True to form, the Ralph Lauren store has made a grand and opulent entrance on the main thorough fare in Greenwich, CT. Situated central to Greenwich Avenue, it is best described as 19,000 square feet of preppy paradise. You can say what you want about Ralph's style but his retail experience is transformational from the classic and formal exterior to the perfectly coiffed staff who are helpful but not intrusive. Welcome to the world of understated elegance and old-world luxury.
The day I was shopping, the staff, who were very gracious and welcoming , were restaging the store. What was currently an earthy, safari theme was being turned into a nautical, beach theme, in celebration of summer. What impressed me about the store was how every detail speaks to the Ralph Lauren customer. The largest portion was women's fashion and accessories - earthly crisp linen, bright classic polos, beautiful, lucid silks. In contrast, the men's section, which has it's own entrance is decorated in dark woods, like something you might see in a private, ivy league gentleman's club. Classic. rugged and elegant are the words that come to mind but I was a bit disappointed that the collection was so small. Of course we can't forget about Ralph Lauren's home furnishings, travel up the winding mahogany staircase and there you will find linens of the finest and softest thread count and china simple and versatile enough to transition from casual to fine dining.
Shopping at Ralph Lauren is anything but a cookie cutter experience and Greenwich is no exception. The clientele and culture breed sophistication, refinement and style and the store tastefully reflects that. You can say what you want about Ralph's style but his retail experience is transformational from the classic and formal exterior to the perfectly coiffed staff who are helpful but not intrusive.
Welcome to the world of understated elegance and old-world luxury - Ralph's world.
photo credit: WWD
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