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NYFW: The World of Ralph

by habituallychic

09 . 16 . 11

I attended my first ever Ralph Lauren fashion show today and I can tell you that it was even more magical than I imagined.  I was wondering why Ralph Lauren holds their show at Skylight Studios all the way downtown.  When I walked inside, the answer was clear.  Every detail from the sisal carpet to the beautiful floral arrangement and crystal sconces was classic Ralph Lauren.  It was so elegant yet completely comfortable which is how I would also describe the Spring 2012 collection. The opening ensembles were full of pastels and sweet florals but it was the glittering gowns and ivory outfits that stole the show.  There was definitely a 1920’s influence but it was interpreted in a very modern way.  I really loved the cloches and even the menswear tailoring wasn’t too over the top.  It was all pure Ralph, right down to the floor.

The welcoming floral arrangement for spring.

People start taking their seats.

Olivia Wilde looked even more gorgeous in person.

Newly married daughter Dylan greets guests.
Wife Ricky arrives.



I was excited to see the chic Shala Monroque.

And even more excited when she sat in front of me.

Alexandra Kotur and editor in chief Jay Fielden represent Town & Country at the show. I hear that Lauren Bush and David Lauren will grace the October cover of the magazine too.

I loved editor Giovanna Battaglia’s dress. 

I bet you know what magazine this group works for thanks to The City. That’s Joe Zee in the middle flanked by Anne Slowey and editor in chief Robbie Myers of ELLE.

All of that action happened before the runway show began.  After that, it was pure magic.  The following are some of my favorites and more importantly, the photos that didn’t come out blurry!  Bonus points for those of you who can spot all the magazine editors and one very famous photog in the audience! Enjoy!
UPDATE: I just noticed that if you click on the photos to see them larger, you can now view them in a slideshow.  They all look much better larger too!  Bon Weekend!

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

20 Comments
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  1. BluBabesCreate September 16, 2011 | 2:47 am

    Thanks so much for sharing! I really enjoy Olivia Wilde and some of the recent advice that she has doled out. This show seems to me elements of the 1930’s flapper look along with even some edgy 80’s hemlines. A refreshing mix and gorgeous show. Thank-you for the front row seat 😉

  2. Marcy September 16, 2011 | 2:51 am

    Love your photos and the styles are so beautiful. True Ralph Lauren style. Thanks so much for sharing the fashions and the glimpses of the people in the audience.

  3. Tina Steele Lindsey September 16, 2011 | 3:06 am

    Absolutely exquisite, absolutely Lauren. (Loved your photography)

  4. Karena September 16, 2011 | 3:26 am

    Heather so exquisite, and I am so glad you could attend.

    A wonderful collection and I could wear it all!

    Love it because I am wearing my hair in that pulled back pony tail most of the time!

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

  5. Alexandra Rae September 16, 2011 | 8:01 am

    Thanks so much, Heather. He is my all-time favorite designer and I love this collection! What a perfect note on which to end my night. 🙂

  6. Spots & Stripes September 16, 2011 | 8:42 am

    Gorgeous photos. Especially, Shala Monroque. And is that LSD in the background in the black and white check with sunnies? Don’t you love the attention to detail at RL? So inspiring. Amber

  7. Lost in Provence September 16, 2011 | 10:08 am

    Glenda Bailey, Suzy Menkes, possibly Emmanuelle Alt next to her (?), Stephen Gan and of course, Mr. Cunningham–who is actually smiling at you in one of the photos–love it!

    And the clothes are just so gorgeous. Dreamy actually.

  8. LisaMende September 16, 2011 | 11:29 am

    Great accounting of a wonderfully exciting event! Another great post!

  9. Lady of the House September 16, 2011 | 12:00 pm

    That floral arrangement is stunning!

    My Grandma is going to cry knowing the flappers are making a come back…she hated that era, the culture and the clothing!

  10. jayneonweedstreet September 16, 2011 | 12:04 pm

    How exciting! What did you wear? I was as interested in what the audience was wearing as the beautiufl models – the clothing is fabulous – one of his best!

  11. princedeligne September 16, 2011 | 1:18 pm

    Pure glamour from Ralph as usual. Jean Harlow and Norma Shrearer could wear the gowns no doubt. Its The Great Gatsby, champagne and fabulous cocktail parties at an old English country estate. Mr.Lauren does not disappoint

  12. Alice Olive September 16, 2011 | 2:05 pm

    Some beautiful snaps of the gentleman that is Bill Cunningham, too!

  13. Splendid Market September 16, 2011 | 3:17 pm

    What a treat to visit the show with you! Love Ralph, I just never tire of his designs and lifestyle. Great shots of Ana, Bill C., etc. {oh and the gorgeous fashions!} It’s not easy to shoot the runway, and you did a splendid job!

  14. Casey September 16, 2011 | 3:22 pm

    LOVE Ralph Lauren! Can’t wait for the Oct issue of T&C!

  15. Kim September 16, 2011 | 4:04 pm

    Wow! Great photos, Heather! Thanks for sharing them with us. How exciting to be there! Lucky you! The clothes are beautiful as well as the venue. They reflect a casual refinement – just like him.

  16. Anchor Cottage September 16, 2011 | 4:13 pm

    Thank you for sharing the show.

  17. Holly Goes Lightly September 16, 2011 | 6:43 pm

    lucky, lucky you

  18. pve design September 17, 2011 | 10:40 am

    Soft, pretty, light, airy, what’s not to love.
    pve

  19. lifeinspanglish September 17, 2011 | 10:07 pm

    Thank you Heather! Great pictures and writing. Ralph Lauren is my favorite designer. Loved this post and the inside scoop. And of course, love Bill Cunningham, what a lovely man. Cheers!

  20. Fashion-isha September 18, 2011 | 5:25 am

    I absolutely love the flapper style and your photos captured such great looks! You’re truly lucky to have attended! Thanks for sharing!
    xo
    Sharon