Ralph Lauren's Fall 2012 collection focused on proper English style, from dapper menswear to glamourous, turn-of-the-century evening dresses. The select crowd of fashion editors — many of whom rarely even crack a smile at these shows —literally squealed with delight when the music began: it was the soundtrack to the PBS series and obvious editor obsession Downton Abbey. That show centers on a well-to-do British family in 1912, and the collection sought to bring that time to life. The only thing missing from the menswear looks was a cigar and scotch; there were tweed and herringbone double-breasted jackets worn with jodhpurs, and fair isle sweaters with flannel trousers styled with newsboy caps. From there the collection moved to more feminine grounds with a series of ultra-luxe evening dresses, like a beautiful one-shoulder fuchsia satin gown and a black satin evening dress topped with a gold-painted ostrich feather cape. It was rich with vintage glamour and the classic themes Ralph Lauren is known for.
- Trends: Menswear, beading, culottes, vintage glamour.
- Colors: Brown, black, fuchsia, gold.
- Key Piece: A gold evening gown will be on the red carpet in no time; for day, people will flock to the double-breasted tweed jackets.
- Accessories: Cloches and newsboy caps by Patricia Underwood, platform heels, Ricky bags updated with plaid.
- Who Would Wear It: Classicists, menswear-loving women, Lauren Hutton types.
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