The headline could read, “Ralph stripes it Rich” because spring 2006 is all about stripes…bold stripes and narrow pinstripes…stripes used for swimwear, t- shirts, and dresses. Called, “Freewheeling”, it was a study in crisp, classic, easy American classic sportswear with a nautical twist in its very pared down color palette of blues, red, white, and gold leather used to accessorize. He used gold leather wide belts, gold leather platform sandals, gold leather bags, and even gold chain jewelry to accessorize, and of course, gold buttons decorated coats and jackets. Berets and snug watch caps, always his hats of choice, covered the heads of most models. He may not have ‘reinvented the wheel’ whatever that is…but his take on tried and true favorites and his juxtaposition of ‘boy meets girl’ has not lost its appeal.. Especially after so many shows with dainty or oversized floral prints, or shows with a decided artsy flavor.

Defining looks include the chic gold buttoned navy pea coat worn over navy/white striped t-shirt, white cuffed Bermudas, gold ankle strap sandals, navy beret, and small red satchel; the navy and white striped fitted jacket with double rows of tiny gold buttons worn over a white ruffle front blouse, loose white linen trousers with a navy stripe on the side; a vintagey fitted navy patchwork blazer paired with a white ruffled blouse and worn with loose white jeans decorated with the RL logo and flowers; a long navy multi tiered organza skirt worn with a white ruffle blouse and wide gold belt; and the lean navy ¾ coat with lavish gold embroidery worn over a navy white cotton strip t and white linen full pants. The finale, worthy of a bride, was an amazing gown created out of yards of embroidered white tulle. Ralph’s outfit, when he walked on stage to take his bow, defined his current ‘Freewheeling’ spirit and echoed the runway- he was a vision in blue denim: well worn, faded jean shirt, baggy jeans, blue and white striped t, and blue and white suede running shoes.

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