Lauren. Ralph Lauren. Designer channels 007 in opulent show

Sep 13, 2017

Ralph Lauren channels James Bond in an opulent fashion show set amid his staggering collection of vintage cars

BEDFORD, N.Y. — Lauren. Ralph Lauren.

James Bond may have had a couple Aston Martins, and a Bentley or two. But Ralph Lauren? He has dozens upon dozens of vintage cars — hundreds of millions of dollars' worth. And on Tuesday night, Lauren used those gleaming specimens of automotive glory — said to be one of the largest collections in the world, and long kept relatively hidden — to display his latest fashion line, taking the concept of site-specific fashion shows to new (and expensive) heights.

In what had to have been one of the most opulent settings ever devised for a fashion show, a fleet of black SUVs, all playing the same jazz music, ferried some 300 guests out to a multi-level garage in suburban Westchester County, New York, just off the highway and not far from Lauren's home. Inside, guests sipped champagne and munched on the signature fried olives from Lauren's Polo Bar in midtown Manhattan. Most of all, they gawked at the shiny cars — an eye-popping collection of McLarens, Bugattis, Ferraris, Porsches, Bentleys and whatever else you can imagine.

Actresses Katie Holmes and Diane Keaton chatted. Jessica Chastain, in a white pantsuit that matched the immaculate carpeting, posed for photos. Also there: fellow fashion luminaries Donna Karan and Diane von Furstenberg, along with Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

When it was time for the fashion show — yes, there were clothes, too — guests sat on leather banquettes. The soundtrack began with the "vroom, vroom" of engines starting — later morphing into some familiar notes from James Bond movie scores.

The fashions began with dapper suits in houndstooth and checks — in both men's and sexier women's designs — including a checked bustier with skinny pants, and a strapless floor-length gown. There was lots of shiny black leather — jackets, tops, pants. The mood switched from tweedy to slinky, with gowns in shiny fabrics meant to evoke the sleekness of the cars. Many had leather bustiers on top, with skirts of filmy tulle.

The color scheme, too, was in sync with the automobiles: Model Kendall Jenner wore a shiny yellow-and-black gown, and Bella Hadid a gleaming red creation. There were loads motorcycle jackets, and Lauren seemed to be referring in one outfit to Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons and her ballerina biker look, with a leather bomber and a long skirt in yellow tulle.

Lauren emerged in a driver's jumpsuit, stopping to clasp hands with Wintour along his customary lap of the runway. Guests were led to a lower floor, where there were more cars, more champagne, and dinner.

Chastain, speaking after the show, said she was a huge fan of the clothes, but wasn't sure whether to describe herself as an automobile fan.

"I'm not really a car girl to be honest," she said. "But my husband is a huge car guy. (And) I did get picked up in a 2006 Bugatti, which was pretty spectacular. So I may be a car girl and not know it."

More News

article.head.headline
Oct 9, 2026
What To Watch TV Reviews: The Diplomat, Dustfall, Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger & Crystal Lake

The Diplomat, Dustfall, Oasis: Look Back In Anger, Marc Fennell’s The State Of Man & Crystal Lake

article.head.headline
Oct 9, 2026
Museum's new chapter won't deny uneasy past

The Australian Museum hopes to inspire a new generation while confronting its colonial past, as the nation's oldest museum prepares to mark its 200th year.

article.head.headline
Oct 9, 2026
Singer Nivea, 44, gives major update on cancer battle

Nivea, who won a Grammy Award in 2003 with her hit Don't Mess With My Man, was diagnosed with leukaemia earlier this year.

article.head.headline
Oct 9, 2026
John Cena admits 'mixed feelings' after eyewatering trading card sale breaks all time record

WWE legend John Cena has some words of advice for the person who recently bought his special WrestleMania 41 patch autograph card for an eyewatering sum.

article.head.headline
Oct 9, 2026
Pretty Little Liars star Keegan Allen 'robbed at gunpoint and knifepoint'

Pretty Little Liars actor Keegan Allen was allegedly targeted by thieves who appeared to steal his watch while brandishing a gun and a knife.

article.head.headline
Oct 9, 2026
Olivia Rodrigo got 'kicked out' of Scrub stars birthday party and here's why

Scrubs star Zach Braff has revealed the awkward moment one of his castmates made Olivia Rodrigo leave their celebration.

article.head.headline
Oct 9, 2026
Bonnie Blue launches AI 'digital twin' to reach millions of users

Bonnie Blue has launched a "digital twin" to reach a larger audience, including in countries from where she's previously been deported.

article.head.headline
Oct 9, 2026
Glen Powell and Michelle Randolph share the same 'values'

Glen Powell and Michelle Randolph share the same "values" and have found a good balance in their lives.

article.head.headline
Oct 9, 2026
Hugh Jackman credits meditation with changing his life

Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman is convinced taking up meditation changed his life and he makes sure he gets up two hours early so he can always fit it into his day.

article.head.headline
Oct 9, 2026
Jamie T's Ghosts (100 Days of Morning) is here

Jamie T returns with Ghosts (100 Days of Morning), a reflective sixth album, a look at identity, ageing and the ghosts that shaped him.

article.head.headline
Oct 9, 2026
Ben Affleck gives update on his sobriety

Hollywood actor Ben Affleck has admitted his "long-term sobriety" just gets "easier" after hitting "rock bottom".

article.head.headline
Oct 9, 2026
Catherine Zeta-Jones hasn't read Michael Douglas' memoir yet

Catherine Zeta-Jones hasn't read Michael Douglas' memoir yet but she isn't worried about the content.


E-Stardom

E-Stardom is the exclusive online news network for breaking entertainment news. We bring to you the premium coverage and fashion tips to your favorite celebrity style. Get your daily celebrity news fix only here in E-Stardom.