

The invitation from Ralph Lauren simply said to meet at the entrance to Cherry Hill in Central Park on West 72nd Street for the Spring ’15 Polo show. Once there, guest were greeted by golf carts (for those needing to rest weary feet after a day of running between shows) or a path lit by flashlight-wielding male models, all appropriately dressed in the brand’s signature polo shirts. After a meandering walk or ride through the park, attendees were greeted by trays of champagne, luxe takes on American picnic classics (haute “Ralph” burgers, late summer tomato salad, more champagne) and guided down to Cherry Hill proper overlooking the lake.

It was a lovely night to be in the famed park but … where was the runway? Then a sudden blast of water soared through the air over the lake as music boomed from unseen speakers, and there it was. Projected on the wall of water was our runway: Towering in the air, hanging on the mist were the holographic models. For a crowd of industry veterans, the gasp was huge. What had Mr. Lauren done? Art, fashion and technology had come together for a first-of-its-kind event, celebrating both the new women’s Polo collection and the grand opening of the first-ever Polo flagship store on Fifth Avenue.

Jaws hit the turf of Cherry Hill so fast they got grass stains.

Although it was at times a little difficult to see the exact specifications of the clothes it was beside the point: The press had those images awaiting in an e-mail. The collection, featuring a variety of wide stripes, Polo perennial plaid, down vests and the classic American sportswear Lauren is known for (not to mention the signature shirts and berets) in summery citrus hues contrasted against olive and earth tones were exactly what you expect from Ralph Lauren.

Although the designer requires no gimmicks, we thank him for the show.