Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Way Back When: Ralph before 'Ralph'

Back in the early 80's before Ralph Lauren (at least in my mind) had really made it BIG, he and his wife Ricky were looking for a rustic escape from NYC. They happened upon our place in the Hudson Valley, the Awosting Reserve...then began the fun.

One day my Dad said 'we're going to Awosting for Lunch with Ralph'. Now Awosting was 1.5 hours away by car, and we'd go up there for the weekend...NOT for Lunch. For lunch we'd go to the hot dog stand which we called the Umbrella Club on 5th and 62nd, or SoupBerg around the corner, but not Awosting. I was confused.
ralph lauren awosting reserveI (about 6yrs old) squeezed into the seat on the back of Dad's fold up Raleigh bike and he rode us to the 63rd Street Heliport. Ralph arrived in his black limo, we boarded a Helicopter, and 20 minutes later we were at Awosting. I could get used to this!
One of the reasons I am posting these pics, is I adore looking at Ralph's clothing...what he wore when he was casual...these look like khaki riding pants..and that BAG! To DIE FOR.
ralph and ricky lauren at Awosting ReserveHe and Ricky came up several times for hikes...love Ralph's belt buckle...
Ricky....you are SO elegantly casual...awosting lodge master bedroomThis is the bedroom Ralph and Ricky would stay in when they were round for an overnight... Ralph fell for this bed and 'Log Cabin' feel, and his installations in Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus for that season were inspired by this room. And in true Ralph fashion, he brings back the "Log House" look...

What fun we had with the Laurens. I actually went to a Tom's Shoes event at Bergdorf's and ran into David Lauren who I hadn't seen since I was maybe 6...I went up to him and introduced myself, and he definitely had NO IDEA who I was. Oh well.

I met with Ralph in 2000, the first year of CK Bradley, and he gave me what I consider to be great advice. 'Don't design what other people want you to design. Design what you love and you will succeed.'
Thanks Ralph. and PS. I could use some more advice now!

-Doing What I Love, Bradley



14 comments:

  1. Ricky and Ralph make such a handsome couple. What a nice story...the pictures are great! xx

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  2. Holy Cow Camilla...you should be writing a book on your adventures-then it could be made into a movie-starring you. Very fun!

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  3. KP- You are too cute. And I do have an idea...but it is more about HOW my Dad and Mom met...priceless story and PROBABLY why I haven't found Prince Charming yet!!!!

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  4. That is the greatest story! Love reminiscing with you ;-) Ralph is an absolute doll, isn't he? xoxo

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  5. Great story and I love those pictures!

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  6. drooling and I'm with KP on the book AND have been on pins and needles to hear about how the prents met ever since you said that they eloped! I want the story, I just know it has to be fabulous since you come from such incredible stock (and are amazing too in your own right!)

    xoox

    kHm

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  7. What happened to the perfume sniffing cutie pie at the West Deck? That was so funny. I am dying to come back in July because there are no cute boys in Miami. Repeat..there are no cute boys in Miami.

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  8. 'Don't design what other people want you to design. Design what you love and you will succeed.' That is fantastic advice and I think it shows in everything you do - whether it's designing a product or designing a life.

    Wait 'til they bring the Cup to Newport, you may not meet Prince Charming, but you'll meet a ton of Prince Really Cute and Fun......

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  9. How fabulous! I want to hear more of your shennanigans!

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  10. Akin to being knighted, she said in a reverent tone. And book shmook, I wanna see the movie...XXOO

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  11. Didn't you just love, love, love the USA athletes in their Ralph uniforms? Fabulous vintage letter sweater look for the closing ceremony. Man, he makes great stuff! How lucky you are to have met and learned from him! xoxox

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  12. what a great story! ...and that is wonderful advice! :)

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  13. The photos, the cabin, the plane, the families (and, yes, that bag) - everything about this story is fantastic. Ralph is a legend, and you are wise to take his advise! Keep posting little memoirs like these.

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  14. ok. compiling more fun pics from the past and the people that have colored it BRIGHT! stay tuned for Dali, DeNiro, more Ralph, more Jackie Kennedy, and maybe a little Exxon the Tiger.

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