That passion has now greased the gears of Ralph Lauren Homeâs new Modern Driver collection. Unveiled at the brandâs Milan palazzo during Salone del Mobile this past April, the array foregrounds materials, motifs, and construction methods rooted in automotive excellence. Whereas the Ellis bed, for instance, evokes classic car interiors with its channeled leather headboard, an update to the Beckford table lamp features wire mesh reminiscent of the grille on Mr. Laurenâs own 1929 Blower Bentley. And the Turner nesting tables pair louvered mahogany with nailhead trim reminiscent of old-school upholstery and travel trunks. âThe lines, curves, vents, and fittings all serve a purpose,â he says of automotive design. âTheir upholstery, ornamentation, and shapes have always intrigued me.â
All the while, handsome woods and metals conjure vintage dashboards. So too does the Astor plate, with its retro speedometer motif. And the Hewitt dinnerware service nods to engines with a diamond-cut pattern. Consider it all Mr. Laurenâs paean to the road. âDriving has always been something that Iâve loved,â he reflects. âThereâs something about driving in the open air, seeing the trees and countryside go by. I feel the power and spirit of the car, and my mind is totally focused on that experienceânothing else.â
Design lovers will recognize the RL-CF1 lounge chair, a feat of engineeringâfirst introduced in 2003âthat riffs on Mr. Laurenâs beloved McLaren F1. To create each seat requires 71 layers of carbon fiber tissue, a technique that yields a super-light yet ultra-durable frame. That icon is now joined by the reintroduced dining version as well as complementary carbon fiber side tables, both round and square, with rosewood shelves.
