand-coloured hues as well as lightweight fabrications crafted into elegant suiting and effortless dresses. A glamorous take on seaside living brought out sophisticated eveningwear but without traditional formality.
The most representative of World of Ralph Lauren, however, would be its more colourful leanings. A combination of Ralph Lauren Collection and Polo Ralph Lauren closed the fashion experience where vibrant A-line ballgowns are juxtaposed with more casual knits. Striped rugby shirts, jumpers and knit caps dressed down ballgowns and skirts crafted in silk taffeta that billowed as the models walked—as though blown away by the breeze.
Ralph Lauren is more than polos. It’s a dream, and one that you’re always invited to discover.
