Ralph Lauren has launched a new collection honoring the rich cultural heritage of Oak Bluffs, a community on Martha’s Vineyard renowned for its historical significance to Black families and tradition. This “Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs” collection draws from the rituals and leisure unique to the area, celebrating Black heritage through fashion.
Oak Bluffs has long served as a sanctuary for Black families, scholars, and creatives, where they create a joyful environment often overlooked in broader American narratives. The collection aims to encapsulate this sense of community and remembrance, featuring designs that resonate with local traditions and experiences. Varsity jackets adorned with the Morehouse College Maroon Tiger and the Spelman College jaguar serve as a testament to Black excellence and the legacy of these institutions.
Ralph Lauren’s approach transcends conventional fashion statements; it delves into the memories and history that define Oak Bluffs. The campaign, directed by Cole Brown and captured by photographers Nadine Ijewere and Azariah Bjørvig, features archival imagery and interviews that narrate the stories of multigenerational homeowners and community historians, further establishing Oak Bluffs as a unique thread in the tapestry of the American experience.
Supporting the campaign are initiatives such as The Cottagers, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on preserving Black cultural memory in the area, along with collaborations with the UNCF and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. These partnerships underscore the collection’s aim not only to celebrate fashion but also to document and honor a legacy that is intrinsic to American identity.
The collection debuted on July 24 and is available online and at select locations, including Morehouse and Spelman campus bookstores. By shining a light on Oak Bluffs, Ralph Lauren invites reflection on the narratives of Black Americans, affirming that their stories are an enduring and essential part of the national identity.
This collection not only highlights the beauty of Black leisure but also prompts a broader discussion of America’s multifaceted heritage, emphasizing a hopeful acknowledgment of the past that continues to shape the future.