Ralph Lauren introduces the Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses collection, a groundbreaking initiative under the Artist in Residence program. This inaugural release underscores Ralph Lauren’s commitment to collaboration with artisans from diverse backgrounds, starting with Naiomi Glasses, a seventh-generation Diné (Navajo) textile artist and weaver. The Artist in Residence program focuses on the convergence of creativity and heritage craft, aiming to deepen connections with diverse stories and foster artistic collaborations.
Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, Ralph Lauren, expresses a profound connection to heritage, stating, «Heritage and tradition are at the center of everything I love — things that encompass both beauty and utility, that are uncontrived and personal and are passed down for generations.» The collaboration with Naiomi Glasses pays homage to the invaluable contributions of Indigenous artisans to American art and cultural identity.
The Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses collection unfolds in three seasonal launches throughout 2024, with the inaugural capsule drawing inspiration from the lands of Dinétah (Navajo Nation). The collection spans men’s, women’s, and unisex apparel and accessories, featuring woven jacquard blanket coats, wraps crafted with undyed wool, and contemporary adaptations of cherished Navajo symbols.
To complement the collection, Ralph Lauren presents a visually striking campaign shot against the captivating backdrop of Navajo Nation, featuring a predominantly Indigenous cast and crew. The accompanying short film, directed by Shaandiin Tome, provides a glimpse into Naiomi Glasses’ family life, her journey into Navajo weaving, and the creative process behind the collection.
Naiomi Glasses reflects on the collaboration, stating, «Navajo weaving is a craft that has carried on through my family for seven generations. Preserving these traditions in new ways has been inspiring, and now sharing it with people worldwide, as seen through my eyes and brought to life in clothing, is a dream come true.»
This collaboration, made possible by Ralph Lauren’s unique program, serves as a bridge between traditional Navajo weaving and a new generation, showcasing the power of collaboration to propel heritage craft into the future. Explore the Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses collection, a testament to the enduring legacy of heritage craftsmanship.