Ralph Lauren looks West once again

NEW YORK — Ralph Lauren's romance with the American West continues into his spring collection, which debuted on Thursday, the last day of New York Fashion Week. It's a theme he often revisits, but it's never quite the same: The twists on this runway were the silver sparkle, the ultra-luxe deerskin and sheer fabrics turning up in unexpected places.

Lauren employed traditional touches, such as leather fringe and oversized belt buckles, but there was a freshness and femininity to the clothes, especially the lace pieces.

A beautiful tulle embroidered blouse with a high neck, worn with an off-white leather fringed jacket and off-white linen shorts with crochet stripes down the side, kicked off the show and set the mood.

Lauren's days at the ranch are far more glamorous than your typical cowboy. There might be a need for a deerskin, beaded vest or fringed pants.

For evening, there was a honey-colored beaded, fringed long skirt with an embroidered blouse with hand crochet details, and a blush-pink georgette gown with gentle ruffles and unfinished edges around the V-neck.

That pink one, in particular, also channeled the 1970s vibe that has had such a strong presence at this round of style previews.

With so much of the Western stuff being thrown at the editors, retailers and stylists all at once, there was the risk of the show coming off as costume-y, but most outfits taken on their own were only suggestive of the cowgirl, not mimicking her. Lauren's chic customer could pull off the look.