Baby You Can Drive My Car

Actually, you can't drive my car because I don't own one.  I also don't think Ralph Lauren will let you drive any of his cars because they are priceless treasures.  But you can read all about them and their special garage in the January 2011 issue of Vanity Fair.  Ralph Lauren doesn't collect art because as he says, "you can't drive art" but it's clear from these photos that each one of his cars is a work of art.  They sure don't make them like this anymore.  He bought the 1971 Mercedes 280SE soon after he started his own company and that's exactly what I am going to buy myself when my business takes off.  Right after I take driving lessons.  I wonder if I can hire Ralph for the job!

Photos by Todd Eberle for Vanity Fair

Ralph Lauren for the Ladies

The biggest buzz this weekend was about the new Ralph Lauren boutique that opened on Madison Avenue.  Located across the street from his already famous Rhinelander mansion for men, this one is devoted to women and home.  Unlike most retailers who hire the "it architect" of the moment to create a modern store, Ralph Lauren chose to look to the past and to complement the Rhinelander mansion. 

The Beaux Arts style limestone beauty was a collaboration between Weddle Gilmore and architect Thomas Hut of HS2 Architecture with a nod to McKim, Mead & White. It harkens back to the age of Edith Wharton and looks rather grand.

According to The New York Times, Ruth Brown, a widow, hired McKim, Mead & White in 1893 to design a house at the southwest corner of Madison Avenue at 72nd Street (above).  She never moved into the mansion and in 1895 it was sold to Alva Vanderbilt. Work on Gertrude Rhinelander Waldo's "fanciful chateau" on the southeast corner was completed in 1897.  It was bought by Ralph Lauren for his store in 1986. 

As you can see, there was nothing chic about the building that replaced the original McKim, Mead & White mansion in the 1950's.  It later became another Ralph Lauren boutique which was torn down to make way for this chic boutique.

Even though the building is dedicated to Ralph Lauren, there is something about the black and white central staircase with its mirrored walls that reminds me of Coco Chanel.  I think she too would have also enjoyed this space.

The whole building is absolutely gorgeous and I highly recommend a visit.  Right now, the Ralph Lauren Home boutique occupies the fourth floor but I hear it will be moved to the adjacent brownstone under construction.  I'll be sure to keep you posted.  Happy Shopping!

Ralph Lauren

888 Madison Avenue

at 72nd Street

New York, NY 10021

212-606-2100

Photos from New York magazine, Vogue, Luxist and The New York Times

Ralph Lauren Home Fall 2010

Ralph Lauren has a lot going on this autumn.  He has a fashion show coming up this week.  His Manhattan apartment is featured on the cover and inside the October issue of Elle Decor.  The new four story women's boutique will open across the street from the men's store in the Rhinelander mansion on Madison Avenue. And most importantly, the new Ralph Lauren Home boutique will open next to the women's store.  Until its doors open, we'll have to be content with ogling the new home furnishings for Fall 2010 online.  I am already loving the new Brook Street collection.  "The impeccable luxury of Savile Row haberdashery and the striking glamour of Hollywood's Golden Age intertwine to inspire the ultimate in refinement"  is how it is descibed online.  It also happens to look as good as it sounds.   Kind of makes me want to paint my entire apartment black.  Enjoy!