Famous for his simple yet elegant haute couture, Ralph Lauren is perhaps less well known as an aficionado of vintage vehicles, but this is soon to change as his wonderful collection of classic cars goes on display in Paris.
Forever connected to this most romantic of cities by his phenomenally successful store in St. Germain, Lauren has selected the Musée des Arts Décoratifs as the setting for this formidable display of automotive excellence. Curated by Rodolphe Rapetti, the exhibition guarantees to make the most jaded fan of classic motors turn green with envy.
Those who merely know Ralph Lauren’s clothing creations might be surprised to learn that for many years he has also gained a reputation as one of the world’s most prolific and discerning collectors of vintage cars. Some of the most significant components of this impressive portfolio are now on display.
Rodolphe Rapetti has selected 17 cars that represent the world’s finest marques and models, thus creating an exhibition that showcases the height of design and engineering excellence. High points include a 1938 Bugatti, a 1958 Ferrari Testa Rossa and a 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago, evidence that Lauren’s unfailing eye for style has amassed “a museum of automotive history, an archive of performance machines that represent the finest achievements in motor sport.”
This is the first time that Lauren’s collection has been shown in Europe, so great care was taken to ensure that this stunning cavalcade of Bugattis, Alfa Romeos, Bentleys, Mercedes-Benzes, Jaguars, Porsches and Ferraris survived their long journey intact.
Dating from the 1930s to the present day, this impressive display of vintage and contemporary cars opened on April 28th and can be viewed at Paris’s iconic Musée des Arts Décoratifs until August 28th.
