Friday Fun: Ralph Lauren Spring 2012 & The New Gossip Girl Collection

Hello-Hello, is everyone ready for a touch of Friday Fun?

Hopefully you answered “yes,” as we dive right in with a look at the spring 2012 styles from Ralph Lauren.

John Aquino/WWD

It was a show filled with lush and lovely confections, drenched with a Daisy Buchanan sensibility that was updated for today.

Wire Image via Fashionologie

The palette of pastel hues was made more vibrant by the other color used throughout the show, white: bright, glittering, shimmering, silvery white was everywhere the pastels weren’t.

John Aquino/WWD

It could almost have been an iteration for Bridal Week, understandable as Mr. Lauren has spent no small amount of time designing wedding gowns for his daughter Dylan and daughter-in-law Lauren Bush Lauren, both were married recently in Ralph Lauren gowns.

More on this from the Women’s Wear Daily review:

He also may have recalled his glorious all-white collection of 10 years ago, which he designed before, but showed after, 9/11, its gentility somehow so right for the moment. Either way or neither, the mostly white and silver gowns — Jean Harlow satins, floral metallics, crystal encrustations — dazzled.

Wire Image via Fashionologie

From Fashion Wire Daily:

“Defiantly pure in its slim silhouette and shiny new colors, and elegantly staged on a white marble catwalk, Lauren’s latest collection was the best expression of a key trend in this season of shows – an aching for ladylike grace.”

Again we see that word, “ladylike,” it did permeate the runway.

John Aquino/WWD

And ladylike works just fine for us.

Wire Image via Fashionologie

A closer look at some of the pieces.

Getty m

The pearls add just the right touch of twenties decadence.

Getty Images

And a few more details.

Reuters

To see the collection in its entirety click here for a visit to Fashionologie. Below, Mr. Lauren is congratulated by his wife Ricky, daughter Dylan and son Andrew.

Richard Drew/AP Photo

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Next, news about that much-rumored Gossip Girl clothing line, it seems such a thing really is happening. Women’s Wear Daily reports:

“The collection, priced from $80 to $200 retail, includes embellished tops, bottoms, novelty sweaters, outerwear and draped chiffon dresses with touches of leather, pleats and prints, inspired by characters including Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf.

A look from the upcoming line.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

According to WWD handbags and other accessories will be added to the collection at some point in the future.

Courtesy Photos via FabSugar

Those interested will be able to shop the line shortly at Neiman Marcus, Saks and Kitson. The timing is ideal, the show’s new season debuts on the 26th.

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We leave you with a sure sign the apocalypse is nigh:

The New York Times

That’s right, author Curtis Sittenfeld has joined Facebook. The author of “Prep” and other novels explains why she finally did it in this delightful essay from the Times.

Until next time, may your weekend by filled with fun!

Taylor Swift says “Kanye Who?” Also, Target’s Next Designer Revealed, Ralph Lauren Fashion Week

Hello-Hello and Happy Friday!

We hope to make it a little happier for Miss Pink Tutu, our lucky winner in the Great Preppy Plate and Platter Giveaway! Miss Tutu indicated in her comment she favored the Damask, but we don’t know if it is Boatman’s Geller’s Madison Plate, or perhaps Preppy Plates brand Hot Pink Patter, the Lime Plate, or maybe another style?

Drop us an email Miss Tutu and let us know your selection, as well as how you would like your plate or platter personalized. (This really is Friday Fun to the nth degree, we *love* giving things away!)

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This just in! (Gasp – breaking news here at the Prepatorium!) The word is out that the next designer collaboration for Targèt will be with Jean Paul Gaultier, perhaps best known for his cone-shaped bustier Madonna wore on tour. As reported in Women’s Wear Daily, Target has no details on when the collection will launch, what price points will be, or how many pieces will be in the line.

“Gaultier is known for edgy street fashion interpretations, a Parisian panache, over-the-edge couture, generating lots of media and groupie followings.”

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Courtesy Photo via WWD

Our second tidbit is old news for those who follow us on Twitter (you can follow TP here if so inclined) as we tweeted the sad news a couple of times yesterday: In what can only be called a SOTT (Sign Of The Times),  Prescriptives cosmetics is being closed.

There are a number of contributing factors but the overarching concern is the continued underperformance of the brand.

Courtesy Photo via WWD

The line is owned by Estee Lauder (it was originally launched by Ronald Lauder 30 years ago), and we don’t know a timetable for the shutdown. We have already heard  from a number of current customers who tell us they are making plans to stock up.

