Ralph Lauren has recently unveiled the Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses collection, marking the first release from the brand’s highly anticipated Artist in Residence program. This program aims to foster collaboration with artisans from various backgrounds, and Glasses, a seventh-generation Diné (Navajo) textile artist and weaver, was chosen as the inaugural collaborator.
The Artist in Residence program’s main objective is to celebrate and preserve heritage craft while forging connections with diverse narratives and establishing creative partnerships. Through its collaboration with Glasses, Ralph Lauren hopes to showcase and honor the rich legacy of Indigenous artisans and recognize their significant role in American art and cultural identity.
The Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses collection will be launched in three seasonal, special-edition releases throughout 2024. The first capsule collection draws inspiration from the breathtaking lands of Dinétah (Navajo Nation) and encompasses a range of men’s, women’s, and unisex apparel and accessories. Notable highlights include woven jacquard blanket coats, wraps made from undyed wool, and contemporary adaptations of beloved Navajo symbols.
To truly capture the essence of the collection, Ralph Lauren enlisted the talents of photographers Ryan RedCorn and Daryn Sells, who conducted a campaign shoot featuring a predominantly Indigenous cast and crew against the stunning landscapes of Navajo Nation. Additionally, a short film directed by Shaandiin Tome offers insight into Glasses’ family life, her introduction to Navajo weaving, and the meticulous process behind creating the collection.
Ralph Lauren Corporation’s executive chairman and chief creative officer, Ralph Lauren, emphasized the importance of heritage and tradition, stating that they lie at the heart of his passions. He expressed his admiration for those who have preserved timeless traditions for centuries and stressed the significance of sharing their stories with the world. The collaboration with Glasses allows the brand to bring the most authentic expression of heritage craft to life and establish a lasting legacy.
Glasses herself expressed great excitement at the opportunity to preserve her family’s Navajo weaving traditions in new and innovative ways as an artist. She considers the collection to be a dream come true, as it allows her to share her craft with a global audience and introduce traditional Navajo weaving techniques to a new generation. Glasses credits Ralph Lauren’s unique program and the power of collaboration for making this collection possible.
In conclusion, the Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses collection serves as an embodiment of the brand’s dedication to promoting heritage craft and fostering creative partnerships with artisans from diverse backgrounds. It provides a platform to showcase the outstanding work of Indigenous artisans and celebrates their invaluable contributions to American art and culture. With its captivating designs and impactful storytelling, this collection is poised to make a lasting impression on the fashion industry.
Useful links:
– Ralph Lauren’s Artist in Residence program
– Official website of Diné (Navajo) textile arts
