Ralph Lauren, the iconic American fashion brand, has launched a limited-edition capsule collection titled Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs, inspired by the historical Black summer community of Oak Bluffs in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. For over a century, Oak Bluffs has been cherished as a seaside retreat by generations of Black families, and this collection pays tribute to its rich cultural legacy through fashion.
A Seaside Take on College Style — Created in Partnership with HBCUs
Following the Ralph’s Hamptons campaign, this new summer story by Ralph Lauren continues the brand’s ongoing collaboration with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), specifically Morehouse College and Spelman College. The collection was designed by alumni from these institutions who now work at Ralph Lauren. Their vision brings together classic resort wear with nostalgic off-campus college style, offering a wardrobe that reflects the lived summer experiences of Oak Bluffs residents and vacationers alike—complete with sun-faded crewnecks and collegiate baseball caps.
The collection features twill jackets adorned with modern embroidery of Oak Bluffs’ iconic scenery, as well as nautical-themed sports caps in crisp shades of white, red, and navy. Marine stripes and embroidered details throughout the collection draw inspiration from the town’s relaxed lifestyle—like leisurely bike rides along Sea View Avenue or the evening porch gatherings known locally as “Five to Sevens.”
Blending the collegiate traditions of Morehouse and Spelman with the maritime mood of Oak Bluffs, the full collection includes sun-faded knits, patterned sweaters, sailing-ready jackets, and accessories that capture the island’s intergenerational style. Highlights include a maroon-and-white satin varsity jacket featuring the Morehouse “Maroon Tiger” on the back, and a patchwork cardigan with Spelman’s beloved jaguar mascot and campus landmarks. Patchwork quilted jackets and matching blankets further stitch together the story of a coastal community and its enduring traditions.
A Campaign Rooted in Storytelling
The campaign is centered around a short-form documentary titled Portraits of the American Dream: Oak Bluffs, created in collaboration with writer and producer Cole Brown. The film, now available on YouTube, features voices from Oak Bluffs residents, local business owners, HBCU students, and alumni, reflecting on what the town means to them. British photographer Nadine Ijewere and filmmaker Azalia Bjorkvig captured the visuals, continuing their acclaimed work from Ralph Lauren’s 2022 Morehouse and Spelman campaign.
A special screening and panel discussion in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation will take place on August 8 at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, using storytelling as a medium to promote understanding and community connection.
Preserving Culture and Supporting the Next Generation
As part of this project, Ralph Lauren is partnering with The Cottagers Inc.—a nonprofit organization of Black female homeowners on Martha’s Vineyard—to support the preservation of historic buildings and cultural heritage and to strengthen community resilience.
The company also continues its long-standing partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), providing scholarships and career development opportunities for HBCU students. Through these efforts, Ralph Lauren reaffirms its commitment to social responsibility while honoring the diverse American experience through fashion.
The Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs collection launched globally on July 24, available via RalphLauren.com, the Ralph Lauren App, Follett campus bookstores at Morehouse and Spelman Colleges, and select Ralph Lauren retail locations.
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