THE ART OF THE AUTOMOBILE: MASTERPIECES OF THE RALPH LAUREN COLLECTION

Ralph Lauren, one of the most famous American Fashion Designers, has spent more than 40 years creating his own fashion empire. But these 40 years have also been dedicated to his other "little hobby".

Ralph Lauren himself says: "I don't think myself as a collector of cars. In my mind, they are like parts of me." His automobile collection is known to be among the best in the world. He focuses on cars with the greatest quality, rarity and beauty which are just like his fabulous fashion collections.

Since 28th April to 28th August, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs at the Louvre in Paris is exhibiting a selection of 17 classic sports cars from the Ralph Lauren collection. This is the first time Ralph Lauren presents his stunning personal garage in Europe.

These 17 cars stand not only the major works of art, but also represent the greatest names in automotive history: Bugati, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Porsche, and of course Ferrari. Each of them combines technological innovation and daring style, or stated more simply, speed and beauty.

Beside the cars, we can also see the interview with Ralph Lauren which was recorded exclusively for this exhibition. He describes how the cars have influenced his design: "Cars have always been a rich source of my design. I look at a car and love its highly stylized air vents, a row of steel rivets, a hubcap or a gas cap, a perfectly crafted steering wheel, soft buttery leather upholstery, a richly polished burl-wood dashboard or the beauty of a leather strap over the hood. I take those details and integrate them into everything I design from a watch to a chair to a woman's evening dress."

 

Ferrari 250 GTO 1962 

Jaguar XK120 Roadster 1950

Mercedes Benz SSK "Count Trossi" 1930 

Bugatti 57S(C) Anlantic 1938

 

Mc Lauren F1 LM 1996

Bugatti 59 Grand Prix 1933

You don't have to be a big fan to appreciate this exhibition. It is more like visiting an art gallery. So if you are in Paris I really recommend you not to miss it. But if you really can't make it, here is a video link where you can also have a glance of all these stunning cars : http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BRbfKR-hojQ

Pictures from : http://entertainment.ralphlauren.co.uk ; http://www.watchtime.com ; http://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr

Jade, Chris & Florence