Ralph Lauren

>> One can always depend on Ralph Lauren to close out the New York season with a refreshingly classic offering. This season's palette cleanser? A reinterpretation of one of Lauren's most signature references: the English countryside. The opening looks consisted of menswear-inspired suits in jaunty silhouettes and a mix of classic, cozy fabrics. Herringbone, tweed, plaid, and some very lovely fair isle intarsias were done in a rich assortment of pastels and earthy hues. A series of ocelot-printed shearling coats looked especially fresh.

Evening was another high point, with several gowns featuring beaded deco motifs or elaborate embellished collars. A series of floor-length columns in gold lamé were so breathtaking that they prompted one onlooker to comment: "I bet we'll be seeing these on the red carpet next week." Indeed.

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.

As New York Fashion Week descends upon the fashion set (and trend watchers everywhere), we're inspired to check out what's new for high-fashion kiddos this Spring. From Ralph Lauren's preppy pastels to chic ruffles at Baby Dior, label-loving moms will delight in all of the adorable designer options available this season.

>> From recent releases to much-loved classics, these coffee table tomes promise to make the perfect addition to any fashion fiend's collection. Featuring drop-dead images from legendary photographers like Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, and Richard Avedon; insider info from industry icons Daphne Guinness, Carine Roitfeld, and Valerie Steele; and sublime collections from Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, and more — these 15 books are some of the chicest to give this holiday season. After all, there's nothing like being well-dressed and well-read.

>> Lauren Bush and David Lauren were married over Labor Day after at his family's 17,000-acre Double RL ranch in Ridgway, Colorado, before some 200 guests. Now, a few pictures — including engagement shots —have been released in the upcoming December 2011 issue of Vogue.

The general look of the wedding — which included a rodeo the day after the ceremony — was “rustic elegance,” Bush Lauren explained. “A beautiful movie,” David adds, “like you were riding across the Old West and you stopped in at a wedding.”

Bush Lauren wore Ralph Lauren on her wedding day, of course. She and the designer had a few casual conversations about the sort of dress she'd like at family meals and holiday weekends, and then in late June they met at the Ralph Lauren studio for an official design meeting. “I walked in, and there were these beautiful illustrations of the looks we’d discussed with my face on them,” she recalls. “It was like a dream come true. We sat together and arrived at this silhouette. It isn’t Victorian exactly. I wanted something modern as well, so there is the high-necked collar and puffed shoulders with the large open back.”

The long-sleeved gown was the product of 100 craftspeople spending more than 3,000 hours hand-embroidering featherweight, antique ivory tulle with flower motifs and scroll designs using ivory silk and metallic thread, Swarovski Elements crystals, and off-white pearl beads. The bride and her five bridesmaids — who were dressed in white linen blouses, vests, and vintage prairie skirts — all wore cowboy boots. Bush Lauren's something new? The dress and boots. Her something old? Her headpiece. Her something borrowed? Victorian earrings from a friend. And her something blue? “I wore blue socks,” she laughed.

Jessica Alba and Cash Warren were among the famous guests who turned out last night for "An Evening With Ralph Lauren," which was hosted by Oprah Winfrey at NYC's Lincoln Center. Other ladies who love Ralph's designs, like Naomi Watts, Uma Thurman, and Kerry Washington, hit the blue carpet solo. Jerry Seinfeld and his wife Jessica posed as a pair. Ralph had the support of his family at the event, which was a benefit for the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention and Lincoln Center, including sons Andrew and David, daughter Dylan, and wife Ricky. David, who married Lauren Bush just over a month ago, proudly sported his new ring as he and his wife mingled and said hi to Naomi.

Ralph and Oprah sat on stage to talk about the designer's lengthy career, and what continues to inspire him. Naomi Watts shared her thoughts on Ralph's body of work as well. She said, "He's been famous for so long. I grew up following him. Ralph Lauren is a great American icon, and he's here along with another great American icon. It's my pleasure to be here."