New York Fashion Week

[Carlisle Blues]

Ralph Lauren's Spring 2010 collection offered a resplendent hope for the future this afternoon. The designer unpacked the notion of "hard times," focusing on the diligence and integrity of the farmers, cowboys, and pioneer housewives. Loose denim overalls, denim western jackets and daisy cotton dresses were at once finely detailed, soft, elegant and sensibly comfortable. Bringing the prairie to the runway, the pieces elevated the working class attire, beautifying a sector that is often dismissed, especially in the fashion world. As the collection progressed, silk and chiffon took the place of cotton in the laborer's wardrobe, again underscoring the sophistication and classic beauty of those who literally lend their hand to ameliorate American during grim economic times.

http://www.coutorture.com/5063609?page=0,0,11

http://www.fashionweekdaily.com/home/default.sps

Are these retro designs or are these still current fashion trends..

 

[Zemke Fan]

Man oh Man

Ralph IS, isn't he??

 

[Senator Jack]

Sad when the rich have to sell their polo ponies in order to survive.

 

[BinkieBaumont]

"Nothing becomes a Legend but ...um.. a Beret...

 

[Carlisle Blues]

When I look at the fashion show it reminds me of "What are you wearing..." thread. [huh]

 

[ThesFlishThngs]

Gosh, I wonder how much those stained, torn overalls are going for? (I bet that's not even authentic tractor grease )

 

[Fletch]

Deconstruction ahead

Once again the dominant culture reminds us that certain period men's styles are more appropriate on women than men.

'30s styles have been "coded" as less masculine ever since WW2, because masculinity expressed itself in ways that didn't have so much to do with money and power. It could be lithe and flexible - snappy instead of swaggering.

Since then, the narrow shoulders, high waist, and tilted cap don't compute right with most people's idea of a Man. Men now, unless they're gender-benders, are upper-body strong, or at least dressed in lean-cut clothes to show physical fitness, and they dress seriously, without jaunty touches.

The style of the era is distant now, except as an insider's fashion language that becomes more narrow and clichéd with time. But the gender code and its understanding, now unspoken, is still alive.

Would it be asking too much to at least have bare feet?

 

[Matt Deckard]

Right now I think Ralph is interested in bucking the narrow tie and lapel trend like he did in the 1970s. He's trying to trend the curve to the next uniform route. Soon all the MadMen getup will be out of fashion and when H&M starts selling wide lapels, Ralph will have already been there for a year and a half.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Gosh, I wonder how much those stained, torn overalls are going for? (I bet that's not even authentic tractor grease )

 

[Fletch]

I applaud Arnie Hauge's practical mind-set (being in central Iowa, I recognize a stubborn Norwegian when I see one ). But people have been asking that question for over a decade now, and most have since found an answer. The culture is busted in certain places, but the salesman (who is in charge of most of the culture, and has run the numbers) has found a way to turn a buck off it.

Part of Mr. Hauge's (and perhaps Mr. Scaduto's) point of view may be an inability to recognize that the salesmen are in charge of, not just catering to, the culture. They're a lot more slippery characters than they were in the days of the traveling drummer, and they're less visible, too.

 

[Flitcraft]

Senator Jack...fixed this for you...

:eusa_doh: "Sad when the rich have to eat their polo ponies in order to survive.":

 

[Fletch]

Think of them as poloponies and it's not so bad.

Plus...cheap horsehide! There's an upside to everything.

 

[Senator Jack]

:eusa_doh: "Sad when the rich have to eat their polo ponies in order to survive.":

Damn, Filt, how did I miss that comic turn? :eusa_clap

 

[Tomasso]

Plus...cheap horsehide!

Them ponies can be some pretty pricey critters.

 

[MsStabby]

Are these retro designs or are these still current fashion trends..

By "retro" you mean the exact same clothes he put out 20-some-odd years ago? At least old Ralph is consistent.

 

[HadleyH]

Dust Bowl Chic!!!! I, for one, would wear that in a heartbeat!

Denim dead??????? He-he...... i don't think so!

Nice collection RL!

 

[Carlisle Blues]

Yes the fabric of the day!!!!!!!! Now we are talkin!!!!!!!

Skinny pants

 

[ThesFlishThngs]

All my favorite 501s look like this;when I wear them around the house, the Mr. always suggests I change into something presentable before going out. Clearly, he's not at all with the fashion times.

 

[HadleyH]

Skinny pants

The first I would not wear.

The skinny pants I would. No big deal!

 

[MrBern]

the market decides...

Right now I think Ralph is interested in bucking the narrow tie and lapel trend like he did in the 1970s. He's trying to trend the curve to the next uniform route. Soon all the MadMen getup will be out of fashion and when H&M starts selling wide lapels, Ralph will have already been there for a year and a half.

The pendulum swings, but maybe not as soon as you think.
Saying a designer has been there for a year & a half, just means his clothes will be on the discount sales racks to the buyers flock to him. And thats no way to run a biz in this economy.

and btw, is Ralph continuing to trend his trousers with lower & lower rise? Why? Because the trousers with true vintage long rise werent moving & got blown out to discount stores.

its all supply & demand.

And btw, I really cant get into his current use of oversized logos.