As the fashion industry makes the shift to the digital world, several designers are exploring new ways to reach audiences online from virtual runway shows to backstage video footage. Of all the runway presentations that debuted online in recent months, the Lauren by Ralph Lauren show is the most innovative.

In addition to giving fans a front-row seat to the online runway show, Lauren by Ralph Lauren has weaved commentary from the industry’s top Magazine editors into their presentation. While watching models walk the runway, viewers can take in remarks from such icons as Marie Claire’s fashion director Nina Garcia, Harper’s Bazaar’s executive fashion and beauty editor Avril Graham, Cosmopolitan’s fashion director Michelle McCool and O, The Oprah Magazine’s creative director Adam Glassman.

The innovative show also features a “Buy Now” capability, allowing viewers to purchase the safari-inspired and chambray denim looks directly from the site. In addition, an interactive Q+A component enables viewers to seek style tips directly from the aforementioned editors. “It felt very futuristic to be a part of an online fashion show,” said Nina Garcia.  “Fashion is always about the Next Big Thing, and a virtual front row, where women can buy the looks they love immediately, is incredibly modern.”

Visit www.ralphlauren.com/Lauren to view the runway show and commentary.

As part of the launch of Lauren by Ralph Lauren’s new interactive runway show, POSHGLAM was invited behind-the-scenes to interview O, The Oprah Magazine’s creative director, Adam Glassman. Oprah Winfrey’s go-to style expert, Glassman has been the Creative Director at O Magazine since 2000, and is credited with pioneering the use of real women in the publication’s photo shoots. Glassman pens a wildly popular column, “Adam Says,” where he fields questions from O readers on a variety of fashion topics. He also recently worked with Sarah Jessica Parker on the debut of her clothing line, “Bitten.”

POSHGLAM sat down with the industry icon to chat about the Lauren by Ralph Lauren collection, why he loves virtual runway shows and the four pieces every woman should have in her Spring wardrobe. Read on.

POSHGLAM: First, I have to say it’s an honor to speak with you. I’ve followed your work for years and love what you’ve done with O Magazine. What do you think about the new Lauren by Ralph Lauren collection?

Adam Glassman: Thank you. The collection is stylish, but understandable and attainable. It’s what women really need right now. When I’m editing for O Magazine, we reach a very broad group of women. We reach three generations of women. And I think designers that are able to dress Grandmother, Mother and Daughter are the smartest ones out there right now. Everyone wants to look chic, stylish and youthful no matter where they are in life. And these clothes make you look great.

POSHGLAM: Absolutely. And they’re attainable without sacrificing quality.

AG: Yes, quality is key. And fit is key. The fact that they are able to dress women from Size 2 to Size 16 is also a good thing.

POSHGLAM: Very true. What were some highlights from the collection?

AG: I loved all the whites and the creams. I don’t think women should be afraid to wear white or cream. White around your face makes you look younger and fresher and more alive, especially in the Springtime. You get noticed and everyone wants to be noticed. It’s all about a great first impression.

POSHGLAM: Absolutely. I agree. Speaking of Spring, what are the strongest trends of the Spring season?

AG: There’s a lot of military dressing: utility jackets and army green, which the Lauren collection touched upon. I’m loving the military jackets but not worn as a uniform. I love it thrown over an evening dress. I love the mix of day and night together in an outfit. Another trend I love are the far and away ethnic prints. I’m seeing a lot of that. And also, I love the spice colors: oranges and saffrons. They look great on every skin tone and hair color. They make for a no-fail color palette that can work from Spring into Summer into Fall. And clothes that endure through the seasons provide great value as well as great style.

POSHGLAM: Yes! I love spice colors. I’m sure being a part of this innovative virtual show was a fascinating experience. What are the benefits of a virtual runway show as opposed to a traditional show?

AG: You can stay at home and watch them in your pajamas. (Laughs) You don’t have to worry about who is staring at you or about being in the front row. I’ll always appreciate the glamour of a traditional runway show but virtual shows are cool because it makes the experience available to a larger group of people. And everything is so fast now so the moment an editor sees it, so does a shopper, so does a blogger and everyone else. There used to be a time where an editor saw the collection and the public didn’t see it for six months. But now everyone wants to see it right away.

POSHGLAM: Right. The Lauren by Ralph Lauren even has the Buy-Now option, where you can purchase the collection as soon as you see the runway show! When it comes to shopping, women trust your advice as a style expert. What are four items that every woman should have in her Spring wardrobe?

AG: (Laughs) A style expert? Thank you. I think every woman should have a white jean. You can’t go wrong with it. Everyone needs some shine in a sparkly tank top or sequined tee. But don’t use it just for evening. Wear shine during the day for a combination of clean and fancy. This Spring, everyone should get a military jacket to just throw on. Another thing is a soft, romantic blouse. If you’re going to the office and you wear a structured suit, a blouse adds a nice play between structured and soft underneath. It’s also great with a pair of jeans for date night or girl’s night out.

POSHGLAM: Yes, very versatile. I saw a lot of blouses like that in the Lauren by Ralph Lauren show, which is great.

AG: Definitely. There are plenty pieces from the Lauren by Ralph Lauren collection that will be wardrobe staples this Spring.

Visit www.ralphlauren.com/Lauren to view the runway show and commentary.

(Photo of Adam Glassman Courtesy of O Magazine)