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Fashion Week continues apace, as most everything was wrapping up with last night’s Tommy Hilfiger show. We’ll cover some the Hilfiger collection for Spring 2010 in our next post, but thought Friday Fun mandates we share some celebrity sightings and front-row attendees at yesterday’s shows.

First, recording star Taylor Swift at the Hilfiger show in what we’ll call her “Kanye Who?” look.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

After all, looking good is the best revenge. While Miss Swift is far beyond stooping to vengeful behavior, one can’t help but think about that when seeing her in such a stunning dress.

This next photo of the young star (yes, that is Penn Badgley of Gossip Girl to her right, our left, and yes, he’s underdressed once again in yet another tee-shirt, no threat however to James Dean or Marlon Brando) reminds us of an incredibly rigid rule a lesson taught at an early age: ladies cross their ankles, not their knees.  Of course.

PHOTO: Diane Bondareff/AP

Also at the Hilfiger show Betty Draper, January Jones of Mad Men.

PHOTO: Steve Eichner/WWD

Here is Ms. Jones with Mr. Hilfiger, better showing the Pretty in Pink sheath she is wearing.

PHOTO: Diane Bondareff/AP

We cannot wait to see who she is wearing for Sunday’s Emmy Awards.

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And now we cover today’s primary topic, the Ralph Lauren show at Fashion Week.  We start with the front row, Janet Jackson is seen below with Dylan Lauren.

Rob Loud/Getty

Onto the main attraction: the clothing and accessories.

/WWD

As described in the Journal’s Heard On The Runway blog (must reading for TP):

“When the going gets tough, the tough get back to honest American working clothes. That’s means jean jackets, striped cotton shirts and pink floral sundresses.”

Fernanda Calfat/Getty

Some of the denim looks were outstanding, although we recall owning a pair of overalls quite a. long. time. ago.

Robert Mitra/WWD

The references to Steinbeck’s dust bowl were everywhere, with some reviewers even titling their stories “The Grapes of Ralph”.

Here is a taste of the WWD review on Mr. Lauren’s Spring 2010 Collection:

“Certainly there is something wonderful about Lauren’s unabashed romanticism. In an industry rampant with cynicism, he’s proud to be American and believes deeply, as his show notes reminded, in this country’s “resilient spirit.”

More from WWD:

“…. he made some risky choices; It’s unlikely many designer customers will aspire to shredded jeans and faded shirts, no matter how perfectly arranged the decay. As for their feminine counterparts, floral house- and sundresses, charmers for sure, but late-to-the-party kind of frocks that have flooded the contemporary market for some time.”

We found some of the tailored styles more appealing…

… and a number of the party frocks divine.

Despite our love of sheer overlays, other looks just didn’t seem to have the right proportions, the skirts overly full.

The look below prompts us to recommend a visit to the High WASP for her views on high-end shorts.

Robert Mitra/WWD

Some touches were absolutely exquisite.

One of our favorite fashion writers, Cathy Horyn at the Times, was not as positive about the show as many other journalists:

“I wondered, looking at the collection—which was weak by Mr. Lauren’s usual standards—what the discussions in his studio were about such a theme. Can hard times and their associated misery ever be an acceptable theme for a fashion show?”

Clearly the designer’s execution of his theme did not sit well with Ms. Horyn.

Kyle Ericksen/WWD

More from Ms. Horyn’s blog post:

“And if the clothes don’t really attempt to explore legitimate modes of American dress, and instead remain on the surface—a little faded and ripped denim with rhinestone sandals—isn’t that somehow worse?”

Courtesy First Post

Most of the handbags shown were of the casual, western look Mr. Lauren favors.

Below, the designer and his wife, Ricky, upon completion of the show.

Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for IMG

For more photos, click here. We are curious to hear from readers about the show… two thumbs up? Down? No thumbs at all? Do tell, TP is dying to hear your reaction. After all dolls, sharing is caring.

Lucas Jackson/Reuters

Fernanda Calfat/Getty

The Preps Hit Fashion Week: Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren

Hello-Hello and Happy Weekend!

In yesterday’s post we promised more photos from the Tory Burch show at Fashion Week.

PHOTO: Giovanni Giannoni

There was some angst here at the Prepatorium about the direction Ms. Burch is taking with this Fall’s Collection, and more than a few readers echoed these concerns. Below, the portion of the WWD story that we shared yesterday:

“Tory Burch is trading in her sandals and ballet flats for a pair of ready-to-rumble combat boots. This season, she’s gone streetwise and edgy.”

