DESIGNER: Ralph Lauren

INSPIRATION: A renewed sense of optimism; the character of hard American workers such as the farmer, the cowboy and pioneer women; American work wear

TOP LOOKS: Blue vintage-looking cotton vest with striped shirt dress; vintage chambray single Georgette beaded gown; a menswear-inspired navy and cream pinstripe suit; vintage blue ombré chiffon dress; a smattering of wearable denim ensembles

ACCESSORIES: Dainty watches in rose gold by Ralph Lauren Timepiece Collection (a collaboration between Polo Ralph Lauren and Richemont); oxford shoes; strappy metallic T-bar sandals; hats by Patricia Underwood; sparkly earrings paired against denim looks

WHO WAS THERE: Janet Jackson

WHAT WE THOUGHT: Printed on the program at today's Ralph Lauren show was a paragraph from the designer himself that started with: "I believe in the resilient spirit in America." Not two minutes later, when the first model walked down the runway in a navy and cream pinstripe jacket, vintage denim shirt, work jeans and a cocked newsboy cap, you could see where the collection was headed. It was wearable clothing reminiscent of tough times, hard work, when people dug deep and got on with it.

It would have been easy for Lauren to go all frills, but instead he showed denim -- and lots of it -- in the form of jeans, shirts, jackets, and overalls. Even silkier confections bore an indigo hue. Helping to put everyone in the "yes we can" spirit was a soundtrack that featured songs by Lucinda Williams and Neil Young. By the time Mr. Lauren took his bow to Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" it was hard not to feel uplifted.