NEW YORK — Each season, Ralph Lauren transports customers and admirers to an exotic locale — 1920s China, Downton Abbey and the American West have provided inspiration for the iconic designer's recent collections.
The chandeliers over the runway for his latest show were covered in beige mosquito netting, offering a hint of what what is in store. For spring 2015, Lauren visits Africa, with a glamorous collection for a high-end safari or "glamping" holiday, featuring bright colors mixed in with the traditional olive, sage and tan shades more commonly associated with an outdoor outing.
"No matter what theme that it takes each season, whether it's western or African, you know it's Ralph Lauren. He just has a look that is his own."
Lauren opened with a model in crisp khaki cargo pants and a fluttering sari-like silk top in a deep amethyst shade. The mix of colors permeates the collection as deep greens and khaki colors are accented with bright pieces — jackets and outback trenches in bright lemon, a vest in deep purple and safari jacket in a red/orange "poppy" shade.
The bright colors carry on into evening with tulle evening gowns in the same electric shades of purple, yellow and red — along with some in more muted shades, the closing look is a sweeping sage green taffeta gown. The dresses are colorful yet simple — perfect for accessorizing with big bib necklaces in jewel tones and or glittering crystals.
While the African theme is evident, Lauren's look is never costume-y. Take away the safari hats and the pieces fit nicely into a modern wardrobe. Despite his themes, Lauren's clothes are always classic and will carry through several seasons.
And don't forget about the accessories — messenger bags in orange calfskin, a black alligator duffel bag, an olive Ricky envelope clutch, python peeptoe platform sandals and olive-and-gold wedges — that carefully accent each look.
"No matter what theme that it takes each season, whether it's western or African, you know it's Ralph Lauren. He just has a look that is his own. It's remarkable," said longtime fashion critic Marylou Luther, editor of the International Fashion Syndicate.
On the front row was actress Julianne Moore, who is getting a lot of early Oscar buzz for her role in two movies: Still Alice, where she portrays a college professor dealing with early onset Alzheimer’s disease and Maps to the Stars, where she plays a fading B-list Hollywood actress. She sat with the Lauren family, including the designer's wife, Ricky, his son, David, and wife, Lauren Bush Lauren.
Ralph Lauren ghurka cotton jacket and skirt, with carmel alligator drawstring bag.
Houston-based designer Christy Lynn Lee and her husband Christophe Chung.Photo by Quy Tran 
Shoppers can peruse the ready-to-wear Resort 2025 Collection at the River Oaks District pop-up. Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn
Christy Lynn Lee celebrated her 5 year anniversary with a fashion show and the debut of her River Oaks District pop-up. Photo by Quy Tran 