PHOTO: Giovanni Giannoni

More from Women’s Wear Daily’s story:

“Burch still has those charming ladyfied pieces, as in the polkadot blouse and a prettily allover petaled jacket. The rest just skews oh-so-darkly glam. “I’m pushing the limits,” said Burch. “There’s a lot of leather.”

There is.

PHOTO: Giovanni Giannoni

As far as there being “… charming and ladyfied…” styles, we scanned each and every look and encountered difficulty locating much we would call ‘ladyfied’ in the collection.  There are a few pieces reminiscent of the Tory Burch style existing customers expect to see from the designer, including this dress.

PHOTO: Giovanni Giannoni

As well as this coat, not entirely flattering in the shot below.

PHOTO: Giovanni Giannoni

One last style:

PHOTO: Giovanni Giannoni

The Burch show attracted its share of entertainment industry stars, including Kanye West, LL Cool J and Russell Simmons.

PHOTO: Giovanni Giannoni

Women’s Wear Daily attributes some of the directional shift in the line to the designer’s romantic life:

“Ever since she’s been dating Warner Music Group Vice Chairman Lyor Cohen, Tory Burch’s fashion week presentations have felt more street than Park Avenue.”

Indeed.

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We also promised to share more from the Tommy Hilfiger show.

PHOTO: Marcio Madeira

The collection was titled “Quintessentially Fifth Avenue” in honor of the enormous Hilfiger flagship store on Fifth Avenue opening this summer.

PHOTO: Marcio Madeira

The program for the show started with this:

“It is aspirational yet affordable, inspirational yet attainable.”

Menswear is shown simultaneously; WWD had this to say in their review:

“Although the show failed to define the Tommy Hilfiger man, it had polish and ample commercial appeal.”

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PHOTO: Marcio Madeira

Some may remember the coat from yesterday; we had to share it one more time.

PHOTO: Scott Gries/Getty

Also “Pretty in Pink,” the sheath:

PHOTO: Robert Mitra

We found this an elegant look:

PHOTO: Marcio Madeira

For some reason, this model looked exactly like Matt Damon to us.

PHOTO: Marcio Madeira

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Today’s hottest tcket had to be the Ralph Lauren show, drawing A-List celebrities like Gossip Girl star Blake Lively.

PHOTO: Andrew H. Walker/Getty

Also seen in the photo with Ms. Lively are socialite Amanda Hearst, David Lauren, and designer/model Lauren Bush.  You may remember our previous posts showing other G2 stars (Leighton Meester, Chace Crawford, Taylor Momsen) at other shows earlier this week; this was the first appearance for Ms. Lively.

Below, a few looks from the Fall 2009 RTW (ready to wear) Collection:

PHOTO: Kyle Ericksen

Another look:

PHOTO: Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images

One more shot below; we promise to share more from the Ralph Lauren show in our next post.

PHOTO: Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images

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Because we all want to pursue fiscally friendly investments, we leave you with a few more opportunities for savings, starting with the latest J. Crew promotion: 30% off Select Women’s, Men’s & Kid’s pants online and in stores.

Speaking of the Crew, has everyone seen the ABC news stories about Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts? There is a possibility she will wear J. Crew to the Oscars this weekend, as detailed in this story.

PHOTO: Ida Mae Astute ABC News

The coral dress on the far left is the J. Crew, in silk tricotine.  The lavender in the center is silk chiffon by J. Mendel, and the cobalt blue on the far right is a Reem Acra creation.

Wisely, the retailer is promoting the possible Oscar connection:

Courtesy J. Crew

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We close with an “Adventure in Argyle,” the Four Seasons Argyle sweater on sale at Bobby Jones.

Bobby Jones Four Seasons Argyle Crew

Originally $275, the Men’s sweater is now $68 as part of the President’s Day Sale. There is more Men’s merchandise in the sale than Women’s, but you may find it worth a small investment of time.

Enjoy the weekend!

Tommy Hilfiger 2009 Sneak Peek, Ralph Lauren Exclusive Party, New Chicago Luxury Magazine

Is everyone ready for their weekend? The Princess is, and soon to be off to visit the Queen Mother for a little shopping and dining out at new places; a fun weekend is on the way for “the girls”!

One place we probably won’t be able to miss would be the enormous sale at Nordstrom! Good heavens, these additional ongoing sales at Nordies have us a bit befuddled; we had our internal clock set for the Anniversary Sale every year and then the Shoe Sale, but now we have the never-ending sale it seems. Not that we are complaining, for we are not; the change in policy for the company just means we have to pay more attention to our electronic inbox, that’s all. BTW, the banner above saying “33-60% OFF” is the link to the Nordstrom Sale and the banner below is a link to the Hilfiger sale.

