Fashion Week: Ralph Lauren Fall 2011 show report

While Ralph Lauren created classic Western-wear for Spring 2011, the American icon showed off a contrasting 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 conjure 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.