After a very, very long month of shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris, you might think the last thing the fashion crowd would want to do is attend yet another runway in mid-October. And, generally speaking, you’d be right. But Ralph Lauren’s Spring 2023 show on Thursday in California — accurately dubbed “a special fashion experience” by the brand — felt more like a reward than a chore. A week ago, I was a burnt-out, jet-lagged shell of a person; but on Thursday night, I was living my best life with J.Lo.
From left: Diane Keaton, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck and Jessica Chastain at the Ralph Lauren show at the Huntington on Oct. 13, 2022. Courtesy of Ralph Lauren
see the stars who attended & their Reactions here: Hollywood A-list Celebrate Ralph Lauren first West Coast show.
The expansive grounds of the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in San Marino were the cinematic setting for legendary fashion designer Ralph Lauren’s first West Coast runway show on Thursday evening, Oct. 13. On the catwalk, a diverse array of over 100 models showcased his spring 2023 men’s, women’s and kids’ looks spanning Collection, Purple Label, Double RL and Polo Ralph Lauren. The California event brought the brand full circle, given that Lauren opened his first standalone Polo Ralph Lauren boutique on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills in 1971, after launching his company in 1967.
The presentation unfolded in time-honored chapters that spanned Ralph Lauren’s aspirational Americana playbook as models walked to the beat of on-theme songs such as “California Girls” and “Ventura Highway.” First was “Rugged West.” Driven by workwear and Western references, the signature mash-up of Double RL denim and leather with romantic ruffles and florals was accessorized with tooled leather bags, concho belts, Western boots, long layered necklaces, and a covetable collection of hats — Lopez also topped off her look with one.
This was followed by polished prep mingling with red carpet-ready looks from Purple Label and Collection. The color stories were cream-tan-metallic “Coastal Elegance” (a luxe textural mix including linen, silk, and cashmere; pearl jewelry; fresh riffs on spectator shoes; and two statement gold gowns) and crisp red, white and blue “Seaside Glamour” (berets and nautical nods, glittery sequined pieces, a colorful paint-splash print, chandelier earrings, and teetering wedge sandals.) Peppered in were some impeccable silk tuxedo looks (for him and her) and graceful gowns.
Next came a catapult of color with a spirited, sporty vibe from Polo Ralph Lauren as kids joined the runway, holding hands with adult models in family groupings for “West Coast Charm” and “The Nature of Style.” The Great Gatsby met Annie Hall as tailored Ralph wardrobe classics, plus pocket chains, ribbon belts and ties, were worn by all and layered with sportif chic. Think cricket sweaters, rugby shirts, crochet bucket hats, neon hiking boots, backpacks and colorblock sneakers. The vibrant palette progressed as the looks moved into adventure gear, accessorized with skateboards and racquets. The styling was an art here, as preppy madras plaid met stripes and argyle; or glenplaid suiting was paired with a repp stripe tie, a checked button-front, a Day-Glo puffer jacket, baseball cap and sneakers.
A bold “Crescendo of Color” closed out the California show, culminating in five beautifully flowy women’s looks ready to set sail onto a red carpet. The fresh tonal looks — a brilliant orange gown and second-skin bodysuits paired with ballgown skirts in berry, orange, yellow and red — were all crafted from water-repellant silk taffeta and stitched with nautical detailing, inspired by catamaran sails, according to show notes.
View the Full Collection Bellow:
