Is Ralph Still Living in the Past?

On New Years Eve, I celebrated my Mother's birthday by going to the Frick museum with her (a place she has wanted to go for years with my siblings and me). It was such a dreary day-black snow on the streets, frowning faces, and a grey sky. Luckily, my mother and I managed to have an enjoyable day.

photo from cpp-luxury.com

Upon leaving the Frick museum, she asked "do you want to go to the new Ralph Lauren store?" Well of course I did! Right up the block was the beautiful white mansion, transformed into a multi-floored, high end clothing store fitted with gleaming chandeliers, elegant glass cases to display peacock feathers wrapped around silver jewels, a winding staircase and gossiping salesclerks. "The mecca" of all Ralph Lauren stores in New York City displayed numerous collections, but from the eye of a shopper, it seemed to be based around one main design. To me, Lauren has created a signature look for himself -his collections never stray far from shear flowery fabrics, whether on the runway or on store racks.

Fall 2010

Spring 2010

photos from style.com

I think it is time for Ralph to think a little outside the box. I do love shopping for vintage items but when I walked into his new store, I had a difficult time finding something new, young and unique. I felt like I was in an antique clothing store (perhaps that was the idea?) He rests on the line of simplicity especially when compared to Marc Jacobs or Oscar de la Renta. Perhaps it is time to go for something bigger. Or maybe he is already so deep into the fashion world, that whatever he creates will be adored. I would certainly like to know.

-Sj