LOVE AMERICAN STYLE

Brenda Ray Coffee
1010 Park Place
Published in
2 min readNov 30, 2018

Darlings, do you recall the ensemble I’m wearing? This look is from one of those iconic Ralph Lauren ads that appeared in every fashion magazine in 1981. The ads were beautifully shot by legendary photographer, Bruce Weber, and featured the gorgeous model, Clotilde, wearing the Santa Fe Collection. The looks were inspired by Navajo prints and southwestern American classics.

Oh, those ads captured my fashion heart.

They were in sharp contrast to the slinky Studio 54 looks we were used to seeing a few years before. Ralph Lauren’s ads showed a reinvention of classic American style. The fashion looked so familiar yet the combinations of items and textures were done in a unique way. I adored the denim with suede, calico prints, furs and wool sweaters cinched at the waist with a concho belt. Today I may not wear a headband or moccasins with my ensembles, but it’s the layering and mix of elements that offer a springboard for lots of outfit ideas.

In the coming months I thought it would be fun to feature designers and looks that have inspired me through the years. I couldn’t think of a better designer to start with than Ralph Lauren, who is celebrating his company’s 50th anniversary!

From Diane Keaton’s menswear inspired looks in “Annie Hall,” to Gwyneth’s pink Oscar dress, Ralph Lauren has influenced the way millions of us dress. He has given us timeless looks that epitomize classic American style.

I think what we all love about Ralph Lauren is the relatable sophistication and the casualness of his clothes. I always feel a bit more confident and put together when I’m wearing Ralph Lauren.

It’s elegance with ease.

With that, I will leave you with a quote from the man himself. “My thing was always about individuality and about creating a world, because you don’t just wear clothes, you live a life. You have style. You project who you are.”

Cheers Loves!

XOXO, Hildie

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