Ralph Lauren Purple.
The new Purple Label collection from Ralph Lauren is always something to look out for, but the latest has a rather spiffing nod to Naval and British RAF officer uniforms. With a palette grounded in navy and charcoal with bold, graphic accents of red there is a dressed-up military look that we love.
Insignia and embroidered patches and crests are prominent throughout the collection, showcasing admiralty in its most rakish sense. Silhouettes are modern interpretations of historic military garments. Signature brass details adorn an array of outerwear pieces, such as the buttons of a double-breasted officer’s topcoat, while anchor belt buckles accentuate the collection’s nautical spirit. The season’s footwear, including needlepoint velvet slippers and shearling-lined hightop sneakers inspired by aviator jackets, echo details from the apparel for a complete head-to-toe look.
Also in the collection, tartan cashmere and antiqued velvet accent a range of black tuxedo jackets inspired by officer dress uniforms, each with intricate details, from the handmade embroidery of one ornamental high uniform jacket to the diamond-shaped metal buttons that garnish a traditional Spencer jacket, worn with tartan trousers. A counterpoint to the Highland theme, two looks offer unmistakable signatures of RL style — a black turtleneck sweater embroidered with Mr. Lauren’s profile, and a tuxedo shirt worn with a western-style Concho belt and broken denim — both evoking Mr. Lauren’s own way of dressing.
The rugged pursuits of the English countryside, traditional hunting and field sports meet the expression of performance with the introduction of RLX technology to Purple Label.
Every Man Should Own a Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt
Quilted down jackets and hybrid nylon sweaters infuse modern utility into the collection when layered under shearling coats and tweed suiting. Fall’s hues of olive and navy with bright pops of orange reflect a fashion twist to signature hunting styles, and are highlighted by a variety of textures, such as the suede pants of one look worn with a mélange turtleneck and channel-quilted nylon parka. The looks are also styled with hand-burnished leather boots with Norwegian welt construction to underscore the best of fashion and function.
Understated sophistication defines a group of patterned sportswear and tailoring layered together in a tonal palette of grey and charcoal. Subtle menswear suiting patterns — windowpanes, houndstooth, plaids, and checks — combine to refined effect in each look, such as a cashmere birdseye shirt jacket with a fair isle cardigan, coordinating shirt and tie, and pleated, wide-leg trousers.
The group’s cashmere fabrics range from full weights to lighter transitional styles, affording an ease and variety in their approach to fall dressing. The collection concludes with seriously elegant, black-and-white houndstooth and Glen plaid patterns mixed with confidence from head to toe. This final concept reflects the pinnacle of sartorial English tailoring, elevated yet again by the distinctive signatures of Ralph Lauren style.
