Downton Abbey-style reigns supreme at Ralph Lauren

It was not with the start of the musical score that we realized that Downton Abbey was being brought to Skylight Soho for the Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 show.  It dawned on us gradually during Ralph’s meticulous and laborious build-out of the venue.  What was this pile of 100 year old reclaimed wood doing in the corner?  Who is this trompe de l’oeil specialist creating a magnificent doorway?  Who are these artisans whom we didn’t know still existed in this age of pre-fab glass towers?

It began with a fox hunt....

As the beautiful British-formal style of cherry parquet went down to create the runway, it became clear.  This season would mark a return to the quintessential style that is Ralph Lauren, that of the aristocratic British countryside.

Time to retire with a snifter of brandy...

A communal squeal was emitted by the world’s top fashion editors when the show opened with the Downton Abbey musical score and the swoonfest continued as the looks moved from hunting apparel, tweeds, plaids and bowler hats through velvet smoking jackets and walking sticks to  divine evening wear suitable in the most elegant of manors.

There was a rush of metal at the end...

You can watch the highlights, or the full show, here.