SimplyAbuDhabi XII

2 3 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Ralph LaurenCollection Pre Spring 2014 collection R alph Lauren was born in the New York Bronx, son of Polish immigrants. From an early age, he hankered for a movie-star sophistication, hoping to emulate JFK and James Stewart. After studying business at college and a brief stint in the US Army, he worked as a salesman for a tie company. In 1966, at the age of 26, he designed a wide European-style necktie seen on one of his idols. When the idea was rejected by his employers, he went it alone. And so Ralph Lauren began. From humble beginnings working out of a drawer in the Empire State Building he began to build his clothing range, moving into the now iconic polo button-down collar shirt and ever upwards. This season he introduced this collection in a discreet fashion, at a runway show at the Madison Avenue shop where the whole family were seated front row and bubbly drinks were handed around freely to attendees. Giant urns were overflowing with flowers, the catwalk was lit by massive chandeliers, and each attendee had a little gift awaiting them on their seat. All marks of impeccable taste and manners, just like Lauren’s clothing. When the main event commenced, it was just as understated. With the Nutcracker season upon us, it seems fitting that this collection appears to be all about ballet. Lithe models with clear complexions strutted the catwalk as if ready for rehearsal. Wrap-around cardigans were wrapped taut around their bodies, tied with girly bows, over stretch silk vests and fluttering georgette skirts that sit floatily around the knee. All in dusky pinks or black. Leggings were worn under soft rara skirts and teamed with deep-v long sleeved tops, all figure skimming. Scarves were wrapped around necks and heads were frequently topped with jaunty berets to add a distinctively Parisian feel. Cashmere and stretch separates create a series of flowing garments that allow free movement. Comfort is key. Building on that soft, elegant, poised frame, Lauren added other wardrobe essentials more suitable for the cooler months. Polo necks in inky blank are matched with neatly tailored trousers opulently long and worn over large, oversized, lavender macs. Pointed black patent toes peep out to complete the perfectly manicured look. A silhouette of high-waisted black trousers is matched with a fitted wide-necked top and separated by a broad leather belt. Over this, a wispy knee-length cream coat with turned up collar adds extreme elegance to a day-to-night look. A black and white cocktail dress, blocked coloured, featured delicate leather straps wound about the waist. The velvet, floor-length, night black gathered at the navel with a daring slash at the chest is just gorgeous. Sign up for every charity ball and festive event going just to be able to wear and wear it. Elsewhere in evening gowns, the wrap over look is repeated in black to hint at the ballet theme that went before. An ecru T-shirt dress is roomy at the top and fitted at the hip. Evening numbers in black jersey are figure fitting and accentuated with sculptural gold chokers and chunky pendants. Masculine blazers with neat handkerchiefs teased out of the breast poke in contrasting colours oppose the ethereal, floaty dresses of gossamer-light chiffon. A couple of curveball suede items add interest to the eveningwear. Slimming black is both minimalist and practical for the season of indulgence. In accessories you’ll see sandals and court shoes with ankle strap, criss-cross strappy sandals, knitted berets, necklaces with geometric pendants, bags in patent and real leather, passementerie belts with sculptural buckles, bicolour round ball necklaces, leather bags with black and white graphic designs. Lauren’s style is timeless American. Long may it continue.