You could call it the American Invasion in Paris. The
brilliant designer and businessman Ralph Lauren recently opened a 13,000
square foot store on Paris' Left Bank. 
He began his empire selling men's ties in school which
evolved into his own tie label, Polo. Then came the Polo shirt in every
imaginable color. His award winning menswear line branched into lines
for women, children, and the home. It is a style all his own and speaks
American. This flagship store on
boulevard St. Germain in Paris is housed in a mid 1600's
townhouse that was meticulously restored over several years. Ralph
Lauren's premier clothing and accessory collection is tantalizingly
presented in this grand site. 
Entering through the Passage-Cochère,
or coach gate, is the courtyard for the restaurant, Ralph's. It is, The
Hamptons meets Paris. The blue and white cushioned wrought iron
furniture mingled well with the limestone courtyard. 
Inside, a fine hunting lodge decor with a massive fireplace
hosts white linen lined tables, dotted with red rose bouquets. 
The large oak bar was full of activity. 
My friends, Nancy and Debbie, chose Ralph's for a birthday
toast to me. 
How lucky can a girl get? **Big smiles** We sat and sipped
our rosé in this blue and
white heaven. 
It was 5pm and they were setting up for the evening as we
took this break from shopping (it's Paris sale season!) before dinner. 
We looked at the menu for a future visit, since we had
other dinner plans. New York's chef, Danny Meyer (Union Square Cafe and
Gramercy Park Tavern) was consulted on the menu to offer all-American
fare.
Among other things, you can order a €24 hamburger made from
Angus beef shipped from Lauren's cattle ranch in Colorado. We thought
the Chilled Sweet Pea Soup and Lamb Chops with Potatoes au Gratin would
be a definite choice next time. But for now we had finished our wine and
headed toward the multilevel store. 
On every floor of this elegant building are different
collections that are the timeless and quintessential Ralph Lauren style.
Brooding style.
Colorful style.
Even the powder room had style!
It was time to make our way to dinner for our
reservations, so we bade au revoir
to this American oasis in the heart of Paris. We can't wait to go back!
Later, after dinner, as I blew out my candle I made a
wish.....(it may have involved an "R") Don't you just love birthdays??
Ralph Lauren173, boulevard
St. Germain, 75006 Paris01 44 77 76 00
