Ralph Lauren wows with living catwalk for second see-now-buy-now show

Fashion royalty Ralph Lauren impressed guests by adorning his flagship Beaux Arts store on Madison Avenue in wall-to-wall white orchids and filling the air with birdsong on Wednesday. As NYFW entered its last couple of days, the label showed its second see-now-buy-now collection.

The bouclé-covered catwalk wound through interconnecting rooms lined with white chairs that gave everyone a front row seat.

More than any other designer, Lauren's clothes define the essence of modern, American chic -- his powder blue outfit for First Lady Melania Trump at last month's inauguration was universally acclaimed, but he also dressed Hillary Clinton for the same event staking his claim to be the go-to American brand for anyone on the world stage.

His brand image and rags-to-riches personal story embody the American dream and his runway shows are one of the hottest tickets in town.

So what did he offer up for spring/summer 2017? He showcased daywear in the softest of bronzes, gold and pale butter made sultry by snakeskin wedge sandals and animal print bags.

There were jumpsuits, tailored linen jackets, harem pants and texture in the form of a chainmail dress and a basket-weave cardigan. Gold lamé shimmered like desert sand awash with sunlight, and splashes of black appeared in a leather jumpsuit and leather biker pants with zips.

There was statement African-style jewelry and for evening, he stuck to his trademark silk sheaths -- one-shouldered gowns and trains billowing from the neckline in purple, green and barely there patterned chiffon.

But Wednesday's show comes as his empire shows signs of strain. This month the company announced chief executive Stefan Larsson will step down after barely a year due to disagreements with the boss.

But given that last season he followed Tommy Hilfiger and Tom Ford in ripping up the traditional calendar and offering all his clothes for immediate sale, we have to assume that strategy is working given this season's repeat of the approach. We will have to wait until the next set of results come through to find out though.