Ralph Lauren: Masterpiece Theater

Models present creations from the Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2012 collection during New York Fashion Week on February 17, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

The theme song from "Downton Abbey" set the tone for where Ralph Lauren was going this morning.

The look wasn't exactly dowager countess, or anything like the scene in which the family reacts to Lady Sybil's harem pants, but you got a hunting-in-the-moors feeling from Mr. Lauren’s glen plaids, tweeds, argyle stockings and cloche hats. There was also a bit of "The Great Gatsby" thrown in for good measure, and then the soundtrack switched to the strings of "Eleanor Rigby," and things got just a touch mod. The all-gray glen plaid checks on double-breasted coats and suits were offset by the pop of colorful mittens and scarves, in pink, purple or red.

This season, Mr. Lauren also got into character, taking his bow in a gray suit and tie.