Ever since Ralph Lauren launched his eponymous label in 1967 with men’s ties, the brand has become synonymous with representing an all-American aesthetic. While there’s not one definitive look when talking about American fashion, Ralph Lauren’s influences have certainly set a precedent. In a new capsule collection, the heritage brand is highlighting Black Americans’ role in fashion in collaboration with two HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), dropping later this month.
In collaboration with Morehouse College (a private, historically Black men’s liberal arts college) and Spelman College (a private, historically Black women’s liberal arts college), Ralph Lauren created a capsule collection honoring the history and sartorial traditions of both institutions. The two colleges, adjacent to one another in Atlanta, have a rich history of Blackness in America from segregation until today, and continue to promote Black excellence and teach the influence of Blacks in American history.
The collection was conceptualized and designed by Morehouse and Spelman alumni at Ralph Lauren and includes symbolic nods to each school. A white patchwork wrap dresses was inspired by Spelman’s highly-anticipated white attire ceremony, which marks students’ induction into the college, while a flannel blazer in the collection pays homage to the blazer Morehouse students receive when they arrive to campus.
The line also includes cable knit cardigans, three-piece suits and circle skirts, which reference styles worn by Morehouse and Spelman students from the 1920s to 1950s, and feature the institution’s collegiate logos and school colors throughout. One particularly cool collaborative touch includes the number “67” on the back of sportswear-inspired pieces, representing Morehouse’s founding in 1867 and Ralph Lauren in 1967.
For the campaign, Ralph Lauren was inspired by archive yearbook photos from the 1920s to 1950s and tapped notable Black fashion photographer Nadine Ijewere to bring the collection to life. The brand also enlisted an all-Black team of creative directors, cinematographers and models (mainly Morehouse and Spelman students) for the photo shoot and accompanying video.
The film, titled “A Portrait of the American Dream,” is being released on RalphLauren.com in conjunction with the collaboration on March 28 (you can view the trailer, below) and highlights the historical significance of HBCUs through the lens of Morehouse and Spelman, and contains rare archival imagery from both colleges.
Beyond the capsule collection, Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation pledged $2 million, in December 2021, to grant scholarships to students at Morehouse College, Spelman College, and 10 other HBCUs through the United Negro College Fund. The company will also continue developing internships and recruitment opportunities, as well as mentorship programs for Black students at HBCUs.
The capsule collections will be available to Morehouse and Spelman students, faculty and alumni for pre-sale on March 28 and then made available to the public starting March 29 at RalphLauren.com.
