California Dreaming
Ralph Lauren explores the ranches, rugged coastlines, vineyards, and sparkling cities
of the Golden State for his Spring 2023 runway show.
The Inspiration
“For the first time, I bring my dream of living to California, celebrating a way of life that I have always believed in—a mix of grit and glamour, energy and inspiration.”
— Ralph Lauren
The Campaign Story
Ralph Lauren famously said that there are no rules, no boundaries when it comes to personal style. This sentiment perfectly captures the way the iconic American designer expresses his love of personal style—and the sense of freedom that comes along with it.
So, too, the promise of freedom found in California mirrors Ralph Lauren’s own celebration of individuality. Each collection within his Spring 2023 fashion show speaks to this sense of freedom — and a geographic location within the Golden state — in its own, unique way.
From Big Sur’s rugged coastlines, to the sunny vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley, to historic ranches of San Gabriel and beyond, the world of Ralph Lauren comes to life in California.
I was asked to find an overarching narrative concept that would unite five very different brands and dissimilar collections in one runway presentation. All I had was the shoot location at Huntington Gardens and our song: California Dreaming. I began to research the diverse places and styles nestled within California — and created a concept that would allow us to honor the multifaceted landscapes and people who call the Golden State home.
Because of the massive run of show, I lead my team in identifying product information, building the campaign story, interviewing the design teams and Mr. Lauren, and writing all campaign, digital, and social copy. It was a smash success and so much fun!
“My team and I had the honor of working closely with Mr. Lauren himself, the Lead Designers, and the Executive Leadership team to define the story of California.We ultimately found inspiration in the hit song, “California Dreaming.”
— Kendal Green
Discover the Collections
Double RL: Rugged West
The authenticity and heritage of early California is reborn in rough-hewn leather, beautifully aged cowboy boots, layered jewelry, romantic skirts, bias slip dresses, three-piece suits, and Western-style embroidery. Together, this curated mix recalls a life spent exploring the wide-open landscapes of California.
Collection & Purple Label: Coastal Elegance
These collections celebrate a sort of coastal joie de vivre, drawing inspiration directly from the dramatic coastlines of Southern California during golden hour. Here, natural beauty becomes its own understated luxury. A palette of dune, sand, cream, and sunset-inspired metallics transform classic silhouettes into a story about the ease of coastal living.
Bomber jackets glitter with amber bugle beads. Sharp menswear tailoring, saddle shoes, linen suits, equestrian details, and Fair Isle knits create statements in casual sophistication. Soft tailoring recalls a polished elegance, while pops of gold lamé and cashmere create an enduring warmth that is so much about the spirit of California living.
Collection & Purple Label: Seaside Glamour
Here, the looks brighten into bold pops of color—classic red, crisp navy, and white. A sophisticated interpretation of seaside glamour, this collection liberates menswear tailoring and dramatic eveningwear into something modern and eye-catching.
Rich colorways, splashes of painterly prints, sequins, elaborate embellishments, Swarovski crystals, chandelier earrings and silk pocket squares easily transition from a day spent outdoors to an evening at an art opening. This collection channels the ultimate essence of creativity beside the sea—one that is liberating and luxurious.
Polo Men’s, Women’s & Kids: The Nature of Style
Next, the world of Polo brightens into a world of color and adventure, recalling styles seen hiking in the great outdoors. This collection of adventure-inspired pieces finds its footing with stylish layering, madras prints, bold and bright colorways, rugby shirts, striped sweatshirts, wooden beaded necklaces, adventurous beanies and knit bucket hats, statement socks, neon hiking boots, and a rainbow of bold yet tech-inspired outerwear. Here, the adventurous spirit found nestled in places like California’s Sierra Nevadas comes alive.
Collection & Polo Women: A Crescendo of Color
Finally, the closing statement of the entire show: a crescendo of color. This modern statement in style juxtaposes the casual luxury of Polo looks with the iconic designs of Collection. A-line ballgowns in vibrant colors are paired with striped rugby shirts, sweatshirts, knit caps, and the new top-handle RL Collection Handbag for a look that romances Venice Beach into something akin to surfer couture. In a climactic moment, the final Collection looks become a dramatic statement in evening-wear.
Drawing inspiration from the moment the wind catches the sails of a catamaran, the skirts and gowns from Collection are awash in a sea of color—shocks of orange, vibrant purple, and bold red—each which flutter in open air.
The skirts and gowns are cut from 10–12 meters of water-repellent silk taffeta and hand-stitched with authentic nautical detailing. Alone this construction would be enough to transfix the audience—but what makes it special, what makes it distinctly Ralph Lauren, is the thoughtful pairing of beachy accessories—a rainbow bucket hat, a pair of chandelier earrings that glimmer in the sunlight, a silk scarf floating in the wind.
To close the show, the final model strides down the runway, the wind behind her catching her skirts. In this moment, she becomes both the mainsail and the mainstay of the entire show. In sum, the freedom found within one’s personal style is also the freedom found in California. And ultimately, for the audience, a breath of fresh air.
