Designer A-Z

Ralph Lauren

Autumn/Winter 2011

SHOW SCHEDULES

By Avril Mair

It’s no secret that big brands are looking East.

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It’s what the fashion industry calls a developing market, meaning millions of potential customers just waiting to be turned onto Western luxury and buy millions and millions of handbags. But Ralph Lauren – who has made no secret of expansion plans in the region – literally looked East for AW11.

The theme of the show was China, the soundtrack included the song China Girl and the shoes were lacquered in shiny red, as were the models’ lips. This wasn’t about costume, however: the first outfit was a sleek white shirt worn with glossy black trousers and art deco jade earrings, as beautiful and simple as anything the designer has ever produced. Masculine tailoring, glossy cocktail dresses, tweedy coats and a great leather trench followed, all accessorised by the same opulent art deco jewellery. Incredible evening gowns closed the show, black crepe columns fastened on one shoulder with a glittering brooch.