Polo Day

The first day of NYFW AW15 dawned, for me, pitch black and freezing. Thanks to some pretty epic jetlag I awoke at 4am and after realising that as London is 5 hours ahead I already had a million and one unread emails, decided that getting up would probably be the best way to handle the situation. Jury’s still out on whether that was a wholly foolish move. Four hours, several cups of coffee and god only knows how many frantically sent emails later I donned my head to toe Ralph Lauren Polo ensemble, laced by mega heel hiker boots and hit the road. Why was I all Polo-d up? Y’know, aside from the fact the label is delectable and could not be more “me” if Ralph had designed it with my wardrobe needs in mind. Well, I was in fact not kicking off the week with shows but with #RalphLaurenPolo day! And seriously, what better way to ease into a manic month than with 12 hours of cosy, fair isle clad deliciousness chez Ralph?

First up on our agenda was an influencers brunch as Ralph’s Coffee at the incredible four floor (check) Polo flagship store. Ever the innovator, Ralph Lauren has truly embraced all things digital, not least those that have carved out a career using all the internet has to offer. I joined the likes of Jane Aldridge, Bryan Boy, Kristina Bazan, Margaret Zhang, and Hanneli Mustaparta for Cappuccinos and breakfast delicacies served from smart Ralph’s china in the equally dapper confines of the coffee shop. Fellow Londoner’s Glamour Mag Fash Ed and consultant, Katherine Armerod and blogger Chamille Charriere were also in attendance and in between taking endless pictures of ourselves, our breakfasts and each other we caught up on each other’s recent exploits and plans for the month. Oh and Ciara and Emma Roberts were there too, casual.

Me, Camille & Katherine

The picture we all took

Bomber jacket sandwich with Ralph Lauren’s James and Shea Marie

Satisfactorily caffeinated, we piled into a fleet of waiting SUVs and headed to Ralph Lauren HQ to see the Polo AW15 collection. As an open Ralph-o-holic I know I’m a bit biased but this collection, oh my. I want, nay, NEED all of it! Standout looks for me where the many plaid pieced, flippy suede minis, alpine knits and one truly mind boggling acid green shearling aviator jacket.

Within ten minutes I had a wish list the length of the models legs. Luckily before I could get so seduced by anything that I attempted to grab it and run, it was time to pop back to the Polo store and choose my outfit for the evening event. I opted for the most adorable tea dress. It may have had a hint of Amish about it but I was so seduced by it’s delicate broderie collar, waspish waist and general chiffon prettiness that I didn’t care. It turned out that no one else did either and even at Soho House, many hours after the Ralph Lauren dinner the whole ensemble proved a hit. Just goes to show that you don’t need to body con it up to have a sassy night out but anyway, I digress. After a slightly frantic but utterly fantastic afternoon of shoots (#watchthisspace) I donned said tea dress and headed uptown for an intimate dinner at the much fêted, impossible to get a table at Polo Bar.

When a restaurant receives such hype as this had, and draws an A list crowd every day of the week, you’ve got to be intrigued as to the culinary offering. And do you know what? It may have been one of my favourite meals ever. I mean, tuna tartare followed by a stonking great steak. Literally, the stuff wine n’ dining fantasies are made of. In between getting a Snapchat tutorial from the lovely Kristina Bazan, taking toilet selfies with supermodel-slash-internet-sensation Irene Kim, cosying up for cocktails in the wood panelled bar and Ralph himself being in attendance, it was one of the most enjoyable evenings I’ve passed in a long time. And that’s saying something!

Me, Kristina & Fiona

All in all, Polo day was just about the best way I could have dreamed of starting fashion month. One of the aspects of the experience I particularly loved was seeing how all the different influencers styled Polo pieces, often the same pieces, to fit their own aesthetic. I may have embraced the prep (obvs) but on other girls and guys the collection became chic, androgynous, understated and even a little bit badass. Ok, much as I adored that element of the day it was trumped by dinner at the Polo Bar and the acid green aviator jacket. Perhaps I’ll have to combine the two next February.

Love Ella. X