Ralph Lauren Latest Collection Pays Homage To Black Summer

Just three years after their groundbreaking collaboration with Spelman and Morehouse Colleges, Polo Ralph Lauren is once again turning heads, this time with a collection that hits close to home for many of us. This Thursday, July 24th, get ready for a limited-edition capsule collection that pays homage to Oak Bluffs, the iconic Black summer haven on Martha’s Vineyard.

If you know, you know: Oak Bluffs isn’t just a vacation spot; it’s a historical gem, a vibrant coastal community that has long served as a cherished retreat for Black families and professionals. Ralph Lauren’s new line, available globally on their website, perfectly marries that classic, preppy aesthetic we associate with the brand with the deep cultural richness of this beloved Black nautical town. And the visuals? Absolutely stunning. Imagine effortless summer whites, crisp striped rugby shirts, elegant resort wear, cardigans, and soft pastels, all worn by Black collegiate vacationers enjoying the Vineyard’s charm. It’s giving us aspirational summer vibes with a nod to our heritage.

This collection isn’t just a corporate initiative; it’s deeply personal. Designed in collaboration with Morehouse and Spelman alumni who are part of Ralph Lauren’s own creative team, the pieces boast a sophisticated palette of pastels mixed with rich maroon. We’re talking coastal crewnecks with collegiate markings and Oak Bluffs monograms, varsity jackets featuring intricate Oak Bluffs details, classic cable-knit sweaters, rugby shirts, and even summer dinner jackets. There’s also a chic white wrap dress, caps, and preppy patchwork outerwear – basically everything you’d need to embody that effortless, elevated summer style.

This collaboration truly understands the essence of Oak Bluffs style, which, as the brand shared, is all about blending generations of on-island fashion. Think mixing your old college baseball cap with a beloved, salt-weathered crewneck, all while keeping it cool and comfortable for beach days and evening strolls. It’s that unique blend of tradition and relaxed sophistication.

Ralph Lauren himself, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, put it best: “This collection is about more than a charming coastal town; it’s a story of the American dream.” He expressed how deeply inspired he is by Oak Bluffs’ unique history, traditions, and strong sense of community. For him, it embodies what we’re all looking for: a place where you can truly be free, be yourself, find joy, and feel completely at home.

It’s exciting to see a brand like Ralph Lauren continue to genuinely engage with and celebrate Black culture and history in such an authentic way. This collection feels less like a trend and more like a tribute, inviting all of us to be a part of the legacy.

What are your thoughts on this new direction from Ralph Lauren? Will you be checking out the collection?

Ralph Lauren Collection Pays Homage To Black Style In Oak Bluffs  was originally published on praisedc.com