Ralph Lauren took it to the next level at New York Fashion Week: He walked on water! At the launch of his first Polo line for women, America’s most successful designer showcased his collection via hologram, with the entire show projected on a water feature over the lake in Central Park.
With celebrity attendees including Ben Stiller, Ciara and Karolina Kurkova in attendance, invitees marvelled at the presentation with collective sighs and cheers. The clothes were as Americana as Ralph Lauren gets. There were the signature tweeds, preppy leather and bright cardigans. Flowing maxi dresses were paired with fringed leather that also appeared on accessories.
Polo, Ralph Lauren’s baseline brand known for its pique shirts, is aimed at a more casual and younger consumer, and the launch of the women’s line is bound to shake up the high-street market as the more affordable line makes its debut. The show also marked the opening of a new Polo shop in New York the same day.
Earlier in the day, another American fashion stalwart, Tommy Hilfiger, brought some rock n’ roll to New York Fashion Week on Park Avenue. With a giant stage featuring live drummers rocking to Jimi Hendrix’s voice, models came out with guitars on a catwalk laid out with lots and lots of flowers. The festival vibe was referenced in the collection: short shorts, skinny trousers, patchwork denim and star-sprangled boots to get the party girl in the right attire.
Bell bottoms were paired with capes and military coats and suits had Beatles-esque shapes. It was also sexy. Sheer shirts were worn underneath jackets and paired with tight trousers.
Clearly an ode to the golden age of music, Hilifiger channelled looks that were in vogue at the height of his favourite bands and musicians — The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and David Bowie. Even the flower-powered catwalk was inspired by the Sgt Pepper album cover.
How fitting then, to have Georgia May Jagger open the show. The model was followed by Kendall Jenner, who’s turning out to be quite the hot property this fashion week.
Despite its nostalgic vibe though, Hilfiger’s collection felt totally modern and so 2015.
