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Ralph Lauren Celebrates Black Excellence with the “Oak Bluffs” Collection
Concept & Cultural Roots
In a heartfelt tribute to Black heritage and leisure culture, Ralph Lauren unveiled the “Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs” collection on July 24, 2025 . Inspired by Oak Bluffs—a historic African-American haven on Martha’s Vineyard that has drawn generations of Black families, HBCU alumni, and creatives—this collection melds coastal aesthetics with deeply rooted cultural narratives .
Oak Bluffs has long symbolized Black affluence and community, hosting luminaries like Madame C. J. Walker, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and, more recently, the Obamas and Spike Lee .
Designers & Creative Team
More than a collection: it’s storytelling woven into fabric. Designed by alumni of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges now working at Ralph Lauren, the pieces evoke authenticity and respect for HBCU traditions . Creative direction comes from James M. Jeter, a Morehouse graduate and Ralph Lauren creative director, while Dara Douglas, a Spelman alumna, also contributed to the project’s vision .
The campaign was captured by celebrated photographer Nadine Ijewere, with direction by Cole Brown, and cinematic support from Azariah Bjørvig .
Key Pieces & Pricing
The collection merges nautical motifs with collegiate pride and cultural heritage:
- Twill jackets embroidered with island motifs
- Varsity jackets featuring Morehouse’s Maroon Tiger and Spelman’s jaguar
- Patchwork cardigans, sailor-inspired knits, baseball caps, quilted coats, and more .
Pricing spans:
- Varsity jackets at $698
- Oak Bluffs ball caps around $69.50
- Spelman cropped linen blazer about $498
- Oak Bluffs sweater priced near $398 .
Other sources indicate a broader range—from embroidered caps starting at $95 to varsity jackets up to $495, suggesting some variation perhaps across regions or styles .
Launch & Retail Availability
The capsule launched globally on July 24, 2025 . It is available through:
- Ralph Lauren’s official website
- The Ralph Lauren app
- Select Ralph Lauren stores
- Campus bookstores at Morehouse and Spelman Colleges .
Campaign Film & Cultural Engagement
Accompanying the launch is a short documentary, A Portrait of the American Dream: Oak Bluffs, directed by Cole Brown. The film premiered on July 24 via Ralph Lauren’s YouTube channel and was screened at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival on August 8, 2025 .
Community and Cultural Impact
This collection goes beyond aesthetics. It’s a cultural investment:
- Ralph Lauren partners with The Cottagers Inc., a nonprofit of Black women preserving Oak Bluffs heritage .
- The campaign aligns with earlier commitments, including a $2 million pledge (in 2021) by the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation to support scholarships at Morehouse, Spelman, and other HBCUs .
Conclusion
The “Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs” collection is more than fashion—it’s representation, legacy, and celebration of Black excellence through timeless style and storytelling. By centering HBCU alumni designers, Cannes-worthy visual campaigns, and meaningful community partnerships, Ralph Lauren sets a new standard for authenticity in heritage-focused fashion.
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