The Ralph Lauren Holiday 2013 Campaign features stunning blonde Valentina Zalyaeva in clothes reminiscent of traditional British country style, with references to hunting and the military. Shot in rural settings and based on outdoor pursuits, the featured outfits are outstandingly bright and breezy, both sophisticated and sporty in tone.
Valentina is shown walking dogs, cuddling a baby goat, and posing before a stately-home-type tapestry of trees and peacocks. There is a masculine cut to many of the garments, which only emphasises the contrasting feminine lines.
Black, white and red are the Ralph Lauren signature colors this season, with splashes of gold. A full length vermilion dress, flared from the hips, comes with a black jacket reminiscent of the British Grenadiers, with brass buttons, gold braid, some lacy white motifs on the sleeves and a red and white striped mandarin collar.Another outfit echoes British hunting style: a bright vermilion jacket with brass buttons and sleeves – puffed at the shoulder for a softer, more feminine, look – worn with shiny black pants and white ruffles at the neck.Taking the dogs for a walk in understated style, Valentina wears a cutaway black jacket, skirt and boots, with a white shirt and black beanie hat. Her black belt with metal clasp is nothing if not versatile, since it appears several times.
Valentina is also seen walking the dogs in a dashing red and black cape. The crisp white shirt and black top hat, sporting a sprig of feathers, bring to the ensemble a sophisticated – if somewhat theatrical – flair.A sweater and hood in a black, white and red geometric design, looks both cosy and stylish. A long black dress with a swirling skirt and simple vest-like top is also clasped with the ubiquitous belt, providing simple elegance when teamed with elbow-length black gloves. This collection is not for the faint-hearted, only for those wanting to cut a real dash this holiday season.
Photo credit : Ralph Lauren
