Fashion Week: Ralph Lauren Fall 2011 show report

Ralph Lauren’s Fall 2011 collection was a stark contrast to last season. While the American icon created classic Western-wear for Spring 2011, he showed off an Eastern-influenced collection of mostly black (set against a black runway and ceiling), with pops of red, green and dragon-print for Fall.

Each look combined staples of classic Ralph Lauren — tuxedos, pants, slim sweaters, fur coats — and pieces that conjured up immediate images of Asia— Qipao dresses, silky, slouchy pants, jewelry with Chinese characters, dragon prints.

And, if those touches weren’t enough to tip attendees off to Lauren’s intentions (politically motivated or not), songs like “China Girl” and a parade of mostly Asian models made the theme pretty clear.