Caitlin: Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2012 Collection for the Modern Gatsby Woman

On Thursday Ralph Lauren revealed his Spring 2012 Collection. Lauren has been a distinguished fashion designer for over 40 years—a fashion designer with a consistent style, reinterpreted season after season to be fresh and modern.

Lauren’s designs feel distinctly American, casual and formal pieces meant for the weekends at the Hamptons, Hollywood restaurants, and the Red Carpet. And his Spring 2012 Collection is no exception. The designer’s versatile collection included everything from short suits and day dresses to glamorous silk trousers and shimmering evening gowns.

Lauren launched the show with casual daily wear in a pastel color palate, like the colors from a bag of Easter M&Ms. Powder blue, pale pink, pale yellow, and mint green separates were showcased, styled with long, flower-print scarves, bucket hats, basket purses, and platform shoes. Fringe purses were carried by models wearing wide leg, silk trousers, perfectly balancing the luxurious material.

Following his pastel color palate, the collection moved into looks that were crisp and clean—a refreshing adjustment. Tailored trousers and menswear-inspired jackets, vests, and ties added layers and dimension to all-white outfits; tassel belts and long, single-strand pearls added simple luxury; pinstripe pants and jackets were a simple, subtle alternative.

Lauren’s tailoring also revisited the 1920s, Great Gatsby era, perhaps a nod to his work for the 1970s film that featured his designs. Tap shorts and shift dresses are examples of this style, and they were worked into Lauren’s spring collection.

Moving into the more formal looks of the collection, Lauren maintained cohesion. Models walked the runway in pale pink, blue, and mint green gowns. Enormous feather stoles accessorized gowns, and feathers adorned hemlines to provide an interesting texture. White silk gowns were breathtaking, some with open backs and elaborate beadwork.

Moving into the more formal looks of the collection, Lauren maintained cohesion. Models walked the runway in pale pink, blue, and mint green gowns. Enormous feather stoles accessorized gowns, and feathers adorned hemlines to provide an interesting texture. White silk gowns were breathtaking, some with open backs and elaborate beadwork.

But Lauren’s best looks were still menswear inspired, including a button-up, sleeveless shirt dress worn with a jacket and tie, and evening gowns with breathtaking metallic details and simple but impeccable design. While his silk dresses were gorgeous in all-white, they felt too much like nightgowns in other colors—particularly, his pink silk gown, worn with an oversized feather boa, like a real-life Barbie on the runway. 

Check the complete Ralph Lauren Spring 2012 Collection here.