New York Fashion Week: Ralph Lauren's quiet elegance steals the show

FOR THE last few years in fashion, the most feather-flocked and embroidery-encrusted creations have grabbed the spotlight -- coats designed like antique Chinese landscape paintings, sweaters laden with a maharajah's jewels. Artwork for the privileged body, with price tags to match. But during this New York runway season, set against a gathering economic storm, it was the most stunningly simple look, No. 30 on Ralph Lauren's runway, that stole the shows.

By Booth Moore

September 21, 2008