Karen Brown Brody

And just like that, for the second season in a row, Polo Ralph Lauren’s presentation is one of the best things to happen during Paris Fashion Week. Along with Celine’s Michael Rider (who previously designed at Polo) and The Row’s Olsen twins, Karen Brown Body is leading the pack of Americans conquering Paris – and the tastes of the Old Continent.

But we’re no longer talking about revisiting preppy here. Polo’s senior brand creative director is finding a new way to tell the story of American style, one that effortlessly brings together the dressed-up polish of the Upper East Side and the laid-back spirit of Malibu surfers. And yes, she does it in a way that makes the Parisian fashion crowd drool with excitement.

White jackets and tuxedo shirts worn with red swimsuit bottoms and flip-flops; madras checks contrasted with faded Hawaiian florals; an otherwise very elegant ensemble completely loosened up with strings of coral and a cap. This is 100% Ralph Lauren’s language, but done in a way that feels modern, desirable and, crucially, easy to repeat at home. And what I love most about Polo’s renaissance is that, even as its shows move to Paris, the brand stays true to its affordable price range.

ED’s SELECTION:

Polo Ralph Lauren Logo-embroidered Cotton-blend Cardigan

Polo Ralph Lauren Embroidered Cotton Twill Cap

Polo Ralph Lauren Fringed Leather Jacket

Polo Ralph Lauren Logo-embroidered Cotton Bomber Jacket

Polo Ralph Lauren Leather Knee Boots

Polo Ralph Lauren Boyfriend Jeans

All collages by Edward Kanarecki.

Don’t forget to follow Design & Culture by Ed on Instagram.

Hey, did you know about my newsletter – Ed’s Dispatch? Click here to subscribe.

Few could have predicted that Polo Ralph Lauren would storm Paris Fashion Week and emerge as one of its breakout stars. Karen Brown Brody, senior brand creative director for women’s Polo, staged an intimate presentation of her latest collection, reminding us just how important – and endlessly inspiring – Ralph Lauren remains, far beyond the United States. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.