New York Fashion Week: Bold Opulence Dominates Ralph Lauren Show

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WHO: Ralph Lauren

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WHAT: Fall 2013 runway show New York

WHEN: February 14, 2013

THE FRONT ROW: The Lauren family including wife Ricky, son David (with wife Lauren Bush Lauren) and daughter Dylan (there were Valentine's Day chocolates from her sweets shop, Dylan's Candy Bar, for all of the attendees)

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THE MOOD/INSPIRATION: "I was inspired by the spirit of a romantic revolutionary—a timeless heroine, independent and bold, a woman who revels in her individuality and personal style," said Ralph Lauren. His revolutionary style included military detailing on jackets, suede boots with chain tassels and Russian fur hats (perfect for Tolstoy's tragic heroine).

COLORS/FABRICS: Mostly black with touches of cream and navy for daywear and exquisitely rich jewels tones for evening -- deep purple, prussian blue, midnight navy, and forest green. Materials used included cashmere, double faced wool crepe, shearling and silk velvet.

KEY TRENDS: Naval-style jackets paired with billowy pleated silk-chiffon pants or slim sailor-front pants that flared slightly at the bottom. High collars. Toggle coats. Leather. Russian-style fur hats. Velvet for evening.

RELEVANCE TO HOLLYWOOD: Ralph Lauren's collections are often inspired by films and more recently television -- he showed Gatsby looks for Spring 2012 and Downton Abbey for Fall 2012 (before that there was Gosford Park). Lauren also signed on to sponsor PBS Masterpiece's smash television drama. Fall 2013's looks were very Keira Knightley in Anna Karenina.

RED CARPET WATCH: The designer saved the real drama for the end of the show. His floor-sweeping evening gowns were some of the best we've seen -- the midnight blue silk velvet with an over-the-top crystal halter neckline (no additional jewels needed) would look spectacular on Downton's leading lady Michelle Dockery -- the deep blue would pop against her porcelain complexion. There was also a navy silk-taffeta strapless dress with a tiered hemline and a single-shoulder black silk-taffeta with velvet panels that would look amazing on RL fan Freida Pinto.