Now we move back to Fashion Week for some of the fun and an early peek at a few lines much loved by preps everywhere: Ralph Lauren & Tommy Hilfiger. We start with Mr. Hilfiger’s line as there is just *so* much going on with the company: its move to exclusivity at Macy’s and the Hilfiger stores, the word the company will be selling shares of stock in a public offering, the launch of a new fragrance, Mr. Hilfiger’s home being put on the market at a mere $50 million, and the number of Hilfiger stores in progress, especially the flagship in New York opening on Black Friday!

Tommy Hilfiger Spring-Summer 2009 Collection

This post from a Wall Street Journal blog explains some of the happenings, especially this week:

“On Tuesday Mr. Hilfiger and a dozen motorcyclists roared down Broadway into in Herald Square where they landed at Macy’s in a flashy display to kick off “Tommy Week,” to herald Hilfiger’s now exclusive relationship with Macy’s. Macy’s will be the only U.S. department stores selling Hilfiger. (The brand continues to be carried at Hilfger’s own stores).”

Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2009 Collection

Now just in case you hadn’t heard, “Orange is the new red…” as Mr. Hilfiger said in an interview with WWD about his Spring 2009 Collection. We’re not convinced this is a good thing. TP has been quite fond of the red, white and blue color palette used for so many years.

Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2009 Collection

Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2009 Collection

From that same interview with WWD:

“It’s about relaxed American glamour — chic, wholesome, but sexy,” said Hilfiger before his show. His American girl was indeed chic, a tourist in Europe perhaps, her wardrobe packed with silky blouses, cropped loose trousers, and plenty of easy cocktail dresses (for the pool, there was a terrific backless maillot).”

As with seemingly every show this week, there were plenty of celebrities at the show, including John Mayer and Hilary Swank.

The Wall Street Journal has a great post on the “Heard on the Runway’ blog (that we completely adore!) with more insight into the company:

“What many guests probably didn’t realize was that Hilfiger’s design team based in Amsterdam has taken over designing most of its better merchandise sold in the label’s eponymous boutiques and all its merchandise sold across Europe. (Hilfiger still maintains a design team in New York.)”

Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for IMG

Plenty of lovely looks, and far too many we didn’t post as we are trying to fly out the door! Here is one of the Menswear looks we love.

Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for IMG

But first, the oh-so-exclusive party at the Ralph Lauren mansion on Wednesday. The gala was hosted by the incredible Lebron James.

Guests included both Lauren Bush and Dylan Lauren seen in the first photo and David Lauren, VP of the company, and yes, Ralph and Ricki Lauren’s son.

The Princess does have one question regarding longtime significant others Lauren Bush and David Lauren..if they were to actually marry, would her name then be Lauren Lauren? Just wondering…

Serena Williams was also a guest…

The party was a fundraiser with proceeds going to the Lebron James Family Foundation which helps single-parent families.

As promised we are sharing a few pieces from the Ralph Lauren Spring 2009 Collection. Talk about a lush look that retains its understated elegance!

Ralph Lauren Spring 2009 Collection

Ralph Lauren Spring 2009 Collection

To be honest, TP would far prefer the Princess Consort appear in one of the looks above as opposed to the painful styles from Thom Browne witnessed in yesterday’s post.

Ralph Lauren Spring 2009 Collection

Ralph Lauren Spring 2009 Collection

We’ll share more and include the Women’s line when we are back from our little excursion.

We are sure that many of our favorite preps on the other side of the Big Lake will be pleased to see the launch of Michigan Avenue magazine on Monday. This one comes from Niche Media, who really have some wonderful titles in their portfolio, all of them with both firmly planted in the luxury market, including some we simply can’t live without.

Michigan Avenue Magazine

We believe a number of our blogging friends will enjoy the glossy, a group of outstanding writers that include Third Coast Prep, Momx2, Tres Poshe Preppy, and now we have come to what we believe is politely referred to as a ‘senior moment,’ for we cannot remember if our dear Lipstick at the Mailbox is a transplanted southerner on the Third Coast or still in the south…? If there are other Chicagoland blogs we have missed, let us know and we will add you to this paragraph of the post! At any rate, this looks to be quite the magazine, and we can’t wait to see it.

Best wishes to everyone for a fabulous weekend!

Photo Credits: Scott Rudd