Ralph Lauren‘s SS16 collection at New York Fashion Week swept me away! It featured looks that reflected the classic American style has made his name. The separates were strong, the day dresses were chic and feminine and the formal gowns that closed the show were subtle but show-stoppers in their own right. Lauren has proven yet again, that he deserves his thrown among the great American designers and I’m positive women will be clamoring to own multiple pieces from this ready-to-wear collection.
Ralph Lauren’s modern-day sailors graced the runway in clean silhouettes with crisp lines and impeccable finishes. The color story was no surprise but was incredibly refreshing with crisp whites, navy, highly saturated red and rich tans throughout. One thing I loved about the collection was that Lauren strayed from the boxy and over-size trend that we saw among other designers and stayed true to his woman’s form with classic silhouette cuts, making the collection look effortless and giving it even more sex appeal without even trying.
The looks weren’t all simplistic, as many playful pieces played up this seasons trends like palazzo pants with color blocking detail, cropped and sheer tops, cutaway dresses and an amazingly versatile navy jumpsuit. Also giving the collection richness and versatility was the use of the stripes, knits and a breathtaking bold color geometric print used to construct two different outerwear pieces, a full length ball gown and a handful of accessories. It was definitely the wildcard in the collection with a great pay-off. Also worth noting was the use of the tan butter leather in the suiting pieces and outerwear, which was unexpected and absolutely covetable.
Honestly there was not one look in this collection I didn’t love, however some highlights would have to be the blue and red tee paired with the royal blue ruffle skirt with tie waist, the bold geometric print trench coat and the tan butter leather suit with double breasted jacket and skinny cropped pants. Bravo, Ralph Lauren. Bravo.
– Carmen N. Turner
Photos: NYmag