Photographer: Richard CormanRalph Lauren commissioned the late decorator Angelo Donghia to rennovate and design his Fifth Avenue Duplex. For this particular place, Lauren was motivated by a “simple, almost primitive desire for clean, open space”. Donghia became one of his closest friends, Lauren liked his clean lines and simplicity.
Lauren wanted a simple retreat, a place where white was predominant and where he felt like he was “floating on a cloud”, thus the elevated level of the living room. The apartment enjoys beautiful views and a great amount of natural light.
To add to the simplicity, the herring bone wood flooring was replaced with a more simple pattern and a slightly darker tint. Materials used in the kitchens and bathrooms are now very sleek and modern with glossy surfaces and clean lines. Furniture was replaced, banana plants were discarded.
The art used was mainly of items deal to Ralph Lauren’s heart. He appreciates white walls, that’s why anything that would fill them would have to mean alot to him. he has a huge Star Wars fugure which was a family gift all other art works are personal as well and have a connection to his life.
“His life with Ricky and his family plays out in a number of homes: the country estate in Bedford, New York, a sort of tweedy stone house set on a beautiful piece of property; the low-slung Frank Lloyd Wright–ish complex on the beach in Long Island; the ranch out West; and the tropical fantasy of Round Hill, Jamaica.”
Photographer: Richard Corman