CAPTAIN AMERICA

Vanities/Fairground

After 50 years of fashion with equal parts aspiration and inspiration, Ralph Lauren has reason to celebrate

H. W. Vail

Ralph Lauren—the man who sublimated a certain American identity into style—celebrated his half-century career with a golden jubilee in Central Park. Vintage trolley cars ferried guests, in black-tie and ball gowns, from the park's 72nd Street entrance to the Bethesda Terrace for a runway show and dinner. A lifetime's worth of cultural icons—from Oprah Winfrey to Steven Spielberg to Kanye West—turned out to toast the Bronx-born designer. The dinner followed a show of the spring 2019 collection, featuring Ralph Lauren hallmarks like denim vests and cowboy boots along with velvet gowns and double-breasted tuxes. Pierce Brosnan, looking suited for a James Bond reprise, said, "it's the bow tie, it's the suit. It's an emblem of that character and forever so." Pierce wasn't the only Brosnan present. "My son is in the show," Brosnan said. "He doesn't know that I'm here. He's 17, and he landed this job just a few days ago."

For who's who and more, turn to page 72.

"Ralph Lauren is such a great example of Americana."

— HILLARY CLINTON