I am often asked what designers I get my inspiration from. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know my answer is usually Ralph Lauren. I love the many styles his empire can deliver from Black Label to Polo to Blue Label. I love the perfectionism of all he and his team touch from products to advertising to store design, and I am certainly a fan of his broad range of entrepreneurship from artist to retailer to style maker as well as his endless philanthropy.
In the mail this week came my new five pound September issue of Harper's Bazaar. On page 492 I see an article on Ralph and discover he has a new 13,000 SF shop in Paris and a restaurant connected that has a ten week waiting list for reservations! Where have I been? It opened in May so I guess it took three months for the news to cross the pond.
I tossed the magazine aside and hurried to Google and Ralph's website and found many links to share with you here. Once again, I sat there shaking my head at the master doing only what the master does. The video links below show you the new St. Germain store with a four year renovation, a behind the scenes look at the process, the opening night affair, an interview with Ralph and the new 2010 fashion line. Enjoy.
Smart retail display: Perfect mannequins throughout the new store are actually placed liked guests at a party. I love the height added on top of these armoires with flowers, pictures and dress forms and the curvy chaise center stage.
The exterior of the restaurant has the look of casual (blue grain sack pillows) mixed with glam (gold painted capitals). I hope you notice from the video how impeccably the waiters are dressed... of course!
The interior of the restaurant. A total shift from outside.
From the Brook Street Collection. Hollywood meets Haberdashery.Notice the glossy chestnut tables breaking up the sea of black and white.
I couldn't help but stop at this picture with the unusual doorway opening. And notice the fat chrome sconces juxtaposed with the skinny 30" tall tapered candles!
Always close to my heart, Ralph uses dogs in a lot of his advertising.Notice the perfectly crossed paws.
Aptly named The Heiress Collection; new luxe meets inherited.
Something I have always wanted to try; sheer fabric covered chandeliers!
Of course I'm lovin' this vignette.
The Fall 2010 Blue Label Collection showcases updated vintage.This is color I'd buy, dusty and muted.
This makes me want to cut up my old patchwork quilt and make a jacket!
I also want to cut up some old men's suit pants and construct this hat!
Vintage florals made new again..
11 comments:
if only I didn't live in the desert!
I love the layers upon layers of the models wardrobe!
Amy
Ralph Lauren is just the best...
thanks for sharing.
He truly is a master of style. What I love is that he is timeless and stays true to his style. Classic.
I agree with you 110%...Ralph Lauren is one of the most enduring, masterful designers around today. He consistently delivers clothing and home styles that you didn't know you wanted...until you see how he brings it (seemingly) effortlessly to your world...usually for me via Vogue magazine. I have drooled over his clothing designs especially...that patchwork coat...to die for! Thank you Debbie...love your taste!
Love this! I stopped by to invite you about an inspiration post I am doing....and here you are...doing a post on inspiration! Go figure!
My Shop Talk blog, I am inviting shop owners/booth/flea-market vendors to submit a photo of a display they created in the month of this August and I will post them all at the end of the month for inspiration for all to see and enjoy.
I naturally thought of you and all the fab displays (even the tiniest ones) you have in your store that may give an idea or two to a very pooped shop keeper out there who just can't get out and see what' what. You can make a friggin loose thread that fell onto the floor look like a display...
If you can - or know someone who would like to join in, please pop over to my site (or pass it on) and just click on my Shop Talk for more info - I've gotten several who are submitting photos...
Your post is great, Deb, - I swooned over the interiors..and the clothes...and the building... :-)
Miss you
Love
Elizabeth
was just searching for some Ralph inspiration for my son's redecorated 'grown up boy' bedroom. i'm having trouble picking fabrics...i want them all!
love our posts!
kathi
Ralph Lauren is the best, and I can see his influence on you. Classic and classy. Love it.
Brenda
No other designer has capatured me consistently since i was a kid....I ADORE all things Ralph.
That cover over the chandelier - faint faint - gorgeously ingenious!
I totally agree with you............there is only one Ralph Lauren!
I Just returned home from vacation in California and we stopped at his store in the beautiful Stanford Shopping Mall. Amazing! If you are ever in the area stop by. You won't be disappointed.
I want every thing in all the pictures you just posted. I am a material girl.
I love Ralph lauren blue label.
That chandelier covered in material, gave me an idea to use one of my sheer lace curtains and try it.
I hope to be at the artist showing.
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