Ralph Lauren goes West: The designer hosts a star-studded Californian show
Ralph Lauren hosted its first ever fashion show on the West Coast with Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, among other A-Listers in attendance.
By Hayley Peppin
IF YOU THOUGHT the biggest fashion shows of the year concluded in Paris last week, you’d be wrong.
While celebs flocked to the City of Lights for the September shows of Versace, Dior, YSL, among others — the glitziest runway was staged in their very own backyard.
Ralph Lauren presented its Spring 2023 collection at The Huntington Library in San Marino, California on Thursday night — the first time the House has ever presented on the West Coast. The exclusive guest list included longtime muse Diane Keaton — whom the eponymous designer previously dressed in Annie Hall — house ambassadors Jessica Chastain and Angus Cloud, as well as Lily Collins, Mila Kunis, Laura Dern and Hollywood’s latest newlyweds, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.
Lopez and Affleck chicly colour-coordinated for their designer date night, wearing black-on-black. The ‘Jenny from the Block’ singer donned a long-sleeved, pin-striped dress — which showed ample cleavage. She accessorised the ‘fit with a California cool cowboy hat, clutch, layers of necklaces and an assortment of rings. The Deep Water actor opted for an all-black suit, which included a textured blazer.
For the couple’s August nuptials held at Affleck’s residence on Hamptons Island Reserve near Savannah, Georgia — Lopez wore three custom Ralph Lauren dresses. “She’s a fashion girl now,” Lauren, himself, said of Lopez during an interview with WWD ahead of his show.
The theatrical and lush Art Museum and Botanical Gardens provided a spectacular backdrop for Lauren to pay homage to La La Land, while offering an elegant seated dinner for VIP’s. Despite hailing from New York City, Lauren opened his first store in 1971 on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and has long collaborated with the film industry for costume design. Notably, he dressed Robert Redford for The Great Gatsby in 1974.
“I have always been inspired by the natural beauty, the heritage, and glamour of the West Coast of America. California has always been a land of dreams and contradictions—rugged coasts and red carpets,” Ralph Lauren, began during a statement.
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“For the first time ever, I bring my dream of living here, sharing my worlds in an experience that celebrates a way of life I have always believed in—a mix of grit and glamour, energy and inspiration.”
The event showcased a women’s and men’s collection, as well as the Purple Label, Double RL, Polo Ralph Lauren and even Childrenswear — the first time the House has done so since its 50th anniversary show in Central Park in New York. Designs ranged from its atypical sporty and preppy to Western and understated luxury, offering anyone the chance to enter the Ralph Lauren world. The House’s sophisticated home collection was also on display, with the iconic Ralph Lauren burger naturally on the menu.
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