Simply classic

Ralph Lauren's show recalled the sophistication of old-time Hollywood and the chic refinement of cafe society.

Ralph Lauren threw out conventional wisdom for his spring 2005 collection, eschewing the casual elegance that dominated New York Fashion Week for all-out, show-stopping glamour. One liquid satin look after another – almost all in an ivory white – came down his runway recently as eight days of previews for fashion editors and retailer buyers ended.

Lauren used the sophistication of old-time Hollywood and the chic refinement of cafe society as starting points for his collection, which showed halter gowns, fuzzy cashmere sweaters and tailored jackets paired with capri pants or Bermuda shorts.

“Romantic silhouettes in soft feminine fabrics create an alluring display of ethereal elegance with an emphasis on fine tailoring and handcrafted embellishment,” he said in describing the collection. Lauren added: It’s about “languid luxury.”

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There were touches of the trends, though: lots of skirts, metallic embellishments, flirtatious ruffles and breezy fabrics such as chiffon, and organza.

“This was very pretty," said Cindi Leive, Editor, Glamour. “Those dresses were so gorgeous.”

Leive also liked the way Lauren tapped into the metallic trend that’s all over the catwalks. Linen fabrics with silver and a delicate silver-beaded gauze top were clean and elegant interpretations, she said.