Ralph Lauren was founded over a half-century ago and the heritage brand has embedded itself within the tapestry of North American culture, where it sits next to scenes of cowboys, Hollywood stars and sporting heroes. Now, with the announcement of a new Artist in Residency initiative, the brand shares its commitment to nurturing new voices essential to America’s creative heart and cultural identity.
The American brand recently partnered with Navajo textile artist, Naiomi Glasses, to design a collection of three seasonal, special-edition launches throughout 2024, all of which are inspired by Diné traditions and highlight her expertise in weaving. “Heritage and tradition are at the centre of everything I love – things that encompass both beauty and utility, that are uncontrived and personal and are passed down for generations,” said Ralph Lauren. Bringing the most authentic expression of heritage craft to life means working with those who have created and sustained these timeless traditions for centuries and sharing their stories with the world.”
The first capsule includes 32 pieces of men’s, women’s and unisex apparel, as well as accessories in a colour palette inspired by Glasses’ ancestral homeland – the lands of Dinétah – where many of her family still live. The collection features contemporary adaptations of traditional Navajo motifs, such as the spider woman, four-directional crosses, dragonflies and wedge weave. There are woven jacquard blanket coats to beautifully crafted knits, with an assortment of velvet tops, timeless layering pieces and classic Ralph Lauren silhouettes like the iconic polo shirt and baseball cap.
“Navajo weaving is a craft that has carried on through my family for seven generations and preserving these traditions in new ways has been so inspiring to me as an artist,” said Glasses. “To now be able to share it with people around the world, as seen through my eyes and brought to life in clothing, is a dream come true.”
Images by Ralph Lauren.